Travel Question of the Day: Simon Calder on the advantages of having two UK passports
Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our travel expert Simon Calder.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q I heard you have two UK passports. Is it legal, and – if so - how do you get a second?
Name withheld
A Anyone who has legitimate reason to need a second UK passport can get one, though you will have to provide some proof of why you want it. The most common reason is for business travellers who frequently visit parts of the world that require visas. For example, it took me two weeks recently to get a visa for China, but I was able to make a trip to Europe using my other passport.
Alternatively, you might want a second passport because of evidence of your travel history. was thrown out of Honduras because of a Cuban stamp, was denied a visa for Lebanon because it was clear from a Jordanian entry stamp that I had visited Israel.
Ideally, though, a second passport from a different country is ideal – you may find that visas are not required, or are at any rate cheaper. And in parts of the world where the UK is not a favoured nation, being Irish/Australian/Greek can be a distinct advantage.
Every day, our travel correspondent Simon Calder tackles readers' questions. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments