Also in the news...
Foreign travel advice Georgia
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 16 May 2024 Updated: 16 May 2024 Latest update: Information on the political situation across Georgia ('Safety and security' page).
How to market and package ecommerce products for maximum impact
To market and package your ecommerce products for maximum impact, start by understanding your target audience's demographics, passions, and daily struggles. Tailor your product descriptions and packaging to resonate with their identity, making them feel like part of a community.
Foreign travel advice Norway
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 13 May 2024 Updated: 13 May 2024 Latest update: This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
Guidance Living in Austria
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Austria, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.
Foreign travel advice Sweden
Warnings and insurance Still current at: 13 May 2024 Updated: 13 May 2024 Latest update: Removal of information about Eurovision Song Contest ('Warnings and insurance' and 'Safety and security' pages).
Be Passport Aware: Check passport expiry before booking trips
Before booking that trip, check to see if everyone’s passport is valid for entry into the country you are planning to visit.
Amidst the flurry of booking flights and accommodations, one important detail tends to get overlooked: is everyone’s passport valid for entry into the country you plan to visit?
Most countries in the region require at least six months’ validity on a passport for entry to be granted. The British High Commission can issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) in place of passports that do not meet the required validity, but there are other considerations: some countries may require visas for those entering on ETDs. Other countries, such as Myanmar and Laos, will not allow entry at all on an ETD. Needless to say, it can be very distressing when holiday plans go awry at the last minute.
Another commonly overlooked detail is the validity of children’s passports. They expire after five years compared to ten years for adults (16 years and older). Many parents realise this only when they check in for their flights. And when this happens, parents need to rebook flights and accommodation, apply for ETDs for their children, and if needed, apply for visas. These all result in delays and unforeseen additional costs.
In the last quarter of 2015, 32% of the ETDs we issued were due to passports not having enough validity for travel to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Most countries around Asia require six months’ validity on passports.