Lefkas, Greece
Mira, Portugal
Budva, Montenegro
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How to get a passport You will not be able to board a plane, boat, train or anything else that takes you abroad without having a valid passport in your hand. If you're leaving the country it's the only item you absolutely have to take with you. Adults and children need their own passports and they can take up to 6 weeks to arrive for new applications and 3 weeks for renewals. This can take longer if there are any errors in your application. Even if you already have a passport some destinations (including Mexico, Singapore, China and Thailand) insist that you have at least six months validity remaining before you enter the country. So before you book to go anywhere check the requirements and get it sorted! The Foreign Office lists all countries so head to the website and select the 'entry requirements' option. If you need a new passport your first point of call should be the UK passport office where you can apply online or look at the paper options, they also give information about how to get a passport urgently. Make sure to go through your application with a fine tooth comb as any errors can cause delays and more faffing around! Also, If you need a countersignature, think carefully about who to use. It is likely that the passport office will contact them using their work address so, for example, if you ask a teacher make sure school holidays are not coming or don't ask someone who is about to travel themselves. Top tip: once you have your passport take a photograph of both pages which show your photograph and details, and email it to yourself. You should then be able to easily access the details if you need them or if you lose it. |
Dahab, Egypt
St-Jean-de-luz, France
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Do you need a visa?
Holding a British passport gives travellers a huge amount of freedom to travel around the globe, in fact you can enter around 170 countries without a visa, however for visits to some countries (particularly in Africa and some of Asia) you will need to get a visa issued before you leave. Some visas involve visiting an embassy and others can be processed on-line. Most visas involve having a range of very specific documents to hand so check the details carefully before you begin the application process. Most visas also involve paying a fee so find out what this is before you book to make sure it doesn't tip your holiday finances out of balance. My favourite place to check out visa information is on the Key Travel visa database where you can search by country and find out everything you need to know. For complicated visas or if you live a long distance from the embassy it's definitely worth considering using a visa agency to help you get your papers in order and do the leg work for you. For travel to the USA you will need a ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) which takes at least 72 hours to be approved and costs $14. For more details and to apply go here. |
Dakhla, Western Sahara
Paphos, Cyprus
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Travelling with children
Just a few points to consider when travelling with children as there are strict laws across the world to try and stop child trafficking and abduction. If you and your children have different surnames you may be stopped and questioned at passport control. It may be sensible to take your child's birth or adoption certificate with you to prove your relationship. This isn't compulsory but might make the process a bit smoother. If you are taking someone else's child abroad you are advised to carry a letter of consent. Here is a draft letter of consent you can adapt. Some counties have really strict laws about entering or leaving a country with a minor even if both parents are present. South Africa, Botswana, The United States and Canada are some of that have tight regulations. See the relevant embassy for up to date information. Here is a link to all the Foreign Embassies in the UK. Here is the UK Government link with all the details you need to know about taking a child abroad - Permission to take a child abroad. Finally, while all this stuff sounds very formal and a bit scary, thousands of people travel every day with children in the above circumstances and have no problems whatsoever - just be prepared! |
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Foreign Office - lists all countries and their 'entry requirements' option. UK passport office - apply online or look at the paper and emergency options. Key Travel visa database - country by country visa advice. Permission to take a child abroad -UK Government advice about travelling with minors. |
Foreign Embassies - all UK based embassies for up-to-date travel requirements. Passport Index - explains different types of visas and tells you where can travel all over the world with whatever passport you hold. |
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