Passports and Visas

Passports need to be checked and renewed (if required) well in advance of the departure date. The UK Identity and Passport Service (www.passport.gov.uk) generally needs at least 3 weeks to process a passport application, but leaving it this late is taking a huge risk. Visa requirements should also be checked with a travel agent or the Consulate or Embassy in the destination country well ahead of the holiday. Some visas will take a considerable amount of time to obtain and they will not necessarily be granted immediately. People with HIV, for example, may need to apply for a special visa and supply additional documentation – this is certainly true for travel to the States.