Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate.
Check what vaccinations you need at least 6 weeks before you go and consider whether you need to take extra health precautions - www.dh.gov.uk
Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination. Find out about local laws and customs.
Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good condition and the necessary visas.
Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and contact details with family and friends.
Take another form of ID with you (preferably with a photograph) ie: Driving License.
Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds eg travellers cheques, sterling or US dollars.
Non EU Countries - Know about where you are going.
Get a good guide book and look at the FCO country fact sheets.
Make sure you know about local laws especially relating to alcohol and drugs.
Try to be aware of any locally endangered animals and plants within your destination country to ensure that you do not unwittingly purchase wildlife souvenirs from endangered plants or animals in which trade may be regulated.
Make sure you know about local culture especially relating to dress codes.
Take a phrase book that you can use in emergencies.
Select Motor Racing - 'Travel Guide' - we provide a detailed travel guide for all our Travel Packages to Non EU States.
TRAVEL Must Do
PASSPORT & VISA: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office- provides the latest information for travelers and visa requirements.
Please allow plenty of time for your Visa application to be processed.
Visa Applications : - you may need to use the service of a Professional Visa Processing Company if booking late. If your Visa application is declined our normal cancellation charges apply (see above).
Please ensure that you have a Valid Passport and any Visa Documents required for YOU to travel.
All U.K. citizens must have a full 10 year passport before leaving the U.K. with 6 months validity from the date of return for ALL worldwide destinations.
Non UK passport holders may need visas for certain countries. Passengers should check with the appropriate embassy or consulate to ascertain any visa requirements and the time needed to obtain them. Select Motor Racing cannot accept responsibility for passengers traveling without the correct documentation and we strongly advise all clients to either carry their passports with them or lock them in a hotel security safe throughout their Tour.
Please ensure that you have a Valid Passport and any Visa Documents required for, you will need to complete a Landing Card for Immigration for almost all Countries that you arrive into.
Please Note : For some events you may need to use the services of our Visa Application Company ie: China to ensure you get your Visa processed in time. There is an additional cost for this service.
Our Visa Table below is based on UK/EU Passport Holders.
When *No is shown conditions apply ie: Brazil/Canada etc UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Brazil. However, passports must be valid for at least six months and a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be requested on arrival. Tourists will be admitted for a stay of up to 90 days which is extendable, at the discretion of the Federal Police, for a further 90 days. Tourists are not allowed to work.
EU Visa / Passport:
Visa check / apply before you travel ; View Online at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
British Passport Holders ; at this time travel is restricted due to Covid-19 controls throughout Europe. We will update this over the coming weeks.
NB : Although the United Kingdom is not a member of the Schengen Area, British citizens can travel across Europe visa-free for a maximum of 90 days within a 180 days period, without a need to obtain a Schengen visa.
Non British Passport Holders will need to apply - check View Online https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/apply-from-uk/
INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES: The United Kingdom Government : Foreign & Commonwealth Office - provides the latest information for travelers.
www.fco.gov.ukClick Here for online information or Phone the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice Center on 0845 850 2829.
The United States and several other countries now have enhanced security measures to protect travelers. Details on Travelers may be required ie Passport Number / Date of Birth / Full Address, prior to travel. As a responsible Tour operator we must and will request and provide this information (ie. some Hotels require this information).
Delays in Travel resulting in enhanced security or Airline delays can effect our services provided. Such delays may mean extra cost or travel as a result at your expense. (Example: Our departed service for your Airport and Shuttle Transfers to Hotels).
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: The United Kingdom Government : Department of Health - provides the latest Health advice for Travelers.
Guidance ; Healthcare for UK nationals visiting the EU www.gov.uk Click Here for online information
We ask that all passengers, that travel on our tours, must be adequately protected with travel insurance.
Following the UK exit from the EU, Travel Insurance and proof is required - you may be asked for this at the Border.
View Online for Travel Insurance guidance, this may help answer any questions https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
Due to the 2020 Covid-19 World Pandemic, we strongly suggest that you also check that your Travel Insurance offers.
Full protection, including ; Event Cancellation so that you can claim any Tour or Ticket refund shortfall as within our terms and conditions.
Why Travel Insurance
In case of flight / travel delays
In case of illness while on tour
In case you are unable to travel / join the tour
Loss of possession
Please note that the arrangement of travel insurance is a completely separate transaction from your travel booking.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any travel concerns.
Your experienced Select Motor Racing 'Travel Team' are on hand to assist you at all times. The UK (FOC) advice the following on security and laws and customs can help you stay out of trouble while you are abroad.
Security
Be security conscious and take sensible precautions
Be alert to unattended baggage in public places
Look out for people acting suspiciously near ‘Western’ institutions or gatherings
Avoid political and other demonstrations or gatherings
Check cars and other vehicles thoroughly for explosive devices before use; especially if the vehicle has been left unguarded for any time
Vary your route if making regular journeys
Avoid unlit streets at night
Carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need for the day
Leave your valuables and spare cash in the hotel safe or other secure place
Do not flaunt your (relative) wealth
Never resist violent theft
Check your guidebook, with your hotel or tour guide for warnings on local scam's
Should you lose your Hotel Room Key Card, bear in mind that information stored on it may include your name, partial home address, hotel room number, check in and check out dates and credit card number and expiry date.
Keep abreast of the local and regional political scene in the media
Obey the law
Find out about local laws and customs. Remember that the laws and procedures which apply are those of the country you are in, not the UK’s. However, in the case of sexual offences against children, extra territorial legislation can be used to prosecute offenders in the UK, under UK law, even when the sexual offence has been committed overseas. For further information on combating Child Sex Tourism see ECPAT UK and World Vision UK websites.
Do not overstay your visa. You can extend your visa in most places; if you do not you can be imprisoned or fined.
Do not work illegally. You can be deported, fined and imprisoned if you do. You may also be prevented from entering the country again in the future.
Hobbies that involve the use of cameras and binoculars (like bird watching and train or plane spotting) can be misunderstood (particularly near military sites). If you are not sure, don't do it - it is not worth the risk of being wrongly arrested for spying.
Try to be aware of any locally endangered animals and plants within your destination. Be careful when buying wildlife souvenirs so that you don’t unwittingly purchase souvenirs made from endangered plants or animals in which trade may be regulated or banned.
Drugs
DO NOT get involved with drugs
Obey local laws. Penalties are often severe and include massive fines and long prison sentences in grim conditions. You can receive the death penalty in some countries. We cannot get you out.
NEVER carry packages through Customs for other people.
Do not sit in anyone else's vehicle when going through Customs or crossing a border - always get out and walk.
Always pack your own baggage and never leave it unattended.
If driving do not lend your vehicle to anyone else.
Do not give medicines prescribed for you by a doctor to people you meet on your travels.
Alcohol
Be aware of the local laws and attitudes to alcohol.
Do not try to import alcohol into a country where it is prohibited - penalties can be severe.
Public drunkenness is frowned on wherever you are.
Driving
DO NOT drink and drive.
Make sure you know the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions specific to the country you are visiting.
Make sure your UK driving licence is current and valid. Some countries require you to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) with your UK licence.
If you are staying for an extended period of time or for any reason other than tourism check what the driving licence requirements are.
Be aware that in many countries there are on-the-spot fines for traffic offences. Exceptions are not made for foreigners.
Natural Disaster - If there is a natural disaster or trouble flares up
Contact your family and friends to let them know that you are safe and healthy.
Do this even if you are not near the area - remember family and friends will not know exactly where you are but they will worry if they think you are in potential danger.
Money & Credit Cards
Use a money belt or secure inside pocket. If you have to carry a lot of money ask your partner or a friend to carry some for you.
Don't carry all your cards with you - leave at least one in the hotel safe. If you lose or have your credit card stolen cancel it immediately by phoning the relevant 24-hour emergency number.
Change money in banks or legal foreign exchange dealers. It is often illegal to change with unauthorised persons, and you run the risk of receiving fake currency and arrest.
Keep all exchange receipts, as you may have to prove you obtained your local currency legally.
Ensure your credit card bills are paid and kept up-to-date whilst travelling.
Consider where your money goes. Try and put money into local people’s hands; try local drinks rather than imported brands; stay in locally-owned accommodation and try to eat in locally-owned restaurants.
Travel documents
Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you.
Keep your travel tickets in a safe place.
If you have anything stolen
If your money, passport or anything else is stolen report it at once to the local police.
Obtain a police statement about the loss: you will need one to claim against your insurance.
Theft of money - phone your bank at home to transfer money or to cancel your credit card using the relevant 24-hour emergency number.
Theft of traveler's cheques - contact the issuing agent.
Theft of tickets - see your tour representative or airline agent.
Respect the local Environment
Think about what happens to your rubbish e.g. take biodegradable products and a water filter bottle to cut down on plastic waste.
Help preserve local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations. Be aware that buying any wildlife souvenirs or products is highly risky - If in doubt don’t buy! See the UK Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Souvenir Alert! Campaign, which highlights the pitfalls of buying wildlife souvenirs abroad and also Trade Hotspots.
Customs throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs and in the UK you could face a criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.
Cultural Awareness Get a good guidebook. This will tell you about the country you are visiting. Find out about local laws, customs and culture.
Take a phrase book and try speaking the local language.
Respect local customs and dress codes. Think about what you wear and how you fit in. Ask your tour operator or guide if you are unsure.
Be discreet about your views on cultural differences and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities.
Particular care should be taken not to offend Islamic codes of dress and behavior with regard to sexual relations, alcohol and drugs.
Always ask an individual’s permission before you take a photograph and respect their reply. In some cultures you should not attempt to photograph women.
Don’t haggle too aggressively. In most countries where haggling is the norm, it is done with good humour and not for too long. Although prices are usually inflated for tourists, it’s also important to remember that the discount you are haggling over could be a few pence for you but a significant means of income for a seller.
It is always best to err on the side of caution. Behavior that would be regarded as innocuous elsewhere can lead to serious trouble.