Frequently Asked Questions

For any information and query regarding the issue, validity and renewal of a passport, just visit to the government website www.ukpa.gov.uk where detailed information is available. If you are a citizen of United Kingdom, you require having a 10-year British passport to visit the destinations featured on our website. Generally, your passport should remain valid for a minimum of 6 months after you return from a trip. This is what most of the holiday companies and UK Passport Office suggest. However, there are different set of rules in different companies in regard to this provision. For more information, you can also contact the consulate or embassy of the country where you wish to travel.

For any information on visas and travel restrictions, visit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website www.fco.gov.uk. Visa may or may not be required to enter in non-EU (European Union) countries. To find more on this, visit the Foreign Office website and access the pages of individual countries for the details of entry and stay requirements into a particular country. While non- British citizens that include EU citizens need to contact embassy, high commission or consulate of the country for latest information on visa and entry rules.

Do I need a visa to travel to United States?

All the British Citizens who visit to United States for business, pleasure or in transit do not need a visa if they intend to stay there for less than 90 days or if they hold a Machine Readable Passport. Detailed information on this-Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) can be obtained from the official website of US Embassy.

Earlier on October 26, 2004, United States had announced the need to have a Machine Readable Passport and later also announced that all the passports issued on or after October 26, 2005 should have a digital image of the passport holder which would permit a British citizen to travel without visa in US.

This means that in order to travel under the VWP:

You should be holding a Machine Readable Passport issued from October 26, 2005 to travel easily to US without visa.

Note: Since 2003, all the passports issued in UK have digital image.

All the passports issued on and after October 26, 2006 should also include biometric data.

Should I get a visa to travel to Dubai?

In order to make an entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on business or pleasure trip British passport holders do not need a visa provided the visit last 30 days (which is also extendable on request up to 90 days).However, the British citizens require to meet the requirements of the Resident and Nationalization Authorities that is the nationality status in the passport of the citizen should read 'BRITISH CITIZEN'.

If your nationality is other than British, visa will be needed. These British passport holders can obtain the visas from hotels, relatives or associated business companies in the UAE.

Is visa required to travel to India?

When visiting India, all the foreign nationals including the British citizens need to have a visa. As per the new policy of the Indian High Commission, Tourist Visa Applications can be applied for in person or by post with immediate effect. You can apply for visa at the Indian High Commission (London), the Indian Consulate (Birmingham) or via selected visa agents. For more information on visa to India contact the Indian High Commission at www.hcilondon.net or call at 0207 6323 149 / 0207 6323 152 / 0207 6323 153.

Note: The Indian authorities have also imposed restrictions on the return date of a visitor to India with a Visitor Visa. We have been advised by the Indian High Commission that with the immediate effect any person holding a multiple entry Visitor Visa cannot return to India within 60 days. In order, to make an entry in India within this period, the person need to apply to the Local High Commission abroad and get permission in writing to travel within 60 days. The person will also have to register with the Foreigners Regional office on arrival in India. Detailed information on this policy can be collected from the Indian High Commission or Consulate at www.hcilondon.net.

Should I get a visa to travel to Thailand?

Any British citizen who has the Thailand Visa Regulations British Passport can visit Thailand if they meet the following criteria under the "Visa Exemption Rule".

Under the Visa Exemption Rule a visa fee may be imposed on persons entering Thailand.

Under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), the United States authorities have introduced a new requirement for the passengers traveling to USA that is they need to register for Electronic System Travel Authority (ESTA). The passengers who have not applied or received travel authorization through ESTA can be denied boarding or might experience delayed processing or they may be even denied entry into US.

However, it should be noted that possession of a visa or fulfilling all basic requirements for traveling visa-free under VWP does not guarantee entry to US. The issue of ESTA does not guarantee admissibility as it is only the part of travel approval process. The final determination of admissibility to US is made by immigration officials only at the port of entry.

Any information in regard to this provision should be addressed via the US Embassy Consulate department. In any case, if you are denied boarding or admission at the port of entry, you will be subjected to our cancellation charges as per the terms of the contract with you.

How to apply for ESTA?

Before flying to the destination you planned, you require filling the application form for ESTA online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Presently, the online application form is only in English.

When do I require applying for ESTA?

You need to apply for ESTA at least 72 hours prior to flying to United States of America.

How long will travel authorization stay valid?

The travel authorization will remain valid for two years or till the passport expires-whichever comes first. ESTA is valid for making multiple entries to US. However, the necessary data like your date of travel, address should be amended whilst in the US.

After applying for ESTA, does information for Advanced Passenger Information (API) is needed?

Even if you have applied for ESTA, the requirement of providing information for API does not get removed. ESTA is just an additional requirement which does make any change in existing procedure and documentation.

What does Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) mean?

For information on Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), please visit the US Embassy London website http://www.usembassy.org.uk.

What vaccinations and injections are needed to take before traveling?

You can gather advice on health and vaccinations for any country by visiting the website of Foreign and Commonwealth office. You should also contact your doctor or visit health center for advice on health care before traveling. As some vaccinations need a course of injections, so it’s always better to visit health center much prior to your departure date so that you can easily complete the course.

Will my E111 remain valid?

You need to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive any healthcare during your visit to a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. EHIC has replaced the old E111 as from January 1st 2006. For more information on EHIC you can visit the Foreign and Commonwealth website.

Where can I find medical advice?

Useful health advice for travelers is available on www.masta.org and www.doh.gov.uk.

Is travel insurance cover necessary?

Travel insurance is very essential and all leading tour operators will accept your bookings only if you are properly covered. If you do not wish to buy our travel insurance, you will have to give your consent to indemnify Hoodaki Holidays against any losses incurred by you as a result of being inadequately insured. If you travel being insufficiently covered it simply means that you are traveling at your own risk. In this case, activities like hot air ballooning, scuba diving and some mountain sports may be excluded from your itinerary.

Hoodaki Holidays holds ATOL number 3448, which ensures that you would be refunded and/or repatriated in the unlikely event of our insolvency.

(Note: ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.)

Safety Measures on Eating and Drinking

When traveling to different countries, tasting the local food of the destination is part of your holiday extravaganza. However, you need to take precautions while eating and drinking as the hygiene varies from country to country. We take due care and work closely with our hoteliers to promote good hygiene practices but you need to take precautions when eating food outside the hotel. Combined with heat and humidity, eating different food can sometimes cause minor stomach upsets too. You should also avoid taking alcohol before swimming or sun bath as it may cause dehydration.

Road Safety Measures

Road rules in other countries can be very different. Car hire is one of the best options to explore a destination on your drive. But you also need to be aware of the traffic rules to avoid any mishap. Avoid driving when you are drunk as this is a serious offense in most countries. Riding a moped in other countries can be dangerous if road conditions and attitude of local drivers are not appropriate. This is the reason we do not recommend moped or bike hiring option in any resort.

Safety Measures at the Swimming Pool and Beach

Lifeguard may not be available at most of the hotels’ pool where you stay. So, it becomes very important to take precautions if you are with children. You should always take few minutes to familiarize yourself and your family with the pool area on arrival. Children should be accompanied by an adult in the pool even if the pool is meant for children. Similarly, you need to know the flag warning systems and signs that may be operational on local beaches. Also take into account the weather conditions.

Personal Safety

Always take care of your personal belongings such as cameras, handbags or any valuable items when you are out of your hotel or even out of your hotel room. It’s always recommended that you only carry the cash you will need for the day and leave other valuables in safety deposit box. Do remember to lock your room’s door while going out.

Safety Measures - Balconies and Glass

On your stay in some hotels or resorts there could be some areas where you need to be caution. Precautions should be taken while leaning on balconies and glass doors as some serious accidents may occur if the balcony railings or glass doors and windows are not strong enough.

Please visit www.fco.gov.uk for official government advice on security. For any specific travel advice you can also visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

There are no fixed criteria to rate a hotel or apartment accommodation around the world. Most of the countries have their own ways to access the properties and rate them while some countries do not rate the holiday accommodation at all. Given below is a rough star rating of hotels: