There is nothing like taking a trip to a new and unexplored place. Of course, it’s also fun to return to a favourite place from years past. Before you go, make sure your travel documents are in order. There are some you may not need but isn’t it better to be safe than sorry?
The first document you should possess is a valid passport. A passport shows your photograph and pertinent information to establish your identity when crossing national borders. In some parts of the EU, an electronic ID card is required for identification. The UK ID cards are about the size of a bank card and have your photograph and personal information embedded in it. Each card also has a unique Identity Registration Number and is encoded with biometric information, possibly including fingerprints, iris and facial recognition data. Some people object to the ID cards, thinking that they are just a little too “Big Brother”. Currently, citizens of the following countries are required to carry the ID cards: Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, and Portugal.
Visas are not required to go to Ireland but they are required for many countries, particularly if you plan to stay for an extended amount of time.
There is another option to a visa. An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be issued for business or tourist travel in some countries, such as Australia.
Also check to ensure that vaccinations are not required for your destination country. To check what travel documents you may need, be sure to check an official government office. Data online or as printed in travel books may be outdated or simply incorrect.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:54 am
It’s always best to check with your travel agent before you go.
Some places just charge you an entry fee.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Its surprising how many people forget their passports when they get to the airport