Passports and visas: the basics
Friday 4 July 2008
Passports are official documents that contain details about our identity and you will need one before you can leave the UK and enter another country.
It used to be the case that babies and children up to the age of 15 were allowed to have their details included on their parents' passport, only to get their own passport once they reach 16 years old. But all children and young people must now have their own passport.
Getting hold of a passport
The most popular way of applying for a passport is through the Post Office. Here, you will find packs stuffed with lots of easy to follow information, all the correct forms and even the pre-printed envelopes with the right address on them.
You will need to fill the forms out in block capitals with a black ballpoint pen. If you are applying for your first passport, you will need to get your application form countersigned. Details of who can countersign your form are available on the UK Passport Service's website.
The cost of a passport will vary depending on the type of passport you need and how quickly you need it. The standard three-week application costs £77.50 for an adult passport, which is valid for 10 years. A child's passport costs £46 and is valid for five years.
You can also start your passport application online via the UK Passport Service's site, which should only take 10 minutes.
But be warned: the site recommends that you should not apply online if you are going to be travelling in under six weeks. If this is the case, then it recommends that you apply via your Post Office in the normal way.
Fast-track
If you have left it a little late, you can pay extra for a Fast-Track service that ensures you get your passport within a week of applying. If you have left it really late, you will need to apply for the Premium service, which is a same day passport service. As well as being quite expensive, you will need to book an appointment at your nearest Passport Office and go there in person to get your passport issued. To make an appointment call 0300 222 000.
There are some conditions though. You cannot use the Fast Track Service if you are applying for your first adult passport. First time adult applicants can't use the premium service either, nor can those applying for replacements.
The Passport Service highly recommends that you apply for your passport before you book your holiday and that you allow as much time as possible for your passport to arrive.
Visas
When travelling to certain countries around the world, you will need to apply for a visa before you begin your trip. Your travel agent should be able to tell you need a visa to visit a country, when you buy your tickets. If you want to make doubly sure, you can always call up the official embassy of the country you intend to visit and ask them if you will need a visa.
To contact an embassy, try calling directory enquiries and ask for the embassy's public enquiries number. You could also try looking for the embassy on the web using a search engine.
