Brits risk major disruptions to their holiday plans by lacking awareness of the necessary travel requirements to visit certain countries, according to research published by travelsupermarket.com. Travel plans to the USA could be in disarray, as over half (57 per cent) of the 2,000 people polled admitted they weren’t aware of today’s implementation of the new online Visa Waiver Programme.  And with more than a third (37 per cent) of those questioned planning or considering a trip to the US, travellers could be returning home sooner than they thought. The research also found out that nearly one in 10 of us (9 per cent) has been unable to travel to a country because their passport had less than six months left before expiring.

Travel expert at travelsupermarket.com, Bob Atkinson said: “We always recommend planning ahead where possible - and making sure you’re aware of all the visa and entry requirements into a country is a major part of travelling abroad. It’s worrying that so many people aren’t even aware of America’s new Visa Waiver Programme. For those who don’t get themselves organised in advance, there may be huge disappointment if they are turned away at check in or at the boarding gate. For the USA it’s best to organise your visa online at least 72 hours before your flight, and it will then be valid for two years, or the length of your passport depending on whichever is shortest.  Although some people should be planning far earlier in case a visit is requited to the embassy, such as anyone who has a criminal record. With the requirement to have at least six months left on a passport before travelling to the US, as well as this new online system, we urge passengers to plan well ahead before they set off on their journey to avoid a costly disappointment. Our advice is to think ahead and check everything to ensure your dream holiday does not start as a nightmare.”

Here is travelsupermarket.com’s holiday checklist:
1. Tickets – check names, times, dates, etc. are correct
2. Passport – check expiry date well in advance
3. Visa – check if a visa is required for your holiday destination, plus for any other countries you may be planning to stop over at on the way
4. Health – find out whether vaccinations or medications are required and make the necessary appointments. Plus ensure you and your family all have EHIC -European Health Insurance Cards if travelling in Europe
5. Money - Order your foreign exchange, currency and travellers cheques two weeks before you leave
6. Insurance – Make sure your insurance is valid for the duration of your trip, including the over night flight home which may take you into an extra day
7.  Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website in the run up to your holiday for up to date travel advice about your destination
8. And leave copies of important documents with a family member and/or upload copies, including: passports, driving licences, visas, insurance details, etc to your email account

Over a third of Brits questioned (37 per cent) welcomed the new system, with more than one in three (38 per cent) keen for other countries to follow suit where a visa is required and implement a Visa Waiver Programme.