Government offers general travel tips

Ensure you complete the next of kin details in your passport;

Make a note of your passport number and date of issue, and keep it separately in a safe place; Leave a photocopy of your passport details page with a friend or relative at home;

Take a second means of photo identification with you;

Ensure that any children included on your passport will still be under 16 by the end of your journey.

Some overseas countries have an immigration requirement for a passport to remain valid for a minimum period after entry to that country. If your passport is in its final year of validity, you are advised to check the requirements of the country of destination before you make your final travel plans.

Some countries are turning back visitors with a current passport that expires in less than six months, or in the case of South Africa, lacking at least two blank pages. Please check the requirements of the country of destination before you make your final travel plans.

For further travel tips and up-to-date advice, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' web site at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo .