Preparing for a trip: documents, luggage and the first day

Documents — check two weeks before departure

The most common problem is passport validity. Most countries require six months from the date of entry. If your passport has seven months left, a ten-day trip can breach that rule — so check in advance.

• Passport — at least six months' validity and two blank pages.
• For children: birth certificate, plus notarised consent if travelling with one parent.
• Insurance policy — printed or saved on your phone.
• Hotel booking and return ticket — these may be asked for at the border.
• Copies of your passport and visa — keep them in a separate bag.

Luggage: what to watch for

Most cheap tickets include hand luggage only (7–10 kg). A hold bag costs extra, and buying it online in advance is two to three times cheaper than at the airport.

• Medicines — in original packaging with a prescription. Some are banned in the Gulf states.
• Plug adapter: the UAE and Qatar use type G (British); Türkiye and Egypt use type C/F (European).
• Sunscreen (SPF 50) — essential in Egypt and the Gulf.
• Modest clothing: covered shoulders and knees are needed to enter mosques.
• Reef shoes — in Sharm they protect against sea urchins.

Money and connectivity

Confirm with your bank in advance that your card works abroad. Do not carry all your cash — use the hotel safe. Rates are fixed in the UAE and Qatar; in Türkiye and Egypt city exchange offices beat the airport.

A local SIM is sold at the airport and is usually far cheaper than roaming. An eSIM is the alternative and can be installed before you fly.

The first day

A driver will meet you with a name board. If you cannot find them within fifteen minutes, message your manager straight away and we will make contact. After checking in, inspect the room: air conditioning, safe and shower. Report any problem on the first day — changing rooms later is harder.

Save your manager's number in your contacts and the hotel address in the local language — handy to show a taxi driver.