Dot The I’s And Cross Those T’s!

Time off ticked, cruise booked ticked, suitcase packed ticked, passport ticked? visa ticked?  I may be telling you how to suck eggs here but you would be surprised at how many people forget to check is the passport with them when they travel? Is the passport valid? Have they got any visas they may need?

Please double check your passport is valid before you actually travel, you should have at least 6 months left on it by the date of return. Most importantly please make sure you need a visa and if you do make sure you apply in plenty of time. Just as a little reminder here are the countries which are most travelled too where a visa is necessary.

Canada – Visas came into force last year for visits to Canada. British citizens are required to complete an online application form before entering. The application process is named ETA – very similar to that of the USA.  Your link for the application is – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

Australia – An electronic visa called an ETA is required for entry into Australia.  A tourist ETA which is valid for 1 year and can be obtained online.

Vietnam – You are offered a single entry visa or a multiple entry visa if you are visiting more than 1 port of call in Vietnam.

Russia – The most common way of obtaining a Russian visa is through the cruise line, as long as you take any excursion’s in Russia with the cruise line they will include your visa arrangements. However, if you want to have a walk around on your own then you will have to purchase one before you travel.

India – Must pre purchase a visa before travel

China – All passengers visiting China on a cruise require a visa, even if you do not intend to leave the ship at the port. Depending how many times your cruise visits China will depend on whether you need a single entry visa (just one port) or a double entry visa (more than 1 port of call).

USA – A ESTA visa is required which is purchased on line.  Your website address is – https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

If you do have any queries at all regarding any visas, we do recommend you visiting this website – http://cibtvisas.co.uk/. These people are the visa experts and will give you expert advice.

Finally, please do check your passport and/or visa is with you when you travel, we want your holiday to get off to a good start!

Till next time x