It is vital that you ensure you have valid, acceptable passports and any required visas or other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en-route.
Passports
- British Citizens holding a 10-year UK passport (five years for children), issued in the UK should be aware that some countries require a passport to be valid for a minimum period after the date of entry to that country (normally six months). If you’re travelling within the EU your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay and you won't need an additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
- Non-British Citizen passport holders or British Citizens holding a UK Passport issued abroad or holders of British Subject Passports should get in contact with the appropriate consulate or embassy for advice.
- If you need to apply for a passport or to renew one, you should arrange this well in advance of travel and at least four weeks prior to departure. If you are 16 years or over and have not had a passport before in your own name, you should apply for one at least six weeks prior to your holiday. The UK passport service confirms your identity before issuing your first passport and they will ask you to attend an interview in order to protect your identity.
- You may be unable to travel (and insurance may be invalid) if the names on passports and travel documents do not match. If any member of your party has a name change, it is vital that you inform us immediately so that we can amend your booking documentation. Name changes are not always possible on scheduled airlines.
- How to contact the Passport Office: For customers who are considering travel it’s important to bear in mind that renewing or applying for a passport in person at one of the Passport Offices is by appointment only. It’s no longer possible to simply turn up and queue. To book an appointment, you should call the Passport Adviceline (tel: 0300 222 0000 - calls are charged at a local call rate. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9am to 5:30pm).
Visas
- If a visa is required, don't leave it until the last minute – allow yourself plenty of time. Your passport should have at least one blank visa page. (The number of blank pages required may vary by destination – check with the FCO).
- How to find out about visa requirements: The Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit gives information about visa requirements and also gives contact details for relevant Embassy. Visit: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- You can also view the FCO site for entry requirements by clicking here:- www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Once in the site, you will need to select the required country and then select ‘entry requirements’.