Visas and passports

For full details of any travel restrictions, entry and stay requirements, visa and travel advice to your particular destination, visit the foreign office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and the passport office website at www.passport.gov.uk for passport information.

Validity: If you’re a British citizen, you need a full, 10-year British passport for all holidays featured. Ordinarily holiday companies and the UK Passport Office suggest that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this, more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

New passports

Be sure to leave enough time for new applications as there can be delays at peak periods. If you are aged 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least 8 weeks before your holiday. The Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from April 2007 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. You can find out current processing times by phoning the UK Passport Office recorded message on 0300 222 0000. If you hold a Commonwealth or other passport, you should phone the consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Names and name changes

The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurances may be invalid. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made, you must tell us immediately so we can issue the ticket in the new name. If you’ve already received the ticket, simply return it and we’ll reissue one in the correct name. (An amendment fee may be applicable).

Minors

There may be specific entry requirements applicable to minors (children under 18) relevant to the country you are visiting. In certain circumstances this may incur additional expenses and require separate/additional legal documentation such as an affidavit, executed by a notary public, where for example the minor is not accompanied by both parents. As these entry requirements vary for different countries you should always check with the relevant Consulate/Embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Special rules by destination or airline

Some countries and charter airlines have special rules about passports and visas. As visa requirements may change at any time, it is important to double check with the relevant Consulate/Embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking your holiday and again within six weeks of departure. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Thomson Airways and other charter airlines: are not permitted to carry certain nationals to and from their country of origin due to licensing law restrictions in place with overseas aviation authorities. The current licensing laws as of 3rd July 2006, do not allow Thomson Airways to carry nationals of the following countries on their operating routes; Brazil; Cuba; Kenya; Maldives; Morocco; Mexico.

Egyptian nationals, with official residence in the UK, can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Indian and Turkish passport holders can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only.  Please check with Thomson Lakes & Mountains or your Embassy/Consulate before you book your holiday. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage.

Geneva

Non-EU and EEA passport holders should note that transfers for flights arriving into Geneva leave from the Swiss side of the airport and it will be necessary, therefore, for you to obtain the relevant visas. Failure to do so will necessitate having to pay for your own transfer.