Helpful advice when travelling abroad
By Christopher Holland, travel writer
Packing the Speedos and the Sun lotion is obviously at the top of everyone's list of 'things to get ready prior to setting off. Although the military-style preparations of my parents days –
• book a holiday at least one-year in advance
• pack the suitcase three weeks before the start date
• book a taxi the week before
• switch off all electrical, gas and water supplies the night before our holiday • set off for our vacation a 4 in the morning.
Not to avoid flashbacks of me having to wear the most outrageously matched clothes for an entire week to school because all my favourite shirts and jeans were securely packed into the suitcase situated under the bed in the spare room – it's still wise to prepare a few things just to make sure you're not stuck at the airport with no chance of flying contemplating the notion of hiding at home for two weeks so that your mates still think you've been on holiday and NOT lost your deposit because you forgot your passport.
IN THIS SECTION
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT VISA |
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QUICK COUNTRY VISA GUIDE |
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HOLIDAY INSURANCE |
APPLICATION FOR A FOREIGN VISA
When traveling abroad it is vital to check whether your destination country requires you to produce a Passport, ID Card, Visa or have return / onward tickets prior to landing. Some countries will require a specific minimum valid for date (for example six months) from the date of entry.
Extending your visa whilst on holiday can be quite simple; it often entails a trip to the local Government Passport issuing department, a visit to the border control or maybe a day trip out of the country and a hop back in to get it stamped again. However, overstaying the visa time can be a very serious offense in some countries which can result in arrest, a heavy fine, deportation or in some case imprisonment. Also note that your passport could be marked by the officials if you do overstay and that may lead to problems in the future.
Plan your trip, and account for any possibilities. If you are traveling to Thailand for instance and think that you may be tempted to visit Vietnam, then its always best to check the requirements before leaving, rather than wander into a Bangkok agency looking confused and helpless.
Many countries will fine a traveler if he or she overstays her visa stamp and goes beyond the time allowed by the Government. Please be aware that you will be fined if you arrive at the airport with an expired visa, but don't assume that you can simply explain to the local police force that you were just about to extend it that day if you are stopped by them for some misdemeanor. It is a very different situation to be an overstayer whilst leaving the airport, than it is to be caught in the country with an expired visa.
Then again, as mentioned before obtaining a Visa for many popular destinations is very simple and can involve a simple phone call to the nearest Embassy or even filling out a landing card / departure card on the flight over is enough to be issued with your Visa.
Below is a quick Visa Requirement list of most popular destinations, you should, however always check with the appropriate Embassies (in person, by letter or on the web) if you are uncertain.
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PLEASE NOTE: The above list is for guide purposes only, and due to the nature of politics and travel you should always check with the embassy of your final destination for the latest up-to-date requirements.
Links to the latest embassy details.
Work Permits and Long Stay Visas
Most countries, even those with special ties and agreements will almost certainly require some sort of specially issued visa for the holder to work or reside there. Different countries obviously have different rules depending on the passport holder's origin - so it is always wise to check first - and sometimes the issuing process can take upto six months or require there to be a sponsor resident already. This is a very brief list of some of the requirements:
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A current, valid passport |
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The relevant form for the visa ie. work / student / residency |
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Evidence of financial support for the period of time and amount indicated on the visa application form |
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Proof that you have a permanent residence. |
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One or more passport-type photographs |
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A nonimmigrant visa application |
These are very rough guidelines and we hope to bring you a more detailed account at a later date. If you have any specific visa enquiry with a certain country in mind drop us a line - contact us - and we will post our tips in this section
HOLIDAY INSURANCE
It's a wise precaution, although not a legal requirement, to take out travel insurance. This guide looks at what it should cover, including information on valuables.
Buying holiday insurance
Generally, tour operators and travel agents can't insist that you take out their own travel insurance. It's illegal for a tour operator to discriminate against a traveller not taking their insurance by way of price, discount or surcharge. In these circumstances, check to ensure the package (including the insurance) represents good value for money and that the policy offers you a good level of cover. They should cover, at least, the following:
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cancellation of, or cutting short, your holiday |
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illness or injury while you're away |
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loss or theft of your belongings |
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delayed or missed connection |
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liability for accidents to others |
Remember...
If you need to cut short your holiday because someone at home is ill, ensure you get the insurer's consent before rearranging flights.
If you plan to try out sports or activities on holiday that could be considered hazardous, such as scuba diving, a standard policy may not cover you. You may be able to get this added to your insurance. If not, you need to arrange a specialist policy. Don't rely on buying local insurance abroad.
Things to remember
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ensure you understand what you're covered for and what you aren't |
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take the insurers contact details with you and a copy of your policy - always call them for consent if you're booking something which will form part of your claim |
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keep bills and receipts to support your claim |
Valuables
Take as much care of your possessions as you would if they were uninsured.
If you don't, the policy may not pay out. Never leave belongings unattended, particularly at airports, or in an unattended vehicle or on the beach. Keep all valuables, passports and money in your hand baggage when travelling, not with the rest of your luggage.
Ensure you know all that's required of you to make a claim. If an item is stolen, for example, the policy may require you to contact the police within 24 hours and produce proof of notification to support your claim.
Check out your household insurance policy. You may find that some of the valuable items you're taking on holiday are already covered under an 'all risks' extension.
