Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel and health requirements
What currency do I need to take with me?
What are the entry requirements for Turkey?
What are the entry requirements for the Dominican Republic?
British citizens must have a valid passport to visit the Dominican Republic. You’ll need a tourist visa card, too, which is included in the cost of your trip.
For the most up-to-date passport and visa information, head over to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website .
What are the entry requirements for Aruba?
British citizens must have a valid passport to visit Aruba. This should be valid for the duration of your stay.
You won’t need a visa but you’ll need to complete an Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-card). You can complete a digital ED-card online after you’ve booked your flights.
The digital ED-card must be completed at least 48 hours before your departure. But, don’t worry – if you don’t get it done in time, you’ll be able to complete a paper form on the plane. You can then hand this to the immigration officer when you arrive.
What are the entry requirements for the United States of America?
You’ll need to purchase an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before you depart to enter the United States.
You may not be eligible to participate in this Visa Wavier Program (ESTA) if you’ve visited certain countries, including Cuba, in which case, you’ll need to apply for a visa.
For more information, check out the official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and also the FCDO for the latest advice and costs.
How do I find out what the entry requirements are for the country I’m travelling to?
Is there a smoking ban in Mexico?
As of 15th January 2023, Mexico has passed a new law making it illegal to smoke anywhere in public. But, there will still be designated smoking areas in most hotels.
Do I need to pay a tourist tax in Tunisia?
Customers travelling to Tunisia have to pay a hotel tax. This is two Tunisian Dinars per person per night for 3-star hotels and three Tunisian Dinars per person per night for 4 and 5-star hotels. This must be paid on arrival to the hotel and can’t be reclaimed if you leave early. The maximum number of nights the tax can be charged is seven, so customers staying longer than a week will only pay for the first seven nights of their stay. Children under 12 are also exempt from paying the tax. Hotel tax is charged instead of the airport exit tax, which Tunisia used to charge.
Can I take currency into Tunisia?
You can take pounds, euros and dollars into Tunisia to exchange into Tunisian Dinar once you’re in the country. However, taking Tunisian Dinar into or out of the country is illegal.
Most hotels have cash points that accept UK cards where you can withdraw Tunisian Dinar. Some hotels also offer currency exchange services.
Where can I find more information about health and safety when travelling?
Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Do I need a visa?
You’ll need a visa to visit some of our destinations. To find out whether you need one for your trip, please visit our destination guide for where you’re travelling, or visit the FCDO website. You can also visit the website of our partners, Sherpa, that offer an online visa application service.
Cape Verde
If you’re visiting Cape Verde, a visa is included in the price of your holiday with us. You’ll need to register online for your Cape Verde visa more than seven days before you travel. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll get a message saying it’s been sent successfully. This is the only confirmation you’ll receive. When you arrive in Cape Verde, you’ll get a stamp in your passport and this is your visa.
If we don’t receive your visa application in time or the information you give is incorrect, you may be charged €25 when you arrive in Cape Verde, which is payable in cash.
What ages do child fares apply to?
Package holidays
We count a child as between ages two and 16, but it may differ depending on which hotel you’re staying at. If your little one will still be under two on the date you come back from holiday, they can travel as an infant. But if they’ll be celebrating their 2nd birthday during the holiday, you’ll need to book a full child place.
Flight only
Children between 14-days and two-years old can travel as infants. If they’re older than two, you’ll need to pay the full fare and book their own seat.
Can I fly if I’ve recently had an operation?
HOW LONG WILL MY PASSPORT NEED TO BE VALID FOR WHEN I TRAVEL?
How long your passport needs to be valid for depends on the country you are visiting.
For EU countries:
Your Passport must not be older than 10 years on the day you enter the country of your holiday destination (check the ‘date of issue’)
Your Passport must have at least 3 months validity on the day you leave your holiday destination (check the ‘expiry date’)
Passport requirements for non-EU destinations vary and can require as much as 6 months validity – check the FCDO Travel Advice and the entry requirements page for the country you are visiting.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that your travel documents are valid for your destination.
Visit the HM Passport Office website and the FCDO travel advice website for more details.
For all other nationalities, you’ll need to check the embassy of the country you’re planning to travel to, and with the passport office.
First Choice only follows official government guidelines and rules for passport validity as outlined below – if your passport doesn’t meet this criteria you may be denied boarding.
Can I use my European Health Insurance Card abroad?
Can I fly if I’m pregnant?
It depends on how far into the pregnancy you are. It’s best to speak to your doctor for advice as every case is different. If you’re given the green light, check out our Inspire article on ‘top tips for flying when you’re pregnant’.
How old does my baby need to be to fly?
Usually, airlines require babies to be a minimum of two weeks old. Please check with the airline you’re flying with, as these restrictions can vary.
How old do children need to be to travel alone?
Passengers need to be at least 18 years old to book their own trip.
Do I need travel insurance?
Do I need vaccinations?
You’ll need vaccinations to visit some of our destinations. Speak to your doctor at least two months before you’re due to go away to figure out which ones you should get. Some treatments should begin well before you go, such as malaria vaccines. If you’re booking within three weeks of your departure, you might want to speak to your doctor before you book, just to make sure you’ll have enough time.
For more information on vaccination requirements, visit the National Travel Health Network website or take a look at NHS Scotland’s Fit For Travel site. You could also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Jamaica
There is currently no risk of yellow fever in Jamaica but there is a requirement for a yellow fever certificate in some cases. Travellers heading to Jamaica are advised to speak with their GP, practice nurse or a private travel vaccination clinic for advice. Information on destinations that have travel vaccination recommendations and/or vaccine certificate requirements, including yellow fever advice, can be found by visiting www.travelhealthpro.org.uk