travel

[stuart0356]

Do I need a full British passport to travel on a package holiday to Minorca?
My husband and I are British citizens, (born and bred) but we don't want to pay the �66 each for a passport that we may never use again.
Thank you

[Dee Sa]

Sorry, but are you mad or is this a trick question ?
in this day and age of terrorism, do you honestly think that they will just take your word for it ?
you have always had to have a passport even for a day trip to France.
If & when the govt introduce id cards, then you will be able to show the cards at airports to go to any other EU country only, but until then, if it ever happens you definately need a passport.

[redcrx]

looks like you'll be holidaying in the UK. Mind you, itll probably be dearer than Minorca plus �66

[vehelpfulguy]

I presume you drive a car, if so do you refuse to have a driving license because it costs a few pounds.

Or you have a TV but refuse to buy the license because it costs a few pounds.

You are going abroad, you have to prove who you are to get OUT of this country and INTO their country.

[stuart0356]

Thanks everybody ............. a simple YES would have been fine!

[kempie]

A less hostile answer would have been to explain that the British Visitor�s Passport (BVP), a cheap and easy alternative to a full passport suitable for travel to most Western European countries, was withdrawn in 1995 because it did not meet modern security standards and did not confirm the holder�s national identity.

Thus there exists no alternative to a full passport.

[stuart0356]

Thank you Kempie, that's exactly the answer I was looking for. How refreshing to get a mature response. It's so sad that we live in such a hostile world! Regards DD

[Dom Tuk]

stuart0356

as a Uk national you have the right to enter any other EU country. Your passport is the instrument by which you can exercise that right, EVEN IF IT IS EXPIRED. Most sensible immigration staff in the EU will allow an expired passport to enter the countries of the EU. Its the bloody airlines that wont let you travel.

[drsaxby]

for dom tuk, would you like to sit next to someone on a plane who did not prove their identity.? Airlines have had to bear the brunt of many changes to security at great cost. the least you could do by way of thanks, is to appreciate safe travel, that many take for granted.

[Dom Tuk]

drsaxby...i am only quoting the law. An expired british passport is still a proof of identity. you do not stop being british because your passport has expired. everyday thousands of travellers are allowed to travel by immigration authorities (after referral to them by airlines) within the EU (only if they have EU passports). So it is a common occurence. The original poster would have benefitted from my advice.

[Jeffro]

Are you aware that a passport is not a legal requirement?
It is merely a form of identification.