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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.
By Sarah James
U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.
The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.
Here's everything we know.
Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?
This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.
Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.
How long will it take to get an ETA?
Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.
How long will an ETA last?
After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.
The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.
Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.
How much will an ETA cost?
We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.
Who will need to apply for an ETA?
The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too. Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.
What will I need to apply for an ETA?
You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.
To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.
This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.
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U.S. Passport Requirements for Entry Into the U.K.
by Jenny Green
Published on 23 Aug 2018
The British Government sets the bar low when it comes to passport requirements for U.S. citizens who are visiting on vacation. A passport that's valid for the duration of their stay is all that's required. Stricter rules may apply if you are visiting the U.K. for other reasons, however, like passing through on the way to Europe or for work.
Visiting the U.K. as a Tourist
The United Kingdom is famous for its history, culture, stately homes, public gardens and many well-known sights and events, which make it worth returning to again and again. For U.S. citizens visiting the U.K., entering the country is straightforward. American tourists don't need a visa to visit the U.K. The only rule is that the passport must not expire before their planned departure date. No passport checks take place at the borders of Scotland or Wales or when entering Northern Ireland from the mainland U.K.
Visiting the U.K. and Europe
Though the Atlantic Ocean is affectionately called "The Pond," crossing it is quite a journey. Consequently, many visitors from the U.S. like to combine a U.K. vacation with visits to nearby France, the Netherlands or other European countries. Other visitors are only transiting in the U.K. on their way to a European destination. To enter one of the 26 European countries that's covered by the Schengen rules (the EU's free movement agreement), U.S. citizens' passports must be valid for six months after entry.
Academic, Work or Business Visit
Detailed rules apply to passport requirements when visiting the U.K. for academic reasons, or for business or work. Visitors who are staying for less than six months don't require a visa but they must have a passport that's valid for six months on arrival and contains one blank page.
When staying less than six months to perform work as an academic, legal, artistic or sports expert, be prepared to show immigration officials an invitation from the paying authority, accommodation details and proof of expertise. Business visitors attending a conference, meeting or training, and other visitors taking part in sports-related activities, performing as an artist, accompanying students or undertaking research also don't require a visa, but they must be able to show evidence they can support themselves during their visit.
To work in the U.K. for less than six months, apply online at the Access UK website for a temporary work visa that relates to the area of work. Sports, arts and entertainment, skilled work, domestic labor, volunteer work and religious and charity work are some areas where temporary work visas are available.
Staying Longer Than Six Months
To stay in the U.K. for longer than six months, apply for the appropriate visa online at the Gov.UK website for applications in the U.S.A, ideally around three months before the planned travel date. A valid passport is one of the required documents for any visa application, and the other required documents relate to the reason for the application. For example, temporary charity workers must include a certificate of sponsorship that was awarded by a licensed U.K. employer. Other reasons for applying for a visa to remain in the U.K. for longer than six months include the performance of skilled or volunteer work, or to work in the country as an investor or entrepreneur. After applying online, applicants visit U.S. Department of Homeland Security Application Support Center to have their photograph and fingerprints taken, at which point, they mail their stamped biometric receipt, supporting documents, application form and passport to UK Visas and Immigration at the British Consulate General in New York.
Pay for entry: US travelers will soon have to pay a fee to enter the United Kingdom
U.S. citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country's upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization scheme.
The travel fee is meant to secure the U.K.'s borders by giving them more accurate data on who is passing through, according to a U.K. official for the British Consulate General. The move is part of the U.K.'s plan to fully digitize its borders by 2025.
"The scheme will give the U.K. more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.," according to the U.K. government website .
The scheme is set to be fully implemented by the end of 2023, the "permission to travel" requirement will apply to travelers visiting or transiting the U.K. without a visa or special immigration status – including visa-free nationalities like the United States. However, being granted permission to travel through the authorization program is not a regular visa.
Travel woes: Why the visa process could be 'discouraging visitors' and keeping families apart
Learn more: Best travel insurance
Other countries already have an authorization scheme process in place. In 2022, the U.S. implemented the requirement for certain visitors, which costs them $21. The European Union is also looking to create an authorization scheme.
Here's what we know so far about the U.K.'s upcoming authorization scheme:
How will the process work?
The new scheme shouldn't be too much of a burden on your trip planning. The application process is expected to be quick and easy, according to officials.
The application process can be done online in a few minutes. Travelers need to make sure they finish the process "a few days before (their) departure to the U.K." To apply, people will need a valid passport, travel details, a valid email address and a credit or debit card for online payment.
The typical process time for approval will be between 48 and 72 hours. Any errors in your application could delay its processing time or result in a rejection.
Once approved, you'll be able to stay in the U.K. for business or tourism reasons for up to six months. Short-term study and medical treatment are also valid purposes.
Is Europe cheap to travel to now?: It can be with these low-cost airlines.
Trouble getting a visa?: New website highlights travelers affected by 'unconscionable' wait times
Who will the authorization scheme apply to?
Non-visa nationals will need to apply for the new program. The confirmed list of countries will be announced at a later time but it's expected to include:
- The European Union.
- Other European countries like Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Vatican City and Monaco.
- Visa-exempt nations like Australia, Canada and the United States.
How much will it cost?
According to officials, the fee will be small but the exact cost has yet to be announced .
How long will it be valid? Do I have to apply for each trip?
The authorization will likely be valid for two years and allow multiple trips to the U.K.
What happens if I don't apply?
Permission will be confirmed prior to travel and carriers will be checking people's forms, either a printed document or digitally. Showing up without permission to travel may result in a penalty charge.
The Nationality and Borders Bill will also make it a criminal offense if someone uses deception to try to get authorization.
Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?
Editor's Note
It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.
Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.
Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.
I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.
If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.
We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.
Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.
Schengen countries in Europe
Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.
While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.
The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.
The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.
Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East
Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.
- Bosnia-Herzegovina
- New Caledonia
- North Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkmenistan
- Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
- United Arab Emirates
- West Bank/Gaza Strip
Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date
Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
- Central African Republic
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
- Sao Tome and Principe
- South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
- South Sudan
Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominican Republic
- Trinidad and Tobago
Central and South America
- El Salvador
Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival
- Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)
South Pacific
- American Samoa
- French Polynesia
- Marshall Islands
- Papua New Guinea
- New Zealand
Bottom line
When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.
Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.
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Also, we only booked one way tickets so far because we're not sure how long we would stay yet (few weeks), but would this be an issue for proving that we won't stay beyond the passport expiration time?
<< we only booked one way tickets so far ...... would this be an issue >> potentially an issue that UK Border Force / Immigration will question you about when arriving in UK (that's if Virgin have let you fly with them)
Deleted – just realise your booking one-way tickets. Very bad idea. There is no way that they can link the duration of your visit to the validity of the passport.
Can you not renew her passport early?
Yes, I can purchase the return tickets in advance. Just wanted to check if it was necessary first, which it sounds like l definitely should. I won't have time to renew the passport before we leave.
'Which one is correct?' The UK website. I have spoken to UK Border Force agents at Heathrow airport about this for those holding Canadian passports, and I suspect the same for those with US documents, that the passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in the UK. I've travelled to the UK with a Canadian passport having only three months' validity remaining and had no problems entering at Heathrow.
Should VS ground agents question your daughter's passport, ask them to refer to Timatic, which indicates Document Validity: Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay.
https://www.emirates.com/ca/english/before-you-fly/visa-passport-information/ This is a link from EK but Timatic is the IATA source used by carriers.
As you hold US passports you should be eligible to use the e-gates at Heathrow and may not speak to a UK border agent unless you're asked for details of your PLF documents. Nonetheless, single tickets rather than a return may be a bigger concern than passport validity.
Update: we had no problems with the passport validity getting into the UK. At the passport control, they asked us how long we planned to stay, but didn't ask for any proof, although we did get return tickets just in case.
This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.
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Money latest: Supermarket caught out over 'fake farm'; bank boss reveals interest rate prediction
Our series on how to eat more healthily for less is back - and we're looking at breakfast. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.
Friday 3 May 2024 15:45, UK
- Lidl rushes to remove 'fake farm' references after MP grilling
- HSBC chair predicts when interest rate cut will come
- Prescription charges rose this week - but there are ways to pay less
- Weak US jobs news sparks rise in bets on interest rate cut
Essential reads
- Mortgage rates are rising - here's everything you need to know if you're a first-time buyer right now
- Which cereals have least sugar? Your guide to a healthier breakfast without paying a fortune
- How to nab yourself a free upgrade on a flight
- You're probably washing and storing your clothes wrong. Here's what you should do instead
- Money Problem : 'Builders won't repair dodgy work - what are my rights?'
Ask a question or make a comment
Gig ticket prices may be eye-wateringly high at the moment (just like everything else, let's face it) but a big sale next week will see tens of thousands of tickets at discounted prices.
LiveNation is holding a sale for 24 hours from noon on Thursday until noon on Friday, with prices starting from £25.
Artists who you can get discounted tickets to see include Doja Cat, Meghan Thee Stallion, Shania Twain, Becky Hill, Avril Lavigne, Eric Prydz, Giggs, Glass Animals, James Arthur, JLS, Jungle, Kaiser Chiefs, Limp Bizkit, Offset, McFly, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Placebo, Tom Jones, Tiesto and The Streets.
You can find the full line-up of artists and venues with discounted tickets on the LiveNation website here .
The company will also be holding promotions and competitions throughout next week.
By James Sillars , business news reporter
Financial markets are strange beasts.
You would think that fewer new jobs being created in the United States would be a cause for concern.
Hardly. It is being positively celebrated.
Closely watched figures out at 1.30pm showed an easing in both jobs and wage growth by more than expected last month.
It has led to greater bets on the US Federal Reserve, the central bank, introducing its first interest rate cut in September.
A hot economy and stubborn inflation have dragged on market sentiment in recent weeks.
Investors desperately want to see cheaper borrowing costs.
In reaction, US stock market futures showed the S&P 500 would open more than 1% higher.
The FTSE 100 was also on track for another record close. It was trading 0.8% higher at 8,234.
That was despite a big weakening in the dollar.
The pound gained three-quarters of a cent to $1.26 versus the US currency after the jobs data dropped.
Tech giant Apple has recorded the biggest drop in iPhone sales since the early months of the COVID pandemic.
Sales for January to March were down 10% on the same period last year - something not seen since the 2020 iPhone model was delayed due to lockdown factory closures.
Overall, Apple earned $90.8bn (£72.4bn) in the latest quarter - down 4% from a year ago. It was the fifth consecutive three-month period that the company's revenue dipped from the previous year.
Apple's profit in the past quarter was $23.64bn (£18.85bn) - a 2% dip from a year ago.
It was good news, however, for the overall value of the company as its share price rose nearly 7% after investors had expected a bigger drop in sales.
You can read more here ...
The chair of HSBC has predicted the Bank of England will cut interest rates in June.
Speaking at HSBC's annual general meeting today, Mark Tucker said he expected the European Central Bank and Bank of England to cut rates next month, both lowering by 150 basis points by the end of 2025.
He also said he expected the US Federal Reserve to cut rates in September.
However, yesterday, one of the world's leading economic authorities, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said interest rates, which are at a post-2008 era high of 5.25%, should stay there.
"The fiscal and monetary policy mix is adequately restrictive and should remain so until inflation returns durably to target," the OECD's economic outlook for 2024 said.
Mango plans to open 20 new stores this year as it continues to strengthen its UK presence.
The Spanish fashion retailer, which arrived in the UK in 1999, will be opening stores in several cities in Northern Ireland and central and southern England, as well as Scotland.
There are also plans to open four stores in London.
Daniel Lopez, Mango director of expansion and franchising, told Retail Gazette the expansion "will consolidate the Mango brand" and help "strengthen it internationally".
The retailer recently unveiled a spring/summer collection in collaboration with Victoria Beckham.
Lidl has rushed to remove old references to so-called fake farm branding on its website after being questioned by MPs.
The retail chain told MPs yesterday that a picture of its "Strathvale farm chicken" was a "mistake" after telling them they did not use so-called fake farms.
Appearing in front of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on fairness in the food supply chain, Lidl GB's chief commercial officer Richard Bourns was questioned on the fairness of supermarkets using fake farms to market their food.
Mr Bourns, who was questioned by committee member Rosie Duffield on using "Strathvale farm" branding for meat products, replied: "We don't use Strathvale farms, we use Strathvale.
"We do not use farm brands, just to be absolutely clear."
Committee chairman Robert Goodwill, who had access to the internet, said: "Oh wait a minute, we have here a Strathvale farm Scottish large chicken, for £3.85. Gosh that's cheap.
"So there is on the website at least, a reference to Strathvale farm."
Mr Bourns replied: "If there is a reference to Strathvale farms on our website I'd want to take that away and correct it.
"It could be the case that our website is not up to date.
"We do not have an online offering but I can categorically tell you we do not have farms brands in our business, just to be absolutely clear."
After the committee hearing a Lidl spokesperson said: "Any historic web pages featuring old packaging that appear via a search engine are in the process of being removed to ensure complete accuracy."
By James Sillars , business reporter
A fairly tepid but positive start for shares in London this morning.
The FTSE 100 was 0.3% up at 8,196 in early deals.
Industrial stocks led the way after a quiet morning for companies reporting on their progress.
Sentiment will be driven later by reaction to the latest US employment report.
An above-forecast number for net new hiring would be likely to spark further market concern that the prospects for an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve are even further away.
The Fed is concerned by headline inflation numbers in the world's biggest economy and strong figures for new jobs and wages could prove spooky for equity investors.
Elsewhere, oil prices remain on course to end the week sharply lower.
Brent crude is trading at $83 a barrel - down from $88 levels seen on Monday.
It's mostly a consequence of easing tensions in the Middle East and, if sustained, could help fuel pump costs come down a bit in the coming weeks.
It can be hard to balance getting nutritious foods that make you feel good without spending a lot.
In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of Sunna Van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health , who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.
The series does not aim to identify the outright healthiest option, but to help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.
Today, we're looking at the breakfast staple - cereal.
A sugar trap?
"Protein and good fats are what fill you up and satiate you to get your day going," Sunna says.
"Cereal unfortunately is a sugar and carb-heavy start which causes your blood sugar to spike and as a result you feel hungry way before lunch time."
A glance at the nutrition labels and you'll see the problem.
"Some popular brands contain 35% sugar or up to 12g of sugar per 30g serving - that's already half of the daily recommended intake for children," Sunna says.
That's before accounting for the fact that most people double up on recommended portion sizes.
"According to research the average bowl weighs 73g rather than 30g suggested portion size - that means your child could be having their daily sugar quota for breakfast before school," Sunna says.
Healthier cereal choices
"The key to healthier cereal bowls is to ensure minimal sugar and maximum fibre - which is where options like Weetabix come to the forefront as a better option - at 4.2% sugar and 10% fibre," Sunna says.
Among the main brands, this is hard to beat.
Frosties and Crunchy Nut don't fare well at 35% and 37% sugar respectively. Cornflakes at 8% and Coco Pops at 17% are better - but still high.
Alternative breakfasts
Greek yogurt: "High in protein and packed with probiotics, Greek yogurt is my breakfast go to. Top it with some fresh berries and a sprinkle of seeds for an antioxidant boost."
Porridge: "Oats are a great breakfast staple, offering a good dose of fibre, but context matters.
"It's great before a run or the gym but if you are just sitting at your desk all day it will spike your blood sugar and may be best to add more protein and fats to it.
"Try adding peanut butter or protein powder for a more filling breakfast with more stable blood sugar."
Eggs: "Boiled, poached, or scrambled, eggs are a protein-rich option that can keep you fuelled till lunch. Pair them with sourdough toast and you have possibly the most well-rounded value breakfast."
"Switching to these alternatives can drastically cut down your sugar intake and increase your energy levels."
We know cereal is a value-for-money and easy breakfast option, but let's have a closer look at the numbers.
If we take the average cereal bowl at 73g, a cost per bowl looks like 50p for Crunchy Nut cereal and about 25p for the 250ml of milk that goes with it.
"So, your daily breakfast is costing you 75p per day or £273.75 per year for the privilege of 9.3kg of sugar per year," Sunna says.
In contrast, a typical medium free-range egg is 25p.
Put three on a slice of sourdough (15p per slice) and an optimal breakfast has only cost you 90p a day or £328.5 a year.
"So, you can swap over 18g of sugar every morning for over 18g of protein for just £54.75 extra per year," Sunna says.
"A health investment, well worth the money."
However, if you want to stick with cereal - supermarket own-label brands are usually 60% cheaper than branded versions.
Read more from this series...
With the mortgage market proving more volatile than expected this year, and rates rising again, we're launching a feature providing an overview of the market at the end of each week - and outlining the best deals.
The independent experts at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will be here every Friday. Commentary this week comes from their finance expert Rachel Springall, who has focused on the first-time buyer market...
Fixed-rate mortgages are once again on the rise, with many of the UK's biggest high-street lenders upping rates this week, including Santander, Halifax, Nationwide and NatWest. Lenders have been reacting to growing speculation that interest rates will remain higher for longer.
Economists predict that the Bank of England will hold interest rates next Thursday but might cut base rate in the summer. Week on week, the overall average two- and five-year fixed rates rose to 5.91% and 5.49%.
This week the lowest two-year fix for first-time buyers with a 5% deposit comes from Loughborough Building Society, priced at 5.49%, which comes with a free valuation incentive and carries a £999 product fee.
First-time buyers with a 10% deposit will find the lowest two-year fixed rate offered by Clydesdale Bank, priced at 5.19%, which does not carry any incentives and charges a £1,499 product fee.
Those new buyers with a 5% deposit who want to fix for longer will find the lowest five-year fixed mortgage comes from The Co-operative Bank this week. Priced at 5.21%, this deal carries a £999 fee but borrowers get £250 in cashback and a free-valuation incentive.
Borrowers with a 10% deposit who wish to fix for five-years will find Clydesdale Bank offering the lowest rate this week priced at 4.64%, which charges a £1,499 fee but does not carry any incentives.
As a first-time buyer, it's possible you have exhausted your savings on building up a 5% deposit and will use surplus cash to cover removal costs and legal fees.
If you are looking to save on the upfront cost of your loan, then a Best Buy mortgage could be the most cost-effective choice.
This week one of the top packages on a two-year fixed mortgage comes from Coventry Building Society priced at 5.74% and HSBC priced at 5.79%, both of which come with a free valuation, but HSBC will also pay you £750 as cashback and Coventry Building Society will pay £500 in cashback.
A five-year fixed mortgage may be more appealing for you to guarantee your monthly repayments for longer.
HSBC has a deal priced at 5.30% which carries a free valuation and £1,000 cashback, but if you want a lower rate, then Coventry Building Society is priced at 5.27%, and offers a free valuation and £500 cashback.
All data timestamped to 9am on 2 May
If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you don't have to pay for your NHS prescriptions - but in England they now cost £9.90 after a 25p rise this week.
Fee-free options remain in place for some, such as those who are pregnant, have certain disabilities, students or the elderly.
But if you're not exempt, there are still some means of cutting the costs of treatments.
Prepayment certificates
Prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) cover NHS prescriptions over a given time period, no matter how many medicines you need.
There are two options: A three-month PPC (£32.05), which will start to save you money if you buy four or more prescriptions in that period, or a 12-month PPC (£114.50), which pays off if you buy 12 or more in a year.
Ask for a larger prescription
Doctors may agree to prescribe a longer course of medicine - such as two months' worth instead of one, halving the cost.
Just ask the question - they might say yes, especially if there's no danger of overuse.
Menopause medication
The NHS offers a particular PPC for hormone replacement therapy.
It lasts for 12 months and costs £19.80.
Women can use the PCC as many times as they need within the year.
You might not need a prescription
For some ailments, there are over-the-counter options sold cheaper than their prescribed alternative. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
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You asked: Do I need a passport for my cruise?
By The Way Concierge digs into the (surprisingly) complicated rules for travel by sea.
Traveling has always come with complications. Our By The Way Concierge column will take your travel dilemmas to the experts to help you navigate the unexpected. Want to see your question answered? Submit it here .
We’re going on a very short cruise from California to Mexico this spring. Do we need passports for our kids, even if we don’t get off the ship? — Ben, Springfield, Va.
There’s a difference between what you need and what is a good idea to have.
Let’s begin with the first: On most cruise lines and for most itineraries, a voyage that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and stays in the Western Hemisphere will not require any American citizen — child or adult — to have a passport.
These are called closed-loop cruises, and they only need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection . For people under 16, a birth certificate will suffice. Popular cruise lines including Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian detail their requirements and any exceptions online.
A sailing that leaves from one U.S. port and ends at another — or starts in the United States and ends at a foreign destination — would not be classified as a closed-loop cruise. Everyone, including kids, would need a passport in that case.
There are some caveats, warns Teresa Tennant, senior vice president of the travel planning company Cruise Specialists . Some cruise companies, including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises , say that all members of a party must have a passport if minors are traveling with only one adult.
Some other cruise lines, such as the luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises, require a passport for all sailings.
“It’s important to always check with the cruise line, because they can set their own rules that are actually above and beyond,” Tennant said.
Customs and Border Protection also urges travelers to check with their cruise company, travel agent and destination to confirm what’s required to enter foreign countries on an itinerary.
Whether or not you are required to have a passport, cruise lines and experts say it’s smart to have one before setting sail. The task isn’t quite as onerous as it used to be, now that wait times have returned to pre-pandemic norms of six to eight weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for the expedited process.
Cruise lines say they strongly recommend that passengers opt for the passport over other forms of identification.
“A passport is the hassle-free, gold standard for traveling between countries,” Royal Caribbean says on its website. “Boarding and disembarking through customs with a passport is usually faster than other types of ID documents.”
The U.S. State Department says travelers might need their passport “in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port.” Travelers would also need their passports if they showed up late in a foreign port and the ship left without them — which has happened to some U.S. passengers recently.
“You should bring your passport even if your cruise says you won’t need it,” the State Department says on its information page for cruise ship passengers.
Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the news and review site Cruise Critic , said in an email that it would be much more difficult to get home without a passport if someone had to leave the ship.
“In such a case, you might have to rely on help from a U.S. embassy or consulate to return, which can take time,” she said.
Have a travel dilemma for By The Way Concierge? Send it to us here .
More travel tips
Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.
Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.
Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.
Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .
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Brazil rejects Vale, BHP settlement offer for Mariana disaster
Brazil and the state of Espirito Santo have rejected a proposal by miners Vale and BHP regarding reparations for the deadly 2015 Mariana tailings dam burst, the federal government said on Friday.
At least 1,000 Sudanese refugees have fled a camp run by the United Nations in northern Ethiopia following a series of shootings and robberies, three of the refugees and the United Nations said.
The outlook for soy production in one of Brazil's biggest farm states is deteriorating quickly after heavy rains disrupted harvesting with about a quarter of fields left to reap from in Rio Grande do Sul.
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- Passports, travel and living abroad
Apply online for a UK passport
Use this service to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport and pay for it online.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .
If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.
How long it takes
Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.
If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services .
Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.
Before you start
You’ll need a debit or credit card to use this service.
It’s £11.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post.
Other ways to apply
You can pick up passport application forms from your local Post Office and apply by post, or use the Post Office Check and Send service .
It takes longer to apply by post than online.
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UK Border Entry. Starting June 2019 U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK's Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK. Arriving Near London
You can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport. an Irish passport card. a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or ...
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
UK border control - passport checks, visas for entering, ... Passports, travel and living abroad; ... To help us improve GOV.UK, we'd like to know more about your visit today. ...
Karl Hendon/Getty. U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe, Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic ...
For U.S. citizens visiting the U.K., entering the country is straightforward. American tourists don't need a visa to visit the U.K. The only rule is that the passport must not expire before their planned departure date. No passport checks take place at the borders of Scotland or Wales or when entering Northern Ireland from the mainland U.K.
The travel fee is meant to secure the U.K.'s borders by giving them more accurate data on who is passing through, according to a U.K. official for the British Consulate General. The move is part ...
Welcome to the Passport & Citizenship Unit of the U.S. Embassy London. We provide services for United States Citizens in England and Wales. We are open for appointments Monday to Friday mornings. The Unit is closed to the public on U.S. and U.K. public holidays. If you are in Northern Ireland or Scotland, please use the links below (under ...
Passport validity requirements. To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you're travelling through another country on your way to or from the US ...
Office of the Spokesperson. April 26, 2022. U.S. citizens considering international travel should plan ahead and be informed about travel requirements before making decisions or firm travel plans. We urge U.S. citizens considering international travel to check their passport expiration date early and if renewal is needed, to submit applications ...
As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay. While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the ...
Being born outside the United States to one or two U.S. citizen parents, with your second nationality based on the foreign country's laws; or. Naturalizing as a U.S. citizen while keeping the nationality of another country. Requirements for U.S. Citizens Holding Dual Nationality. While the United States allows for dual (or multiple ...
As you hold US passports you should be eligible to use the e-gates at Heathrow and may not speak to a UK border agent unless you're asked for details of your PLF documents. Nonetheless, single tickets rather than a return may be a bigger concern than passport validity. 6. Re: Passport validity for UK travel from USA.
The 6-month passport rule states that your passport must be valid for another six months before you depart for international travel. The six-month travel period may commence from your date of departure or arrival, depending on the country you are visiting. Not all countries follow the 6-month passport rule, although many do.
It now costs £88.50 to get, renew or replace your passport if you apply online, up from £82.50, or £100 for a postal application, up from £93. An online application for a child's passport ...
Form DS-82 available online here or as a downloadable PDF (84 KB) You must print and sign the form. Your most recent U.S. passport. One passport photograph. $130.00 non-refundable application fee. Evidence of Change of Name - e.g. Marriage Certificate, Change of Name Deed, Statutory Declaration or Court Order.
Passports, travel and living abroad; Passports Eligibility, fees, applying, renewing and updating. ... To help us improve GOV.UK, we'd like to know more about your visit today. We'll send you ...
Germany has the friendliest passport in the world, according to the Global Passport Index.Germans only need to apply for a non-electronic visa in 23 countries, and thanks in great part to being in ...
Routine: 6-8 weeks* Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60* *Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel. Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we ...
The first arrivals at London Heathrow on day one of a strike by UK Border Force have reported no problems getting through passport control. More than 300 PCS union members working for UK Border ...
If you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland you don't have to pay for your NHS prescriptions - but in England they now cost £9.90 after a 25p rise this week.
Your customizable and curated collection of the best in trusted news plus coverage of sports, entertainment, money, weather, travel, health and lifestyle, combined with Outlook/Hotmail, Facebook ...
"A passport is the hassle-free, gold standard for traveling between countries," Royal Caribbean says on its website. "Boarding and disembarking through customs with a passport is usually ...
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Follow and ...
The sea is two and a half hours' drive from Paris. But that doesn't mean you won't find anywhere to lay down a towel. Every summer, the city decks out its lakes and riversides with sand, sunbeds and parasols, as part of its four-week-long, free Paris Plage - AKA Paris Beach - event.
The Visit USA (UK) Association was established over twenty years ago to promote leisure travel from the UK to and within the USA. Visit USA (UK) has a membership of approximately 200 diverse organizations including airlines, hotel groups, tour operators, transport, attractions and states and destinations.
Among plus Mary Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, former ministers for the Karamoja region, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes under the UK's Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.
Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one. ... To help us improve GOV.UK, we'd like to know more about your visit today ...