Many countries have specific entry requirements for foreign travellers. It may be necessary to obtain a visa before travelling or even to renew your passport if it is due to expire soon. Information regarding passport and visa requirements is available online from World Travel Guide.
Important information about passport and visa requirements for entry to the United States is available from the US Embassy. Most travellers from the UK will be able to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, however the rules are strict so please check carefully before booking. For visa-free travel to the US, passports issued after 26 October 2006 must be of the type which includes biometric information.
General information about passports, including the biometric type which will be required for the US, can be obtained from the United Kingdom Passport Service.
It may be also be necessary to take special health precautions when travelling abroad. The Department of Health offers some useful advice. We recommend that you contact your own GP if you have any concerns about health issues.
Please note that when travelling within the European Union some free or reduced cost medical treatment is available on presentation of a Form E111. If you have an E111 issued prior to 31 December 2004 you must apply for a new form before travelling. During the course of 2005 the UK will be adopting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will be automatically issued to those who apply for the new E111 form and tick the box to receive the new card.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides comprehensive and up to date information about travel to countries worldwide. We recommend checking the FCO's Travel Advice by Country if you are at all unfamiliar with the country you plan to visit. |
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