News Bytes

Oil Spill at the Gulf Coast

Within the last couple weeks you could daily read news about the oil spill at the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Everyone is worried, the nature and the animals suffer from the oil and no one can say, what will happen next.

But the oil spill not only affects the nature. Right now it looks like the tourism season - which usually has its peak season between June and August each year - will suffer from many cancellations. The South Coast of America yearly attracts many tourists from all over the world who would like to spend their summer vacation on famous beaches.

But the hotels and travel agencies almost daily receive cancellations from worried tourists. People are afraid that the oil spill will soon reach the beaches and that they cannot enjoy their vacations there. They are therefore already cancelling their trips and are looking for alternative destinations.

But this area also depends on the tourism and all the cancellations will have a great influence on the summer season.

And the worst thing is that no one can say, what will happen next. It all depends on the amount of oil, which will reach the beaches.

You can find more information on the official webpage of CNN. 

Greece - New member of the Visa Waiver Program

35 countries are already a member of the Visa Waiver Program. On March 9th, 2010, The Department of Homeland Security has announced Greece as the 36th country of this program. Since April 5th, 2010, Greek citizens are allowed to enter the US without applying for an immigration visa up-front.

But keep in mind: In order to enter the U.S., Greeks and all other nationalities within the visa waiver program need to fill out the ESTA authorization BEFORE they start their trip to the U.S. Furthermore, they need a valid passport.

For more information click on the webpage of the Department of Homeland Security or the Electronic System of Travel Authorization.