Information about our tours - Passports and Visas

Visa & Passport Information

Passport information

It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with at least six months validity from the date of return to your country of residence and any visas and vaccination certificates necessary to enter or transit any countries involved in the journey or tour. Visa requirements are indicated in individual Trip Notes, though this information may be subject to change. If required, visas can be obtained through a visa service such as VisaHQ,  or from the relevant embassy / consulate. They normally require passport(s) and completed application forms 6 weeks prior to departure date. You should also allow for postage from/to your mailing address. Fees may be charged for visas issued through the a visa service, direct by relevant embassy / consulate or on arrival.

VisaHQ

Explore have partnered with VisaHQ who specialize in visa processing. To check visa requirements, download visa application forms, and apply for visas online go to http://exploreworldwide.visaheadquarters.com/visas.php . VisaHQ also offer a full range of Passport Services. Passport renewals, second passports, replacement passports can all be obtained via VisaHQ.

Easy to use – simply select the country you are visiting and indicate your nationality on the website, and it will automatically work out  which visas you will need for your trip.

Peace of mind – VisaHQ can take all of the hassle out of obtaining visas for your trip, their experts can answer your questions, while you track the progress of your visa online using your unique tracking reference.

For more information go to http://exploreworldwide.visaheadquarters.com/visas.php

Lone parents travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the consulate of your destination country (this information can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk .

Visas

Visa requirements should be verified with the relevant Embassy / Consulate.

General Note: Some countries refuse admission to travellers not meeting their accepted standards of dress/appearance (even if holding a visa). Entry may be refused to certain countries if passport bears stamps/visas (valid or expired) for Israel. All visa and vaccination information compiled July 2010. This information is believed correct to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, errors may occasionally occur and requirements / recommendations may change. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct, current information in good time before departure and act on this.

Visa and Health Requirements

When tours visit remote areas or developing countries we normally recommend immunisation against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Parts of East Africa and South America ask for a Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever for entry. Malarial prophylaxis should be taken in many areas. A summary of requirements is listed here. For more information on the subject of vaccinations and health protection, check your individual Trip Notes or consult your booking agent. Further information can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. For country specific advice contact www.nathnac.org/travel – an excellent source of information on health risks. Ask your medical practitioner for the latest information and allow time to obtain the appropriate vaccinations.

We stress that the following information is intended for quick reference only.

Y = YES, visa required.
R = Immunisation/protection normally recommended.
R* = Protection recommended for travel to some areas – please check with your healthcare provider.
F = Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever required only if coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
M = Meningitis. May be recommended depending on area visited and time of year.
D = Diphtheria. Immunisation recommended in some circumstances, seek medical advice.

Cholera vaccinations are not officially required by any country. However, in practice, a cholera vaccination certificate may be asked for by border officials when arriving from or into an infected area, especially at land borders. See Trip Notes for details. The UK Department of Health recommends immunisation against tetanus and polio for all countries.

Vaccinations: Please note that some inoculation programmes require two injections 4 weeks apart, so leave plenty of time to ensure you have the right protection. Health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

For holidays in the EU / EEA you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure from the Department of Health which is available by telephone on 0870 1555455 or via its website www.dh.gov.uk. An EHIC is not, however, a substitute for appropriate travel insurance.

Please check vaccination requirements with a GP or Vaccination Centre at least two months before tavelling.

Visa & Vaccination Requirements Chart for Family Adventures

Special notes

(1) Visa may also be obtained on arrival. (2) Visa not required if holding tourist card issued by Explore. (3) Visa fee waived if arriving & departing with group (passport details needed min 10 days in advance) otherwise visa issued on arrival. (4) Valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever required if arriving after transiting infected/endemic area or if visiting Puerto Maldonado – Tour Ref. FPSA and FPTA. (5) For the Azores and Madeira only. (6) Passport must have 2 clear blank pages for entry stamp. (7) Visitors to Spain must now provide Explore with Advance Passenger Information (API) in order to be allowed boarding point of origin. API requires DOB, Nationality and Passport number. Please have these details to hand when booking. (8) Visas not required provided entering by sea/air on a carrier participating in the Visa Waiver Program. From Jan 12th 2009 onwards, it will be compulsory for all travellers to the US to provide their personal details online using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) well in advance of travel (and not less than 72hrs prior). Visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. (9) Visa not required if holding Tourist Card issued by authorised airlines.

Visa & Vaccination Requirements Chart for Adult Tours

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