When planning any trip it is extremely important that you check whether you need a visa to enter the country. You can do this online, with your travel agent or with the Consulate or Embassy of the country you are planning to visit. In some instances you can even apply at the airport when you arrive, but this usually proves more difficult.
You will normally have to fill out a form, providing information about yourself, your trip and your background, plus a passport sized photo. You then send this off with your passport. Make sure you do this in plenty of time, as it could take several weeks to get your visa through and your passport back (always send recorded delivery, just in case). Some visas are easy to obtain and others are more difficult. Always ask for help from the Embassy or a travel professional if you are unsure.
A visa is an official document or stamp proving that you have been granted permission to enter the country. A Visa will usually determine;
- How long you are permitted to stay in the country
- Whether you are permitted to work or study
- Where you are allowed to travel
Plus much more
If you are planning to travel, work, get married or study abroad you must make sure you have the correct type of visa.
If you do not have the correct paper work you will not be allowed to enter the country, which will make your trip short and expensive. It is your job to make sure you have all the correct paper work in place before you arrive.
Some countries are constantly changing their rules and regulations regarding visas and border control. Take time to review the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for specific countries. Remember that a visa does not always guarantee you entry into a country.
GHIC & EHIC
If you’re travelling within the European Union, make sure you have a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC is being phased out following Brexit, replaced with the GHIC. The EHIC itself was a replacement for the old E111 form in 2006. The GHIC is free and you can go to the NHS website to apply for GHIC online.
If you already have an EHIC, check the expiry date on the card. It remains valid until then, but after that date, you’ll have to apply for a GHIC to replace it. Cards are valid for 5 years so you may have lots of time left before yours expires.
If you need medical treatment whilst abroad, the GHIC should entitle you to free or discounted health care in European Union countries.
Differences between GHIC and EHIC
Both types of card allow you to get state healthcare in the EU at a reduced cost or even for free.
Before Brexit, an EHIC was also valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. That has now changed, so you can only use a GHIC or existing EHIC in the EU.
However, certain people who have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement can apply for a new UK EHIC. This card will cover Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland as well as the EU. Find out if you're eligible for a new UK EHIC on the NHS website.
GHIC, EHIC and healthcare whilst travelling
If you need healthcare whilst travelling, make sure you visit a state hospital and take your GHIC or EHIC and passport as proof of EU citizenship. In some European countries, such as Spain, you may be directed to a private clinic instead of a state facility; however the GHIC/EHIC is only recognised by state hospitals.
Remember that the GHIC or EHIC is not a substitution for travel insurance – it will not cover you for repatriation or private treatment. You should always make sure you invest in quality travel insurance before you depart for your holiday.
If you already have a GHIC or EHIC make sure it is still current, as they expire every 5 years.
Passports
Most travellers are familiar with passports, but for anyone who is unsure or has a query, we have collated our top tips and advice concerning passports; whether that is renewing, travelling or reporting one stolen.
- A passport is an official document which allows you to travel to other countries.
- You can renew your passport 9 months before the expiry date onwards, if you renew early the time will be added to the next expiry date.
- To renew an adult passport usually costs around £70 – £80.
- A passport application should normally take 4 weeks to process.
- Even when visiting EU countries you should take a passport. It may not be checked, but some authorities ask for it as proof of ID.
- If you’re flying, most airlines now want to see your passport as proof of ID even if you’re using a domestic flight.
- Check that your passport will not expire during your trip.
- Remember that some countries will only accept a passport that is valid for at least another 6 months.
- Take a photocopy of your passport, visas and any other important documents. Make a note of passport numbers, dates and where they were issued. Also take a note of your travel insurance policy number.
- When you reach your destination, keep your passport and travel documents in a safe place (the hotel safe if possible), don’t carry them around with you if you can avoid it.
- Some countries ask you to carry your passport as a form of identity card, check if a photocopy would suffice, if you do need to carry the original make sure you leave a photocopy in the hotel safe.
- Should your passport be stolen, your travel insurer will offer advice on how and where you can get a replacement passport. You should report the theft to local police and obtain a police report, then go to your local embassy who should be able to cancel your passport and issue you with emergency paperwork, there may be a fee and background checks involved in this.
Travel Documents & Advice FAQs
- Where can I get my documents?
If you have already created an account on our Customer Area, you can log in and request the documents to be emailed to you. If you have not yet registered you can easily do so here.
- Can you please resend my documents?
If you have received your documents be sure to check your spam and junk folder as they can go into there sometimes, if they have not turned up, you can log in to our customer area and get your documents re-sent.
- Do you provide documents in braille or larger text?
Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to offer braille documents but we are able to offer larger text documents.
- What documents should I take with me on my trip?
In addition to essentials like your passport and boarding passes, you can easily access your insurance documents whenever you need them by logging into your Customer Area by clicking here. This means you don't need to print any documents unless you want to.We would also suggest that you make a note of our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance contact number (0333 005 1065) and your Policy Reference number, just in case.
- I've lost my passport on holiday, what do I do?
Please contact our claims team who can help advise you further.
- Will travel insurance cover me if I travel against FCDO advice?
Generally speaking, the travel insurance industry as a whole doesn’t cover travel against FCDO advice to ensure safety and by travelling against this advice, you are putting yourself at known risk.. We suggest you check the FCDO website in relation to the country you are intending on travelling to.
- What documents do I need if I require healthcare while I'm abroad?
If you need healthcare whilst travelling, make sure you visit a state hospital and take your GHIC or EHIC and your passport as proof of EU citizenship. In some European countries, such as Spain, you may be directed to a private clinic instead of a state facility; however the GHIC/EHIC is only recognised by state hospitals.
- Do I need a Fit to Fly certificate?
Fit to fly certificates are only required if you are travelling whilst pregnant or you have a medical condition that may worsen whilst flying. You will need to contact your airline to see if this is something you will need. We do not require this from you. Please remember if you are travelling with a medical condition you will need to declare it to us.
- What is the GHIC/EHIC and why do I need one?
The GHIC card, which replaced the EHIC card, provides state hospital medical treatment in the EU, offering the same benefits as local residents. In some countries, like France, you may need to contribute to treatment costs. You can get a free GHIC card on the NHS website using your name, address, and National Insurance number. If accepted at a state hospital, your policy excess may be waived if costs are reduced. Please remember, GHIC/EHIC cards only cover medical treatment abroad, not repatriation (bringing you home) or other travel issues like cancellations or lost possessions. Travel insurance covers these additional needs.
- How do I use my GHIC/EHIC?
The GHIC/EHIC card allows you to have treatment in state run hospitals as well as GP treatment for countries in the EU, this can include treatment for pre-exsiting medical conditions as well as materity care. Please do double-check on the NHS GHIC/EHIC website about where this will cover you. If you need medical treatment in the EU, present your GHIC/EHIC at the earliest opportunity and the medical facility will then advise you of any charges left to pay if any. Should you require in-patient treatment you will need to contact our 24 hour emergency medical assistance team.