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It’s sometimes the last thing to be checked before you jet off – the visa. But if you need a visa for a particular country and you arrive at the airport without one, you won’t even get past the UK check-in. The pitfalls of applying for and using visas are many and varied, but with a little research you should be able to get it sorted with the minimum of hassle.

‘Quilt of Nations’ Courtesy of Kate B Harding

 
Do you need a visa?
As a British citizen you might not need a visa at all. Travel to countries in the EU, for example, only requires a valid passport. You can stay indefinitely in EU countries and for varying lengths of time in the remaining EEA states (subject to a visa stamp in your passport).

Many countries do not require you to apply for a visa in advance, instead simply stamping your passport with a visa stamp as you enter the border. The time you are permitted to stay will vary from country to country, and will be specified on the visa stamp.
In many instances, you may be able to go on a ‘visa run’ if you wish to extend your stay. For example, at time of writing you can get a 30 day visa when you enter Thailand by air, but you can take a short trip to neighbouring Cambodia or Malaysia if you wish to extend your trip, by simply crossing the border then returning to Thailand and getting your passport stamped again. Be aware though, you’ll only get an additional 15 day visa if you re-enter Thailand through a land border.

Make the most of your visa
For countries that require you to apply for a visa before you leave the UK, the application process can vary a good deal. One of the key things to find out is if your visa begins when you land in the destination country, or whether it starts ticking as soon as the embassy sends it to you. In the case of India, for example, it starts as soon as the applicable office has processed your passport. This can have implications for when you book onward or return flights, so be aware. A 6 month tourist visa should be easy to obtain to visit India, but there have been stories of people getting an un-requested 3 month journalist visa simply because they ticked ‘media’ when asked what job they did!
In almost all instances in which you need to organise a visa before you arrive, you’ll be required to provide two photographs. Make sure you send the correct size photos, since not all countries ask for the standard passport-size images (India being a good example).
In the case of countries that have poor reputations for speedy visa processing, or who are known to cause problems for UK travellers, you might be well advised to put off buying your air ticket until your visa has come through, in the unlikely event that your visa is refused, delayed, or, god forbid, lost – along with your passport.

As a travel destination, India was once the preserve of those seeking spiritual sustenance, endowed as it is with many religions and hundreds of stunning temples. Today, numerous demographics visit India, ranging from families seeking a unique holiday destination, to those doing business in the country’s booming economy. Nearly 800,000 Britons visit this vibrant nation every year – and for many of them, India offers an experience that no other country can provide.

Man Versus Bull Courtesy of Vinoth Chandar

If you normally only visit Western countries, then India can be quite a surprise. The cities are among the world’s biggest and busiest, and for some are overwhelming. But with a little mental preparation, you’ll be able to get the most out of these sprawling metropolises. The sheer number of people and vehicles on the streets will be the first thing you notice, along with motorists, motorcyclists and tuk-tuk drivers who are not overly interested in the traffic regulations – in sharp contrast to road behaviour ‘back home’. The poverty, too, will make the most run-down part of any Western city look positively decadent.

Cities like Delhi and Mumbai, however, offer an incredible amount in terms of architecture and history, music and food. The vibrancy on the streets that you first found ‘a bit too much’ may well become what you love about India’s cities – the constant movement and the friendly locals, the huge range of delicious cuisine that can be enjoyed everywhere, the religious traditions that are infused with dazzling colour and sound – it all adds up to a very special holiday destination.

Uncle John and the Ice Cream Boy Courtesy of Vinoth Chandar

 
But India also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, together with unspoilt forests and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. You can reach these places using a variety of transportation modes, ranging from low-cost airlines to long-haul coaches. But perhaps the best way to enjoy the real India is to travel by train. Indian Railways is one of the biggest rail networks in the world, and their wide, spacious carriages transport millions of Indians around the country each year. If you’re on a budget, the trains are the cheapest way to get around, but they also offer a fantastic way to meet the natives. It isn’t unusual to see a group of strangers in a carriage behave like they’ve known each other for years by the end of an (admittedly tiring) 16 hour train ride – and foreigners can find themselves at the centre of such friendly spectacles.

If you only have a short time in India, you might be well advised not to cram too many famous sites in. Trying to visit the Taj Mahal, the Gateway to India and Varanasi’s Ghats in a short period, for example, might sear the bustling cities into your memory of this country; take some time out, enjoy

Six million people visit Thailand each year, and whilst it was once the destination of choice for people seeking a hedonistic holiday, today Thailand attracts a wider variety of visitors that come to experience Thai culture.

The country’s popularity as a holiday destination however has led to some areas becoming as western as you can imagine, whilst other places retain their faraway tropical feel.

Find out more about the delights of Bangkok, Pattaya and the Phi Phi Islands and what weather to expect and when in these 4 minute Thailand Travel Vlogs from The Travel Channel.

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For more information about what you need to know before travelling to Thailand, please visit our post on Thailand Travel Advice

Advice For Visiting Thailand

Every year tourists from around the world flock to Thailand, whether that is to have a backpacking adventure, or to live the life of luxury for just a few pounds a day.

As one of the most popular destinations in Asia for UK tourists, there are many questions that are asked about what you need to arrange before you go, and what you need to know before you get there, from vaccinations and visas to knowing where the limits of hospitality lie. Here is a summary of the most important information you should know before you travel, and where you can source more advice.

Passports

UK travellers will need a passport valid for at least 6 months to gain entry into Thailand, but what not all travellers know is that it is essential to keep your passport on you at all times once you get there. If you fail to produce your passport when asked, you could be placed under arrest.

Visas

If you are planning to visit Thailand for less than 30 days, and you are arriving by air, you won’t need a visa. If you are planning to visit Thailand as part of a longer travelling itinerary and will be crossing the border on land, visa free entry is only granted for 15 days. Staying beyond this is illegal and can incur fines of 500baht per day up to 20,000 baht and also carries the risk of detention and future ban on re-entry. Visas or an execution of stay should be obtained before travelling – visas from shops and travel agents are unlikely to be valid, if you find you are in need of a visa visit the Thai Embassy or an Immigration Office.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that you see your GP 8 weeks before travelling to discuss the vaccinations needed for travelling to Thailand, and bear in mind that the course of treatment before travel is as long as 6 weeks. There are several health risks in Thailand that can be treated by vaccinations, but the basic vaccination recommendations are usually Malaria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus.

Drink and Drugs

It is legal to drink in Thailand, but travellers should be aware that the drink served in bars here is often stronger than beverages served in the UK. There have also been cases where drinks have been drugged, so make sure you keep an eye on your pint, and don’t accept drinks from strangers.  Drugs are illegal, and the penalties for possession and supply are severe, even if you are from the UK, punishment includes lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty.

Where is safe

There are a number of areas in Thailand where extreme caution is advised, and also areas where marshal law remains in place. At the time of writing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC) advises “Against all travel to the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey/Ta Moan temple areas on the Thailand/Cambodia border and against all but essential travel to the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla.” It is strongly recommended that you seek up to date advice from the FOC before you travel.

Our Best Travel Insurance Products for Thailand: Single Trip travel insurance  and Longstay travel insurance

Vaccination advice from NTHNC: http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_TH.htm#vpr

Travel Advice from Foreign and Commonwealth Office: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand