By Neil Shaw,Robert Rowlands

Copyright dailyrecord

The Foreign Office is urging all British travellers to pack a back-up form of photo identification alongside their passport. Matt Bramich from Inghams and Santa’s Lapland has outlined why holidaymakers now require dual forms of photo ID when travelling overseas, reports Bristol Live . The Foreign Office states in guidance on GOV.UK: “Take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport.” Matt explained the details, saying: “Losing a phone or passport can leave travellers without access to essential information such as accommodation details, flight information, passport number, emergency contacts, or their insurance policy. By carrying a second form of photographic ID, such as a driving licence or national ID card, travellers add an extra layer of security. “While no one goes abroad with the intention of finding themselves in an unexpected or difficult situation, it’s wise to protect yourself as much as possible. This includes having appropriate travel insurance, packing emergency essentials, and now, carrying more than one form of identification with you. “It’s widely recommended to keep your passport securely stored in your hotel safe, and having a secondary ID allows travellers to do so without the risk of losing their passport when sightseeing or taking part in recreational activities that require age or identity verification, such as entering bars, clubs, or other age-restricted venues. “This new guidance is particularly relevant for active winter holidays involving outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, or even just city walking. Bulky documents like passports aren’t always practical to carry on you, and the risk of losing them can be higher due to the nature of the activities and the busy travel environments. Carrying a smaller, secondary ID is a safer, more convenient solution. “What’s more, a second form of ID can also be important in the event you become ill or injured while travelling abroad. While some smartphones allow users to digitally store emergency medical information – such as Apple’s Medical ID or Android equivalents – having a photographic ID, in addition to an updated EHIC/GHIC card, can speed up things like admissions to the hospital, accessing insurance details, and contacting your family or national embassy if you can’t communicate. “Before travelling, holidaymakers should always check the laws around carrying photographic ID in the countries they’re visiting, as some countries require tourists to carry this with them by law. For further info, travellers should consult the ‘foreign travel advice’ page on the UK government website, or speak to their travel provider before departure.”