Before you go: Visas

Visa regulations vary widely from country to country, so always check whether you'll need one for your destination. Tanzania requires one, for example, but you can stay in Zimbabwe for up to 90 days without one. Organise your visa at least one month before departure to compensate for delays, and remember to keep two passport-size photos handy as visa applications generally require them.

Here's a list of holiday spots' visa requirements for British citizens.

Australia

Visas are required for all travel to Australia. You can apply for Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) equivalent to a visa, in a number of ways, from your local travel agent, online at www.eta.immi.gov.au or via the Australian High Commission (Australia House, Strand, London, WC2B 4LA; Tel: 020 7379 4334). It costs AU$20 or around £8 and it is valid for 12 months for stays of up to three months.

You can also apply for a tourist visa which costs AU$70 (£29) and allows you to stay in the country a year. You can apply online at www.immi.gov.au, visit the Australian High Commission or call its visa line: 09065 508900 (24 hours, £1/min). Website: www.australia.org.uk

Barbados

You won't need a visa to visit Barbados for up to six months. However, you will need to show immigration officials a valid return flight ticket or a connecting ticket if flying on to another island.

Address: Barbados High Commission, 1 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3ND. Telephone: 020 7631 4975. Website: www.barbados.org

Brazil

UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Brazil for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival and you need to have a valid return ticket. You may be asked to prove you have sufficient funds for your trip.

Address: Brazilian Consulate General, 6 St Albans Street, London SW1Y 4SG. Telephone: 020 7930 9055. Website: www.brazil.org.uk

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands come under the auspices of Spain. You don't need a visa if you are a British citizen but you must possess a full British passport which is valid for the duration of your stay.

Address: Consulate General of Spain, 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ. Telephone: 09065 508 970 (24 hours, £1/min). Website: www.tourspain.co.uk

Cuba

British citizens need a tourist card to enter the country. You can get these from the airline you book your flight with, a travel agency, or the Cuban Embassy in London, which is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm. Cards are valid for up to four weeks. For longer stays - up to two months - you'll need a regular visa, available through the same channels. Cards and visas each cost £15.

Address: Cuban Embassy, 167 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PA. Telephone: 020 7240 2488. Website: www.cubatravel.cu

Dominican Republic

British citizens do not need a visa for this destination. You'll be asked to fill in a tourist card on landing - at a charge of US$10, about £6 - and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your arrival.

Address: Embassy of the Dominican Republic, 139 Inverness Terrace, London W2 6JF. Telephone: 020 7727 6232. Website: www.dominicanrepublic.com

Egypt

UK passport holders need a visa to visit Egypt. A tourist visa, costs £15, and is valid for three months. You can download a form from www.touregypt.net/visa.htm, get one from the Egyptian Consulate or get one on arrival at the airport. The Consulate is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays for personal applications.

Postal applications take up to two weeks to process. UK passports must be valid for at least six months when a visa application is made. Address: Egyptian Consulate, 2 Lowndes Street, London SW1X 9ET. Telephone: 020 7235 9777. Visa information line: 09065 508933 (24 hours, £1/min). Website: www.touregypt.net/visa.htm