Passport & Visas

Obtaining correct documentation can be a lengthy process and it is advisable to complete this aspect of travel as soon as possible.

• Check that your passport is valid.
• You must have a minimum of six months validity on your passport from your holiday return date
• British passport holders do not require visas in Latin America. 

Please note that if you are a British 'Subject' rather than 'Citizen', visas may be required for certain countries. 

• Most nationals of other European Union countries do not require visas either but you should contact us for the latest information and we will advise you concerning your need for visas. Irish passport holders need visa fo Columbia. It is then your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas before travel. Experience has shown that the process is considerably speeded up if you go in person rather than relying on the post.
• However, if this is too time consuming, below are the addresses of commercial visa agencies which have proven to be helpful in visa applications and the UK Government department for passport renewal

www.visapassport.com run by Visa & Passport Connection Ltd. 

F or a full list of Embassies in the UK Visit the   Foreign Office website. 

The United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) now has a tiered application service. For those who do not require a new passport urgently, there is the standard 2 week 'check & send' service available from the UKPS, Post Offices and World Choice UK Ltd. Customers may also apply electronically by the website www.passport.gov.uk or request an application form by calling the hotline 0901 4700 110      

For those that require a more rapid service, there is the guaranteed 1 week 'Fast Track' service. 
(adults £63, children £49). 

For those that require their passports urgently (not available for customers applying for a passport for the first time or to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport), there is the same-day 'Premium' service. (adults £78, children £64). For these two services, customers must make an appointment by calling the (24 hr) Advice line on: 0870 521 0410

Please be advised that as of 26 October 2003, the USA demands that all children, including babies, have their own passports. In addition to this, all citizens of Western European Countries should have machine-readable passports which can be swiped and if these are not held then a US Visa must be applied for. (It is those passports which have been issued by overseas posts which are sometimes not machine-readable). In addition to this, customers holding passports issued on or after 26 October 2005, must have Machine Readable Passports containing a digitalised picture on the details page.

• If you have not been able to obtain the necessary visa, you may be able to do so en route (not possible for the USA), but bear in mind holidays, weekends, opening times of offices, cost of visas (around $25) and the fact that the process can be considerably time consuming.
• Some immigration officials require you to show a return air ticket, if this is not possible it is advisable to get a letter stating the date of return to your country of residence from your consul.
• If you have ever been denied entry to the USA but are simply stopping to change planes, you will still need a full visa to do so. If your nationality requires a US Visa, this will even be necessary for those in transit.
• Ensure that your passport is stamped when crossing borders since the absence of entry and exit visas can cause problems with over-officious border control personnel.
• Photocopy your passport and relevant visas. (It is also worth leaving a copy of your passport at home).
• Take extra passport photos in case you lose your passport and if you still need to obtain visas on arrival.
• Leave your passport in the hotel safety box, you only need carry around a photocopy of your passport and only need your passport if you are changing travellers' cheques. Loss of your passport is time consuming and without a photocopy or number, further delays can occur.