How to check visa and entry rules before you book

By the Safarly team · Updated 14 November 2026 · 4 min read

Before you pay for flights, check the entry rules for every country on your route on the official government source, such as GOV.UK foreign travel advice for UK passport holders. Look at passport validity, visas or travel authorisations, and any health or document requirements.

Entry rules decide whether you can board the plane and whether you are allowed in when you land. They depend on the passport you hold, the country you visit, why you are going and how long you stay. They also change, so the safest habit is to check the official source before you book, and again before you travel. This guide shows what to look for. It is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

1. Start with the official government source

If you hold a UK passport, the GOV.UK foreign travel advice pages are the place to start. Pick your destination and open the "Entry requirements" section. It covers passports, visas and other rules for UK citizens. If you hold a different passport, use your own government's travel advice and the destination country's official immigration or embassy website. Blogs, forums and social media posts can be out of date, so treat them as a prompt to check, not as the answer.

2. Check your passport

• Validity: some countries ask for your passport to be valid for a set time after you arrive or leave, and the period differs from country to country. GOV.UK lists the requirement on each country's entry requirements page.
• Blank pages and condition: some countries ask for blank pages, and a damaged passport can be refused. Check the country's page.
• Renewal time: if your passport needs renewing, allow plenty of time before you pay for non-refundable tickets.
• Name match: your ticket name must match your passport. See our pre-booking checklist.

3. Find out if you need a visa or a travel authorisation

Some countries let you in without a visa for a short visit. Others need a visa applied for in advance, and some need an online travel authorisation, which is a short application you complete before you fly. These schemes are new in a number of places and details such as names, fees and start dates change, so check the official government website of the country you are visiting. Be careful of look-alike websites that charge extra fees for forms that are free or cheaper on the official site.

4. Do not forget your connecting country

If you change planes in another country, check whether you need a transit visa or other permission there. Some airports let you stay airside without a visa, but this depends on the country, your passport and sometimes the airline. If your flights are on separate tickets, you may have to collect your bags and re-enter the airport, which can change the rules that apply. Our guide to comparing flight prices covers why separate tickets carry extra risk.

5. Check other requirements

• Proof of onward or return travel, which airlines may ask to see before you board.
• Proof of accommodation or enough money for your stay, which some countries ask for.
• Any health requirements listed for your destination. GOV.UK links to health advice from the TravelHealthPro website.
• Rules on what you can bring in, such as medicines. See our packing guide.

6. Give yourself time

Visa processing times vary and can be longer in busy periods. Apply as early as the official site allows, and keep the confirmation. It is usually sensible to confirm that you are eligible before paying for flights that cannot be refunded.

7. Sign up for updates

GOV.UK offers e-mail alerts for changes to the travel advice of any country. Setting one up for each destination on your route is a simple way to hear about changes before you fly.

Plan the rest of your trip

Once your documents are in order, look at our travel extras for hotels, car hire, eSIMs, airport transfers and tours. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Need flights? Ask for a quote or message us on WhatsApp. Whatever you book, you are responsible for checking that you meet the entry rules, so confirm them with the official source.

Quick answers

Where is the best place to check entry rules?

The official government source. For UK passport holders this is the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page for the country, in the "Entry requirements" section. Also check the destination country's own immigration website.

Do I need to check the countries where I only change planes?

Yes. Some countries ask for a transit visa or other permission, depending on your passport and ticket. Check the entry requirements for each country on your route.

How early should I check?

Before you book non-refundable flights, and again shortly before you travel, because rules can change.

Rules, fees and entry requirements change. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check official sources and your supplier's terms before you book.

← All travel guides