The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has urged holidaymakers heading abroad to keep copies of three essential documents at home. As school summer holidays approach, millions of families are preparing for getaways, and the FCDO is offering advice to ensure smooth travel.
Documents to Copy
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Foreign Office stated: "Heading abroad? Keep a copy of your passport, visa, and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling." The agency also advised travellers to "Keep copies at home and on your phone."
Passport Safety Tips
The FCDO has previously shared tips for protecting passports, noting that a damaged passport is invalid for travel. Recommendations include: making two photocopies of your passport—leave one with friends or family and take the second with you, or store it online using a secure data storage site; using the photocopy as alternative ID when going out at night; and ensuring your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel date for certain countries.
Lost or Stolen Passports
Tens of thousands of people lose or have their passports stolen each year, requiring emergency travel documents. For urgent passport needs in the UK, the Fast Track service delivers a new passport within a week of an appointment, while the Premium service provides a passport ready for collection four hours after the appointment.
Flight Ticket Issues
Losing flight tickets can lead to purchasing a new ticket, losing the original ticket's value, and dealing with refund or rebooking procedures. The FCDO's travel advice aims to help travellers make informed decisions about international travel.
