You've gotten your UK visa and are now resident in the UK, here are five expat travel tips to keep in mind when you're setting off on a holiday abroad or visiting your family and friends back home.
1. Dual national children/adults need both their US AND UK passports to travel from the UK to America and back.
Follow the adventures of a sun-worshipping cat and book lover recently transplanted, with a bit of kicking and screaming, to the cold and rainy UK. Spousal visa in hand, Tara arrived with two suitcases, no cat, and her greatly reduced earthly possessions somewhere en route over the Atlantic.
If you're planning a holiday or other trip to France later this year, you should be aware of a new driving rule that will come into effect from July 2012. The new French law will require all drivers, including tourists, to carry a breathalyser kit in their car.
In the UK, passengers in the back seat must wear seatbelts as well as those in the front seat. The person liable for failure to wear seatbelts is the driver.
If you're a UK resident travelling in Europe, be sure to to get your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All UK residents are entitled to coverage under this scheme regardless of nationality, however, those who are not EEAEuropean Economic Area nationals will need to apply by post with supporting documents. Forms are available from the post office.
Driving while using a mobile (cell phone) or other communication device is illegal, can result in a fine and penalty points against your licence. Use a handsfree kit, only push buttons while it's in the cradle.
