Muscat: With only a few weeks left for the Eid al-Fitr holidays, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has urged citizens and residents to make sure that their identification documents are valid and renew them before official holidays or travel.
According to travel operators, including airport managers of airlines, most people do not bother to check the validity of their passports or Residency cards, especially if they are traveling to countries that offer visas on arrival.
"We have several instances of travelers, including families, having to return home disappointed because their documents did not meet the validity requirements. Tourists must have six months' passport validity if they are traveling to countries that offer visas on arrival or even visa-free entry.," said an airport manager of a leading airline.
Major issue
According to the International Air Transport Association, passengers traveling with incorrect documentation is more of a minor issue as over 50,000 passengers are turned back at their destination or transfer points by immigration authorities each year causing stressful and frustrating situations for travelers.
They also cost the world’s airlines a substantial amount of money in fines and associated costs
Passport, travel visa, and National ID Card
Proper identification is the foundation of international travel. As a result, you should ensure always have an official identification document with you. You can even consider having multiple documents such as your passport, national ID card, or driver’s license.
If you don’t feel comfortable bringing several documents, you can consider bringing copies. These can be especially useful if you lose your passport and must take steps to prove your citizenship at your country’s embassy or consulate.
Valid Passport
When traveling abroad, it is also essential to have a valid passport.
Many travelers don’t realize that most countries apply rules regarding the passport expiration date. For most countries, visitors must have a valid passport for six months after they plan to arrive at their destination, however, this period can vary.
Either way, if you are planning a trip abroad, always make sure to check the passport validity requirements and the expiry date of your passport. This will help avoid unfortunate issues at the airport or immigration in your destination country.
According to IATA, it is important to have a copy of your travel insurance certificate with you. Insurance companies often provide a printer-friendly card or summary that includes emergency contact details which you should always have with you or you can use their mobile app so that you have all the required information at your fingertips. It is also recommended to contact your insurance provider to verify what exactly is covered under your insurance plan.
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