We wish you a peaceful festive season
The whole team at bta first travel would like to thank you for your valuable co-operation and partnership.
We wish you happy holidays with family and friends and a good start into the new year.
Our opening hours over the festive season are:
• Tuesdays 24th and 31st of December, our offices will be open until 12.00 at noon
• Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26st of December and Wednesday, 1st of January our offices remain closed
• Opening hours on 2nd of January according to regional conventions
• Friday 27th of December and 3rd of January, we will be available for you during our usual office hours
The bta first VIP Emergency Travel Service is permanently available outside our opening hours.
We look forward to supporting you with your travel planning in the new year.
bta first travel supports the ‘Wisent Thal’ biodiversity project
After evaluating various biodiversity projects in Switzerland, we decided to sponsor the ‘Wisent Thal’ project in Welschenrohr/SO.
The European bison is an animal that has been extinct in Central Europe for 1,000 years. The aim of the project in Welschenrohr is to evaluate how - or not - these impressive animals, some of which weigh up to a ton, can be reintroduced to the Swiss Jura. As part of the project, which started in 2017, the first animals were brought to the area two years ago, and the project is set to continue for a further eight years until the final results show whether such a relocation will be possible.
The Wisent Thal Nature Park can be visited 24/7 and admission is free.
Information on visiting the site can be found here
Biggest timetable change for over 20 years
The new SBB/CFF/FFS timetable has been in force since December 15th 2024. Among other things, travellers will benefit from new night-time connections on long-distance and regional services, an expansion of services to neighbouring countries and selective improvements to commuter services.
You can find more information here.
Entry to Great Britain - new regulations
We would like to point out once again that from April 2nd 2025 an ETA will be mandatory for entry to the UK.
The ETA can be purchased on the government website or via app and the processing time is normally three days.
Link to your application form.
Stricter travel advice for Cuba
Cuba is struggling with major challenges that are also hitting tourism hard.
Economic crisis, natural disasters and a tense security situation characterise everyday life in the Caribbean state, which is why the FDFA has tightened its travel guidelines.
You can find more information here.