Visas

Will you need a visa when travelling? All countries - including those in the EU - have different immigration requirements, so make sure you contact their embassy in the UK or check out requirements with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The last thing you want is to be turned away at the borders because you don’t have the proper paperwork.

(Some travel companies, like STA Travel or Trailfinders handle visa arrangements for you, but they usually charge a fee and should only be used if you need to get one quickly.) Other things worth knowing:

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• Fees vary depending on where you’re going and what kind of visa is required. You'll generally need to include two passport-sized photos and your passport.
  
• Allow enough time because countries like India, China and Russia are notoriously slow at issuing visas and can take at least a month. If you’re short on time, go directly to the consulate and you should be able to get one within a day, but it may be more expensive. (Bring a book - you may have to wait around all day.)
  
• Work visas are not the same as tourist or study visas. Check which you need.
  
• Keep a photocopy of any visas you are issued with in case you lose them.
  
• Border crossings can be the best and worst of places to pick up a visa. If possible, pick one up in advance. Don’t try and get into a country without the correct visa, because if you are caught, you may be heavily fined. Border guards in some countries are among the most corrupt people you will ever meet, so don’t give them an excuse to bleed you.