The trip is the fun part. The paperwork before it is what trips people up. This is the order that keeps things calm, with the one caution that rules change: always check the official source for your destination close to departure.
Eight to twelve weeks out
- Check your passport has enough validity and blank pages for the destination. Many countries ask for six months' validity.
- Find out whether you need a visa, an e-visa, or nothing at all, and how long it takes.
- Fix your dates, then book flights and stays so the visa documents match.
Four to six weeks out
- Apply for the visa with the documents in the order the embassy asks for them.
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical cover and trip interruption.
- Tell your bank you are travelling, and decide how you will carry money: a forex card, some cash and your regular card.
The last week
- Keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, bookings and insurance.
- Check baggage allowance and any airline web-check-in window.
- Pack a plug adapter, any prescription medicines in original packaging, and a small day bag for the first day.
Where a planner helps
If you would rather not juggle all of this, a good holiday desk builds the itinerary around your paperwork timeline and points you to the right offices. Visa, insurance and air tickets can be arranged through SBLT on request.
