Travelling to Europe this summer? Make sure your documents are travel ready!

With the promise of many Coronavirus restrictions being lifted, holidays to Europe this summer are now likely. While announcing a roadmap to exit the UK’s lockdown, Boris Johnson, described spring and summer as ‘seasons of hope’. With this in mind, it’s worthwhile checking your documents are travel ready. Our handy guide aims to explain how your nearest Johnson Cleaners branch can help you prepare for the months ahead.

Passports

Since January 1st, the rules for passport validity have changed. To travel, you’ll now need at least 6 months left on an adult or child’s passport before the stated expiry date and it must be less than 10 years old. We recommend you check if your passport is valid using the GOV.UK’s checking tool.

If it’s time to apply for a passport, or renew an existing one, the first step is to have a digital passport photo taken. Did you know your nearest Johnson Cleaners branch can provide you with physical print and digital passport photos? You’ll even receive a digital code for online passport applications. Of course, all our passport photography is guaranteed to meet regulations by the UK Passport Service (UKPS). Click here to find your nearest Johnson Cleaners.

Driving Documents

Driving Licence

Planning to drive while travelling in the EU? Then you’ll need to carry a valid UK driving licence. Before you travel, make sure you check that your UK driving licence is still valid - expect a fine of up to £1000 if caught driving with an expired licence. It’s so easy to check, simply find the date on line 4b, this is located on the front of your photocard licence.

Don’t have a photocard licence? Or have a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man? Some European countries may also require you to hold an international driving permit (IDP) alongside your licence.

When it’s time to renew your driving licence photo, our Johnson Cleaner expert colleagues can help. Simply find and visit your nearest Johnson Cleaners shop where our friendly, Covid-secure colleagues are waiting to take your driving licence photo. Just like our passport photo service, you’ll receive a printed driving licence photo and a digital copy which comes with our guarantee.

Insurance

You’ll now need to obtain a ‘green card’ to confirm that the vehicle you’re driving is insured. When travelling in Europe, it is important to carry a physical copy of your green card as electronic copies are not accepted. You’ll need to request this from your insurer at least 6 weeks before you plan to travel and print it at home. If you’re hiring a vehicle in Europe, a green card will be provided by your chosen hire company as proof of insurance.