Passport and Visa Requirements
Everyone requires a valid passport (and sometimes a visa) to travel abroad. It is your responsibility to ensure that all members of your party have valid passports and visas for your trip, and that the names on the passports of all members of your party match the names on your tickets. British Citizens require a valid full ten-year British Citizen passport for travel outside the British Isles (this includes all children aged under 16 who are not already included on an adult passport). Certain destinations may require at least six months validity remaining on the passport on the date of return. Non British Citizens including other EU nationals should contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination for up to date advice on passport requirements.
If you are applying for a new passport, you can no longer add your children's names onto it - they will need their own individual passports. Children who currently appear on a parent's passport can still travel without an individual passport.
If you need to apply for a new passport, you should do so well in advance of travel to allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. Further information about applications can be obtained from the Passport Office on 0870 521 0410.
All travellers should re-check their passport and visa requirements six weeks before they travel.
Visas may be required for British Citizens for entry to non-EU countries. Visas may also be required for longer stays over three months in certain EU countries. Immigration, visa and entry restrictions may apply both in the EU and elsewhere for other nationalities, including other EU nationals, and British Citizens who have conditions on their entry to the UK. Anyone with a criminal record travelling abroad may require a visa. This applies to entry to the USA and to other countries.
We recommend you look at the Travel Advice section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website fco.gov.uk before making any travel arangements. The FCO website gives passport and visa requirements, plus travel and health advice for the country you are visiting.
We recommend that you check the following websites at least six weeks before you travel, to check the latest requirements for Passports/Visas and Health Matters in your flight/holiday destination.
Travel Insurance
When travelling abroad unforeseen accidents and illnesses can occur. We all hope never to be taken ill or injuried abroad, but sometimes it happens. To protect yourself and your family, we recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Consular Division aims to look after the safety of British travellers overseas. It produces a range of information material aimed at helping British travellers avoid trouble, especially threats to personal safety arising from political unrest, lawlessness, violence, natural disasters, epidemics, anti-British demonstrations, and aircraft safety.
We advise you to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Website for information on your flight or holiday destination before you travel.