General Holiday Enquiries, Hints and Tips

General Holiday Enquiries? Got General Hints & Tips? Post Them Here.
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I think if a fee or gratuity is payable, you will always find someone to sign the form. I used to countersign application forms without any fee or gratuity and judging by the number of forms which used to pass my way each week, I can imagine what a profitable little sideline it must be to some.

But it can be a time consuming process and adding to that the fact the countersignatory's personal details now have to be included on the form, I can appreciate that may well be a deterrant to some authorised signatories, or their employers.

David :wave
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I`ve been told that to travel to spain you must have a minimum of 6 months left on your passport. I wonder if anyone could confirm this please
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That is not an immigration requirement for entry into Spain, your passport needs to be valid only for the duration of your stay in the country. However, some airlines and tour operators stiplulate a minimum six month passport validity requirement for all destinations and if you are travelling with one of them, you may need to ensure that your passport complies.

David :wave
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Hi Jackie ... it's perhaps more a case of 'having to' than 'wanting to'. It is an expensive option, but at least it is an option for those who suddenly discover that passports are out of date, or not acceptable to their airline or tour operator. I suppose the expense and inconvenience has to be weighed up against the potential cost of losing the holiday due to not having a valid or acceptable passport. However, it is worth bearing in mind that whilst the IPS can issue passports within 4 hours of an appointment, there is no guarantee that an appointment slot will be available to suit the applicant's deadline. The IPS advises allowing at least 2 weeks for an appointment date, especially at peak periods.

David :wave
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Does anybody know what the length of time is at present on sending a passport for renewal and receiving it back?
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Sunseeker, approx 7 days, but always best to allow for 3 weeks just in case.
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Thanks for the reply. Will sort sooner rather than later :)
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the passport form says allow three weeks for it to return :cry:
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Hi seahunt ... with postal or online applications, the IPS aims to despatch passports within 3 weeks.

However, this is traditionally a quieter time of year for renewals and as Clownboy indicated recently, turnaround at the end of January was approximately 7 days.

David :wave
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Just had mine renewed and it took only 7 days to send it and get it back, so yes the turn around at the moment is very fast. They also add on any remaining time you have left on your old passport onto your new one :D
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Deb, correct to a point.

The maximum validity that you can have "carried over" from your old passport is 9 months. :wink:
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Thats ok then as just sent my daughters off aswell as hers runs out in July, so she,s got 5 months left but had to do it now otherwise it would not have enough clear time left on it if going away in June. I had to renew mine as only had a month left. :roll:
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Hi all

My passport is due to expire at the end of August and I am due to go to Cyprus in May. Normally I would just comply with the rules and just get a new one, but I am getting married while in Cyprus. It just seems unfair to pay £66 for a new one now then have to pay another £66 when I return due to the name change. :evil:

I have written to the Cyprus Consualte, they say that as long as my passport hasn't expired I should be ok for the length of my holiday.

I'm just getting a little worried, as its my wedding day and really don't want it be ruined by not being allowed entry into the country. :oops:

Just wondered if anybody had been in a similar situation.

Dawn :)
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Hi Dawn .. as far as official entry requirements for Cyprus are concerned, it is quite correct that your passport needs to be valid only for the duration of your stay in the country.

However, some tour operators and airlines disregard entry requirements for individual countries, and impose a minimum 6 month passport validity requirement for all countries. In this case, you would have to check what the requirements are of your particular airline or tour operator.

David :wave
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Hi can anyone tell me what i actually have to write on the back of a baby photo so that it is certified? I know on an adult one it is along the lines of "I here by certify that this is a true likness etc etc but i am stuck on what has to be written on a baby's first passport. Any help would be welcome
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Hi wooley ... this is the relevant section from the IPS website:

Validating your photographs ... Under 16s (including babies)

Bear in mind that it is the person who countersigns section 10 of the form who should also countersign the photo. Even if the child is under 2, the counter signatory should have known the parent or guardian for at least 2 years. The parent or guardian should only sign section 9 on behalf of the child.

David :wave
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i sent off my three year old daughter mikaylas passport application on tuesday but im worried it wont be accepted. how long after you sent it will they reply to let you know if there is an error. my mum said that i would have heard something by now if something was up. im a big worrier :oops: . we dont go until september but i cant relax untill i know shes got her passport its her first hol abroad. you must think im right drama queen :lol:
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Hi kellz ... the IPS is highly efficient, but if you only sent off the application 3 days ago, you may be expecting a little too much of them. They may only be receiving the application today. I would give it another couple of weeks.

David :wave
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told you i am a worrier :oops: lol thanks i will try to relax :lol:
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