Author: Chukwu Godlove
The US State Department says it will resume scheduling appointments for international student visas, but will ask all applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening. Officials have been instructed to expand social media vetting of applicants and search for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States”. The Trump administration had halted the scheduling of student visa appointments in late May as it prepared to step up measures to restrict applicants deemed hostile to the US. The guidelines will impact all applicants who apply for F visas,…
Cape Town may be South Africa’s plant-based poster child, but there’s a whole world out there where vegan and vegetarian travellers can eat well, travel consciously, and connect with communities through food. From ancient traditions to eco-forward eateries, these cities prove that mindful eating knows no borders. Nairobi – Kenya Picture/Nubian Center Shop Nairobi’s plant-based food scene has been growing steadily, fed by Indian culinary influences, Swahili heritage, and an urban wave of health-conscious eaters. Staples like maharagwe (spiced red kidney beans), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and chapati are naturally vegan — part of daily home cooking as well as…
The guidelines will affect all applicants for F visas, which are mainly issued to students. Foreigners from Nigeria and other countries applying for student visas in the US will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for review. The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it is restarting its student visa application process after a three-week suspension. PREMIUM TIMES reported in May that the US temporarily suspended the scheduling of new interviews for student visa applicants worldwide as it considers strict vetting of applicants’ social media profiles. The State Department, on Wednesday, disclosed that it had rescinded…
For many travellers, volcanoes ignite the imagination. They’re geological wonders—often active, sometimes smoking, always dramatic. But not all are off-limits. Around the world, there are volcanoes you can safely hike, many with local guides, marked trails, and unforgettable views. These accessible adventures are ideal for travellers with a sense of awe and just enough stamina. Mount Batur – Bali, Indonesia Dan the Drone/Unsplash One of Bali’s most popular hikes, Mount Batur offers a relatively easy route to adventure. Most climbers begin before dawn to catch the sunrise from the summit, reached in about two hours. It’s a guided experience by…
Comment — In the serene yet rugged highlands of Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, a quiet but powerful wave of change is unfolding. The IK people of Timu Sub County, long overlooked and marginalized, are rising to demand what many take for granted–access to quality education and reliable healthcare. Their story is one of resilience, community spirit, and the firm belief that every voice matters. Often referred to as Uganda’s forgotten sub-region, Karamoja continues to face significant challenges despite numerous government promises and development initiatives. Many communities remain isolated from basic services. Poverty is widespread, with two-thirds of the population living below…
Graskop Gorge Lift Co in Mpumalanga is offering even more reasons to visit, with the launch of two new experiences: the Cliff Café, a tucked-away forest eatery, and the Next-Level Walk, a scenic no-harness path that winds along the edge of the gorge. Picture/Derek Lipman/[email protected] The Next-Level Walk opens up once-inaccessible terrain along the cliff face, giving visitors a thrilling, but safe, way to explore panoramic views that were previously the domain of rock climbers and drones, as reported by Travel News. The walk leads to the newly opened Cliff Café — a ‘café-in-the-forest’ concept that provides a tranquil rest…
After months of denial, the United Kingdom aviation authorities finally granted Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, approval to fly to Heathrow Airport. Air Peace Chairman, Mr. Allen Onyema, who disclosed this said the airline has concluded plans to commence direct flight operations from Abuja to Heathrow with effect from October 26, 2025. Daily Trust reports that there has been controversy over the refusal of the aviation authorities in the UK to grant Air Peace permit to fly to Heathrow, the number one and most prestigious airport in the UK. Since it commenced operations in March 2024 to the UK, the…
When people ask me when to visit Botswana, I smile and say, “April.” It’s not the obvious choice, and that’s precisely why I love it. There’s a certain magic to experiencing Botswana during this quiet shoulder month that I simply can’t get enough of. Here’s why visiting Botswana in April stole my heart and might just steal yours, too.Adorable young wildlife is just one of the reasons for visiting Botswana in April, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell1. Green Season Glory Without the CrowdsApril falls into a sweet spot known as the shoulder season when the landscapes are still lush from recent…
Holidaymakers heading to Mauritius later this year will need to budget a little extra: the island nation is introducing a nightly tourist tax aimed at boosting its public revenue from the flourishing tourism sector. Dan DY/Unsplash From 1 October 2025, all travellers aged 12 and up will be charged an additional €3 per night (approximately R62) for every night spent in hotels, guesthouses, tourist residences, and domaines (estate or vineyard accommodations), according to Travel News. ALSO READ: Kisawa Sanctuary: Sustainable luxury in Mozambique The fee will be collected directly by the establishment and paid monthly to the Mauritius Revenue Authority.…
US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering significantly expanding its travel restrictions by potentially banning citizens of 36 additional countries from entering the United States – 25 of which are on the African continent – according to an internal State Department cable issued over the weekend. Earlier this month, Trump signed a proclamation banning the entry of citizens from 12 countries, saying the move was needed to protect the United States against “foreign terrorists” and other national security threats. In an internal diplomatic cable signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department proposed extending the restrictions to…