What clients need to travel.
WHY IT MATTERS
Travellers turned away for documentation reasons blame the agent.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That documentation requirements are the traveller's responsibility, stated clearly.
WHY STATED
It is a genuine limit on what you can guarantee.
WHAT TO ADVISE THEM TO VERIFY
Passport validity, including any required period beyond travel Whether entry permission is required What that process involves and how long it takes Whether transit requires permission Any health documentation required
WHY PASSPORT VALIDITY SPECIFICALLY
Many destinations require validity beyond the return date, and travellers are refused boarding.
WHAT TO CHECK YOURSELF
Passport expiry, at the time of booking.
WHY
It is a simple check that prevents a serious problem.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
State definitively what a particular country will require.
WHY
Requirements change frequently and they vary by nationality and circumstance.
WHAT TO SAY INSTEAD
Direct them to the official source, and to verify before travel.
WHAT TO RECOMMEND
Checking with the relevant embassy or official authority Checking again close to departure
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Offering to obtain entry permissions on clients' behalf.
WHY
It creates liability and it may require specific authorisation.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH IF YOU DO ASSIST
What you are actually providing, and what you are not guaranteeing.
WHAT TO RECORD
The advice given and the client's acknowledgement.
WHY
Refused travel produces claims.
WHAT TO ADVISE ABOUT COPIES
Keeping copies of documents separately from the originals.
