Passports
As of 5th October 1998, all children must have their own passport and can no longer be added to a British adult passport. A children’s passport is valid for 5 years and costs £34 for the standard service which takes approximately 3 weeks. For a further £7, you can use the post office check and send service, which ensures that the application form is correctly completed and is sent directly to the passport office. The turnaround in this case is typically 2 weeks but can vary dependending on the demand at the passport office.

You can also visit the passport office in person but by appointment only and use their fast track service. This costs £70 and has a guaranteed 1 week delivery service. For more information and guidance on completing your and using the check and send service visit www.passport.gov.uk.

Before you leave remember to:

• Leave a photocopy of your passport details and insurance documents with relatives or friends
• Take another form of photo identification with you such as a driving licence
• Check out the Foreign Commonwealth Office for up to date travel advice: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

Visas
You should always check with your travel agent or directly with the relevant embassy to establish what visa restrictions apply, as these are subject to change. Children will require their own visas. Given below are the current requirements for common holiday destinations. However, you should still ensure with the relevant embassy to check that these details remain the same.
The data below was last updated on 29th Sept 2006.

Country Visa Required? Details Australia Visa required (3 Months to 1 year) Barbados - 6 months without a visa Brazil - 90 days without a visa Canada 6 months - decided on arrival. China You must enter within 3 months of obtaining visa Cook Islands - 31 days without a visa Costa Rica - 90 days without a visa Cuba Tourist card obtained prior to departure Dominican Rep. - 90 days without a visa Ecuador - 90 days without a visa Egypt A 7 day visa can be obtained on arrival Fiji - 4 months without a visa Greece - 3 months without a visa Hong Kong - 6 months without a visa India 4 months, multiple entry possible Indonesia - 60 days without a visa Jamaica - 6 months without a visa Japan - 90 days without a visa Kenya - Can be obtained on arrival Malaysia - Up to 2 months without a visa Maldives 30 day visa can be issued on arrival Mexico - 6 months without a visa Morocco - 3 months without a visa New Zealand - 6 months without a visa Peru - 90 days without a visa Russia Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory Singapore - 14 days without a visa (extendable) South Africa - 90 days without a visa Sri Lanka 30 day visa available on arrival Tanzania - Can be obtained on arrival Thailand - 30 days without a visa Uganda Can be obtained on arrival U.A.E - 60 days without a visa U.S.A - Visa Waiver scheme available to those with a machine readable passport (MRP). All UK passports issued after 1991 are MRP. Venezuela - 90 days without a visa Zambia Or arranged on arrival with 3 photos