Visas and passports

It is a customer's responsibility to be in possession of a full 10 year valid passport and any necessary visas. Ordinarily holiday companies and the UK Passport Office suggest that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this, more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

From October 5, 1998, under 16 year olds who are not already included on their parent's passport are required to have their own individual passport. We recommend that customers contact the embassy of the destination country for any visa requirements prior to travel. Non-EU and EEA passport holders should note that transfers for flights arriving into Geneva leave from the Swiss side of the airport and it will be necessary, therefore, for you to obtain the relevant visas. Failure to do so will necessitate having to pay for your own transfer.

New passports

Be sure to leave enough time for new applications as there can be delays at peak periods. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least 8 weeks before your holiday. The Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from April 2007 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. You can find out current processing times by phoning the UK Passport Office recorded message on 0300 222 0000. If you hold a Commonwealth or other passport, you should phone the consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Names and name changes

The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurances may be invalid. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made, you must tell us immediately so we can issue the ticket in the new name. If you've already received the ticket, simply return it and we'll reissue one in the correct name. (An amendment fee may be applicable).

Geneva

Non-EU and EEA passport holders should note that transfers for flights arriving into Geneva leave from the Swiss side of the airport and it will be necessary, therefore, for you to obtain the relevant visas. Failure to do so will necessitate having to pay for your own transfer.

Bulgaria

Customers holding a full UK passport, valid for 6 months on the date of travel, do not need a visa for a package holiday. Prior to travelling you should ensure that your passport has a validity of 3 months beyond the end of your intended stay. Children are required to have their own passport.

All non-UK passport holders are responsible for making their own enquiries with the relevant Embassy. It is compulsory for all Crystal customers to present their holiday confirmation invoice (locally termed voucher) to the immigration control authorities upon arrival. In the unlikely event of any confusion in this matter, customers are advised to request the immediate assistance of the Crystal rep or agent, prior to the purchase of any entry visas.

With effect from the 1 September 2006, British citizens holding valid passports will be allowed to enter Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 6-month period without requiring a visa, instead of the previous 30 days. Prior to travelling you should ensure that your passport has a validity of three months beyond the end of your intended stay. Damaged passports will not be accepted. You are not allowed to re-enter Bulgaria after the initial 90 days have expired if you have not spent the requisite period outside the country. (Please note that British subjects, e.g. of Irish descent and born before 1 January 1949, must obtain a visa from the Bulgarian Embassy in London prior to any visit to Bulgaria, otherwise they will be refused entry and returned to the UK.)

USA

Holders of British passports issued before 26th October 2005 can continue to use the Visa Waiver Scheme upon entry into the USA. Passports issued between 26th October 2005 and 25th October 2006 must have a digitized photo and if issued after 25th October 2006 must have an integrated chip in the passport and if not, a visa will be required. All non-UK passport holders are responsible for making their own enquiries with the relevant Embassy. Any customers who may require a visa and intend to leave and re-enter the USA must ensure that their visa has multiple entry status. The US Government no longer issues indefinite visas and have changed the regulation invalidating these after ten years. Customers who hold an indefinite visa issued more than ten years prior to the date of return travel should contact the US Embassy to apply for a new visa.

Please note: Children travelling to USA are required to have their own passport.

If you are travelling to the USA after 1st September 2008, the US authorities have introduced a requirement for passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for Electronic Travel Authority. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. We recommend that you apply for ESTA approval at least 72 hours before travelling to the US.

Passengers who have not applied for and receive travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the U.S port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa, nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry. Important reminder If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel. All queries in relation to this requirement should be addressed via the US Embassy Consular department.

Please Note: when you register for ESTA you must have a valid passport at the time of registration. If you have applied for a post dated passport (for example to reflect a change in name following marriage) this passport will not be valid until the effective date noted in the passport.