Red tape

Passports need to be valid for at least six months beyond the trip. Some nations require UK citizens to obtain tourist visas prior to entering the country while others permit visas to be picked up at the point of entry. An IH (International YHA) card, UHIC (European Health Insurance Card) together with comprehensive insurance (Downunder Worldwide Travel Insurance, policy no: DU09/303843) and a Medicare card (on arrival in Australia) are a must.

• Turkey: 90 day, £10, at point of entry
• Iran: 30 day, £85 (95 euro) plus £30 agency fee, (with option of extensions in Iran) valid for 3 months from the date of issue, prior to entry, detailed itinerary required, via the Iran Visa Agency in Tehran. Apply well in advance for pick up at the Iranian Embassy, PO Box 33, Tahran Caddesi 10, Kavakidere, Ankara, tel: +90 (0) 312 468 2821, fax: +90 (0) 312 468 2823, e-mail: iranembassy_ankara@hotmail.com
  
• Pakistan: 30 day, valid for 6 months from date of issue, £53 plus £2 bank charges, prior to entry, itinerary required, 1-day turn around from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan High Commission, 34 Lowndes Square, Knightsbridge, London SW1 (VE981685: date of issue 9 June 2009, good for journey up to 8 December 2009)
  
• India: 180 day maximum stay per visit multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 1 year from date of issue, £50 plus £8.86 service charge, prior to entry, itinerary required, 3-day turn around from the India Visa Centre in the UK, 60-62 Wilton Road, Victoria, London (AG 126393: valid 22 May 2009 - 21 May 2010)
  
• Bangladesh: 30 day, £40, prior to entry, arrange in Delhi
  
• Nepal: 60 day, £20, prior to entry, arrange in Kolkata (Calcutta)
  
• China: 30/21 day, £30, prior to entry, arrange in Delhi
• Vietnam: 30 day, £40, prior to entry, arrange in Kunming
  
• Cambodia: 30 day, £25, at point of entry - Kaam Samnor
  
• Thailand: 60 day, £28, prior to entry, arrange in Phmon Penh
  
• Singapore: 90 day, no charge, at point of entry
• Indonesia: 60 day, no charge, at point of entry - Medan
  
• Philippines: 59 day, £10, at point of entry
  
• Australia: 90 day eVisitor, prior to entry, £10 online from the Australian Government's Electronic Travel Authority System