Find Info About Passport And Visa Rules
Passport and Visa rule number one: Make sure you have one! Plenty of holidays have been ruined due to a passport going out of date unnoticed as it sat in the back of the drawer over the years. If it is due to go out of date leave enough time for its renewal - 2 months or so in most cases.
To enter or leave some countries you'll need a passport and visa. Some require that it should have a set period of time left on it, around 6 months sometimes. So make sure you don’t fall foul of this before you set off to the airport. Belgium is a good example of this rule.
The free movement of people across Europe for its citizens has certainly been one of the great benefits of such integration, meaning that you only need to produce a valid passport and visa no more. Furthermore, this is extended to working rights too - which is excellent news if you fancy a stint working in Europe.
Many countries around the world are now in co-operation with each other about “visa exemption” or “visa waiver” deals meaning that, for example, a short holiday from Britain to Japan need not require a visa, and vice versa.
There is no rule for which countries have agreements in place regarding a passport and visa so check with either your country’s foreign office (or equivalent) or embassy in your destination country. Again, leave time for this process should you need one - creaking bureaucracies in some countries leave a lot to be desired and nothing could be worse than missing out on your trip because you haven’t got a visa in time.
Passport And Visa Advice
Be aware though, that some countries place restrictions on convicted criminals and drug users (for example) from entering their country. Again, check on this if it applies to you.
If you happen to lose your passport whilst abroad, head to your nearest embassy and they can normally arrange, if not a full replacement, then some sort of documentation to see you home safely. Again, check on this before you travel - where your embassy is should you need it, and if they offer replacement passports.
For lengthy trips - usually over 3 months or so - or to work or study in a foreign destination, even in countries with short holiday exemption schemes, visas will be required. To obtain this, make sure you have as much documentation as possible about who you will be staying with, why you are coming, what you will be doing etc - official letters from schools, workplaces can be vital too.
Generally, so long as you plan well in advance, you should have no problems obtaining a passport and visa for your travels. Follow the above links and tips to help you through the process.