Money Talk
Easter holidays are coming and it’s worth checking your passport if you’re planning a trip abroad.
Your passport only needs to cover your trip with European countries like Spain, France or Germany, but if you’re flying further afield, you may need extra time on it. Heading to Dubai? You’ll need at least three months left, and six months for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Most travel agents will tell you about passport and visa rules, but if you’re making your own arrangements always check passport and visa rules for the country you’re visiting.
The easy way to do this is by visiting WWW.GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE
◆ Look after your passport – You can be refused entry if your passport is damaged or has pages missing. Why not buy a cheap passport cover to protect it? I’ve spotted some from around £2 on Amazon.
◆ Check visa rules – In some countries you’ll automatically get a free tourist visa on arrival but with others you’ll need to apply before you go. For the USA, you’ll need a visa or ESTA, (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), and you must apply before you fly. It costs $14 per application.
With Canada you’ll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) and for Australia it’s an eVisitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority.
Some visas may be free if you apply online, but if you go through a visa agency or ask your travel agent to sort it, you can pay a lot more.
SUE’S TIPS:
◆ Need a replacement passport in a hurry? It costs more than twice the usual price at £177 compared with £75.50
◆ Check travel insurance for replacement passport cover in case yours is lost or stolen while you’re away.
◆ Put details in your phone for the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate for the country you’re visiting in case of emergencies. WWW.GOV.UK/WORLD/EMBASSIES