Also in the news...
Bond Support Scheme
Find out about the Bond Support Scheme - how it works, its benefits and how to apply.
UK and African business leaders arrive in Togo to create trade and investment deals
The event brings together delegations from ten African nations alongside leading UK companies and investors to advance partnerships that promote economic growth and jobs.
Countering sanctions evasion: guidance for freight and shipping
For freight forwarders, carriers, hauliers, customs intermediaries, postal and express operators, and other companies facilitating the movement of goods.
International Compliance Tips for Entrepreneurs Going Global
While expanding across borders can accelerate business growth, it also raises the stakes when it comes to staying legally compliant.
Cutting Administrative Burdens When Trading Abroad
From customs declarations to inventory tracking across borders, the paperwork and compliance requirements can quickly become overwhelming for growing companies.
Be Passport Aware: Check passport expiry before booking trips
Before booking that trip, check to see if everyone’s passport is valid for entry into the country you are planning to visit.
Amidst the flurry of booking flights and accommodations, one important detail tends to get overlooked: is everyone’s passport valid for entry into the country you plan to visit?
Most countries in the region require at least six months’ validity on a passport for entry to be granted. The British High Commission can issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) in place of passports that do not meet the required validity, but there are other considerations: some countries may require visas for those entering on ETDs. Other countries, such as Myanmar and Laos, will not allow entry at all on an ETD. Needless to say, it can be very distressing when holiday plans go awry at the last minute.
Another commonly overlooked detail is the validity of children’s passports. They expire after five years compared to ten years for adults (16 years and older). Many parents realise this only when they check in for their flights. And when this happens, parents need to rebook flights and accommodation, apply for ETDs for their children, and if needed, apply for visas. These all result in delays and unforeseen additional costs.
In the last quarter of 2015, 32% of the ETDs we issued were due to passports not having enough validity for travel to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Most countries around Asia require six months’ validity on passports.