Find out more about our cruise specific benefits available with Free Spirit and Travel Plus.
Travel Insurance to cover for those people who are travelling solo.
We can cover most pre-existing medical conditions and disabilities.
P J Hayman’s range of travel insurance solutions to cover high risks.
Several of our policies cover a range of activities as standard, find out more here.
We have policies that can provide travel insurance for UK only trips.
Travelling Safely to the Middle East with Travel Plus The ‘Middle East’ is a term everyone is familiar with, but you may be unsure where it is, exactly what countries are in the region, and which are safe to travel to. When we talk about the Middle East, we are mainly...
How an AI Agent Improved P J Hayman's Conversions Do you use an AI agent to assist you with your daily tasks? The choice is yours! At P J Hayman, we believe it’s nice to communicate with a human being. However, we also know there is a place for AI to help travellers...
7 Things Every World Cup Traveller Should Know Before They Go If you’re travelling to the World Cup this year, we have all of the tips you need to know before you go. It kicks off on the 11th of June 2026 and finishes on the 19th of July 2026. So, it's time to make...
Unsure of which travel documents you need for an upcoming trip? We’ve got you!
From the travel documents you need for a trip to Europe or the USA and how to apply for each, we’ll assist. Also, we’ll provide a rough estimate on how long they’ll take to arrive. With up to eight travel documents you may need, we’ll suggest some digital apps which can store them all.
By the end of viewing the list below, we’ll ensure you’re better informed about which travel documents you need. We’re insurance experts but as your experienced travel companions, we’ll help you to travel with confidence. Don’t get weighed down by the paperwork. Sit up and tick off the essential travel documents you’ll need for your holiday…
Did you know that everyone needs a passport apart from the King? This is because all British passports hold the title ‘His Majesty Charles III’. However, if you were born in or before 1929, a passport is free! So, unless you’re 97 or over, the cost of your UK passport will be £102 (£66.50 for children).
It’s wise to apply for a UK passport 10 weeks ahead of a trip so you can relax before your departure date. Apply for yours online or via the Post Office’s Check and Send Service before or after January- July, when the intake is at its highest. Visit the Gov website to renew, replace, or apply for a UK passport online. Need to apply for a UK passport urgently? You can do so in person by heading to the passport office after booking an appointment online. Your appointment is usually two days after you apply, and you’ll receive your passport four hours after your appointment.
If you lose your passport when you’re away from home, there are steps to follow. First, file a report at the nearest police station and cancel it on the Gov website. However, if you take a photocopy of your passport with you, the details will help you fill out the cancellation form and apply for an emergency travel document (ETD) – emergency passport! This can only be used once – from one country to another.
Our UK passport provides us with visa-free travel to 183 countries, but there are still countries where we need a visa to visit. It’s worth checking what the visa and visa-free countries are to see if you need this travel document for international travel. A holiday destination that has grown in popularity, which requires a visa for us to visit, is Egypt. Apply for your visa on Egypt’s visa portal online.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for official information on the visa requirements for travel to the USA, head to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website. You’ll either need a valid US visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Want to feel confident about walking through border control in the States? Read up on their process and procedures. Whether you’re popping over the pond for pleasure or travel there often, remember to check the USA’s conditions for travel. These can change at any time without notice. The FCDO website is a great resource for more USA travel advice.
How long a visa takes to process depends on the country you’re visiting, your personal circumstances, and the type of visa. To secure your visa in time for your trip, apply at least three months in advance. Working abroad? Find more details about working visas.
New for autumn 2026, read up on the ETIAS (The European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Like the EU’s Biometric Entry/Exit System (the EES), it’s a large-scale IT system that aims to enhance security and safety throughout the Schengen area. However, you will need to apply for this travel document before travelling to Europe. Also, there is a small cost.
The ETIAS is a visa-waiver. Like the USA’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), it authorises travel for UK travellers who wish to explore the EU and Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. Also, it’s valid for three years from the issue date, or until your passport expires. Apply for yours on the official ETIAS website. This application process should take a matter of minutes and should be approved just as quickly! If more checks are needed, the process will take up to 96 hours. So, give yourself plenty of time to apply for an ETIAS. Apply as soon as you’ve chosen your European holiday destination!
You may be aware of what an EHIC card is if you’re an avid traveller to Europe. EHIC stands for European Health Insurance Card. However, it’s now advisable to apply for the EHIC’s replacement, the GHIC – Global Health Insurance Card. At no cost to UK travellers, this is an invaluable travel document to add to your checklist.
While it does not entitle you to free healthcare but carrying one can provide you with peace of mind if you need emergency treatment abroad. The GHIC provides you with state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost (not free).
The GHIC isn’t compulsory for travel. However, some travel insurance policies state that we should have one if we’re living in the UK. To travel with peace of mind, apply for your GHIC when you’re ready to book a trip! They take an average of 10-15 days to arrive (if you apply today), and applications for children under 16 need to be made by parents and guardians. Each member of your travelling party will need one, so visit the NHS website to start the process now.
Driving outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein? Check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This will be dependent on which country you’re driving around and how long you plan to stay. Without a doubt, you’ll need an up-to-date driving licence. However, if you have a paper driving licence, update to a photocard licence or apply for an IPD. Whether you’re driving outside/inside of Europe, or not you’ll also need a suitable travel insurance policy.
Don’t have all summer to spend with your children but still want them to have a great break? Give them the freedom to travel abroad solo or with another responsible adult you trust! However, to make this trip legally binding, it’s wise to provide them with a child travel consent (or a minor travel consent form). These can be filled out in five minutes, downloaded, and printed from the law district website.
If you want to take out travel insurance for a child who is travelling abroad without you, perhaps on a ski holiday or school expedition, seek out our Travel Plus Travel Insurance Policy. Travel Plus includes cover for children aged 18 or 23 if in full-time education when travelling solo, as well as winter sports and cruise cover.
Travel insurance is a vital travel document. You and your trip will be covered as soon as you purchase a policy. So, we advise you to buy travel insurance as soon as you book a trip.
If your trip is disrupted due to an unforeseen event or global conflict before or after leaving home, you should be protected. While away, if you find yourself in a healthcare facility, travel insurance will provide cover in both private and public hospitals (remember a GHIC only provides you with state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost).
The price you’ll pay for a policy is dependent on various factors, such as your age, the destination, and any medical conditions you may have. However, the cost versus the price for medical treatment abroad can make even the most affluent traveller shudder. Add travel insurance to your checklist and relax!
There are many reasons why travelling with insurance is a good idea, but unlike most of the travel documents above, it can reach you much more quickly, either instantly via your inbox or by Royal Mail.
Unsure of which travel insurance policy you need? Our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist! Below are some testimonials that illustrate our quick and easy service:
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