If you want to travel outside the UK, whether it's for a year or a day, you must have a valid passport. If you've already got one, make sure it has at least six months to run from the date of travel. If you don't have one, read on to find out how to go about getting one.

Adult Passports (over 16s)

If you are 16 or older, and are going outside the UK, you need a valid 10 year passport.

You can pick up passport application forms at the Post Office, apply online or ask for an application form online using the Directgov website.

First Adult Passport

There is a special section on the Directgov website if you want to apply for your First Adult Passport.

If you are applying for the first time for an adult passport (you haven't had a passport before) then you might be called for an interview. The interview office is in Glasgow. For more information phone the Passport Adviceline on: 0300 222 0000.

Remember you cannot use the Post Office Check & Send service when applying for your first adult passport.

How much will it cost?

It costs £77.50 for an adult passport. It costs more if you want to get your passport fast-tracked.

How Long Will It Take?

Post: You should receive your passport about three weeks after posting your application (if you have filled in your form correctly).

Check & Send Service: To get your passport in about two weeks, you can pay £8.17 for your application to be checked and sent off by the Post Office.

Remember that the Passport Office tends to get busier during the summertime so it's always best to apply for your passport in advance and not leave it to the last minute. For more information go to the Post Office website.

Keeping Your Passport Safe - Top Tips

• Keep a note of your passport number, date and place of issue, and keep it in a safe place.
• Leave a photocopy of your passport with a friend or relative at home when you are on your travels.
• Complete the Next of Kin details on the back of the passport (person/people who get contacted if something happens to you).
• If your passport is lost or stolen overseas then immediately contact your nearest British Embassy or Consulate for advice. You can ask at your hotel/tourist office for directions.
• If you lose your passport in the UK then you need to report this to the Identity and Passport Service Adviceline: 0300 222 0000.

Note: You will no longer be able to legally use your passport once it has been formally reported as lost or stolen because the Identity & Passport Service cancels it.

Using Your Passport as I.D?

If you loose your passport on a night out it's expensive to replace. Why not take your Young Scot NEC card along with you instead to proove your age. The National Entitlement Card has the PASS hologram on it, meaning it is recognised as an official proof of age card across the UK. Use it to get access to clubs, buy DVDs and even get in to see the scary films in the cinemas.