People need to have a few documents with them – and they need to be valid
The Foreign Office is advising travellers to carry two essential documents when heading abroad. Alongside a valid passport which needs to be valid to where you are travelling to, it recommends bringing an additional form of photo identification to help verify your identity if needed.
As part of its foreign travel checklist, the department urges holidaymakers and business travellers to carry a second photo ID, separate from their passport. They also encourage having a “backup plan” for accessing important travel information.
This includes key details such as your accommodation, flight information, passport number, emergency contacts, and insurance policy—especially in case your phone is lost or stolen. Travellers are advised to share this information with trusted family or friends or store it securely online using a reliable data storage platform.
The Foreign Office also reminds travellers to bring additional documents and complete certain preparations before flying, to help avoid unexpected issues while abroad.
You should:
Recently, the HM Passport Office sent an urgent text to people heading on holiday. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, in a text, they urge people to follow a link before they fly.
They write: “Remember to check that your passport is valid for the country you are travelling to.” They add that you need to “check the entry requirements” listing their website.
If you follow the link, it takes you to the Foreign travel advice website. The page is there to help people get “advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.”
If you need to renew your passport, you can do it easily through the official GOV.UK website where you can apply for a new passport, renew an existing one, update personal details or request a replacement. It is worth noting that passport fees vary based on your age and the method you choose to apply.
Keep in mind that applying online is more cost-effective, saving you £12.50 compared to submitting your application by post. You can read exactly how to apply for a new UK passport, the costs and delivery times via the Liverpool Echo.
