Young African American woman at airport holding passport.

The complete passport and visa guide

Obtaining a passport and visa is the first step to international travel. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the process, along with travel tips and our top destinations for 2025.

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If you're planning to travel abroad, the first step is to get a passport. Depending on your destination, you may also need a visa or an electronic authorisation. This collection of helpful guides covers everything you need to know about the process and offers tips to make international travel as smooth as possible.

Two young people laugh as they walk along the sidewalk in Tokyo, Japan.

Travel hack

Visa-free countries for British passport holders

Understanding visas is important when holiday planning. Here’s what British passport holders need to know.

Traveler at airport holding United States passport in hand.

What is a biometric passport?

Biometric passports, or ePassports, are passport books that store your data on an embedded computer chip.

A woman in a blue jacket gazing across to the entrancing Cliffs of Moher while perched on a ledge.

Do you need a passport to go to Ireland?

Thinking about a trip to Ireland? Let’s look at the passport and visa requirements for UK citizens.

A brick church with twin towers overlooks the terraced buildings along a calm river.

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All our passport and visa articles in one place

Passport and visa requirements vary by destination. Below, you'll find everything you need to know – from how biometric passports work to understanding visa rules and travel authorisations. Explore our expert guides to make your journey smoother and stress-free.

Beautiful cityscape with the Burj Khalifa as the focal point, rising over the other skyscrapers.

Flying

Do you need a visa for Dubai? Expert tips for a smooth journey

You’ve finally booked your dream trip to Dubai – what’s next? Here’s what you need to know about visas.

Kirstie Pickering

4 min read

A couple holding hands as they walk through a bridge, with lofty skyscrapers in the background.

Flying

Do I need a visa to go to the USA from the UK?

Flights, hotels and itinerary are all sorted – but what about US visas? Here’s what you need to know.

Kirstie Pickering

6 min read

Flying

Do you need a passport to fly within the UK?

From mountains to cities, the UK has it all. Can UK citizens fly without a passport to experience the…

Kirstie Pickering

5 min read

Couple in casual clothes smile while standing under a colourful traditional-style gateway.

Flying

Do you need a visa for Thailand from the UK?

Heading to Thailand? Here’s what you need to know about visa requirements.

Kirstie Pickering

5 min read

Two young women traveling on backpacking Interrail trip through Europe, arriving and spending time in France.

Flying

I lost my passport and I fly tomorrow: what can I do?

Lost your passport and travelling tomorrow? Don’t panic! Here’s what UK citizens should do next.

Kirstie Pickering

6 min read

A young woman walking up steps while getting ready to board a plane at the airport in Toulouse, France. She is walking while looking back at the camera and smiling.

Flying

Do you need a passport to book a flight?

Don’t have a passport? You can still book your dream holiday – it may just be closer to home…

Duncan Madden

7 min read

The luminous Yeni Cami and its towering minarets against a purple sky at dusk.

Flying

Do you need a visa for Türkiye?

Travel to Türkiye is easy for UK passport holders. And there are some incredible places to visit.

Duncan Madden

6 min read

A point of view of a young solo female traveller checking in for her flight at the desk. She is smiling to the attendant after checking in and being handed her passport and is heading through to departures.

Flying

Which countries don’t need 6 months of passport validity?

Many countries demand your passport expiry date is at least 6 months after your visit. Here’s what you need…

Duncan Madden

9 min read

More travel tips: all about flying

Once you have your passport and the necessary visa or authorisation, it’s time to enjoy the journey! These helpful guides on flights will come in handy – especially if you have a long-haul flight coming up.

Find the best hotels

Mastering the art of flying is just the beginning – now, explore our hotel guides. Because reaching your destination is only part of the journey, we’ll help you find the perfect hotel or accommodation to fully immerse yourself in your adventure.