EsuriJohn

Yes Fred it does seem that the daft system used by UK immigration of giving a new number to each passport renewal does have some advantages.

MikeJ

The reason they do issue a new number is for exactly the same civil liberties issues which put paid to the National ID Card. If the passport had a continuous number then in effect you have a National ID number - with the associated biometric database that goes with it. If you were to change the form factor of the passport to CC size (for the convenience of the traveller ) then you have an ID Card by another name! I wonder the last government didn't think of that.
This could have been a good topic for a thread a couple of years ago.

EsuriJohn

The cc size would be OK for EEA but for ROW you would still need pages for visa stamps and such suppose thats why EU countries issue both.

MikeJ

The ICAO standard allows for electronic visas - which could also be held on the chip in due course. But probably not in my lifetime!

MikeCol

Quick snippet of info re the forth coming Tolls, on the 19th March there was a 'slow march' protest between VRSA and Lagos. There is another one planned for the 8th April and will take place by the Guadiana International Bridge http://www.theportugalnews.com/cgi-b....pl?id=1105-14 Regards Bryony

The Capitans Wench

In relation to the tolls, can someone explain to me what the situation is for visitors from UK arriving at Faro Airport, taking a hire car as normal and driving directly to Spain ? Will they have tolls to pay, which part or all of the road and how do they pay ?

Thank you

EsuriJohn

If they arrive after mid April and the system is in operation you will have to pay a toll to use the A22 the old road N125 is not tolled. They will have to pay from joining the A22 at the Stadium Algarve to Castro Marim or take the N125. If you read thro the thread you will see that there is confusion about how hire companies will cater for the introduction of tolls and how a few of us residents in Spain and Portugal whilst being equally confused are attempting to swim thro the treacle to a solution that suits each different case.

MikeJ

Based on your location you'd probably be safer flying to Sevilla or Jerez - it's not at all clear how a transient visitor will be able to pre-pay for the toll and if it is not paid you can be hit with a fine of up to 25 times the toll (max 125).
In the north of Portugal it is possible to pre-register for a one-way trip from the border to Porto airport - and that may be the case for a one-way from the Spanish border to Faro when the scheme (or scam) starts (who knows). The problem is that you would need to know the registration of your car to pre-register - not always possible with a hire car as they are often allocated on arrival. Although it's always worth phoning the hire company and ask if they can tell you the number before you leave home, then you can pre-register online in the comfort of your own home

The Capitans Wench

Thank you, I have read the thread. It would be after that date. They will have to look at the route. Treacle was never a favourite of mine not even dripping from scones at halloween.

MikeJ, I try NOT to fly to UK, always get delayed there.... Ash Cloud and snow so far.

The reason for Faro is direct from Edinburgh, for my family. They can't do that to Seville nor Jerez as far as I know. A call to their normal car hire company before booking may be the best idea. Thanks

betris

im on the fence with this one.your nat ins number stays the same.your driver number stays the same.bank acc.cards and varius other numbers. so why not the passport

Fredbargate

Depending where you are in Seville then the distance from Malaga airport is about equal to the distance from Faro airport.

EsuriJohn

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/galicia...3G31P11991.htm

This webpage gives details of a new method of buying access to the motorways in Spain. Google struggled to translate however it has just translated into Spanglish.

It seems to apply definitely to the North but may also apply in the South. What it seems to be saying is that there is a scheme being put foreward to allow access for three days which can be booked by internet.

The Capitans Wench

I am not in Sevilla as it says I am near it, on the west side. I think they looked at Malaga and times or something did not suit they can look again as options are limited for direct. Indirect takes away too much of their precious time off.

Casa Santo Estevo

I see you got the link from my posting on the PT section.
The article says whilst you can purchase tolls via the Portuguese Post office's website it is a pain. I have tried so that I could write down the procedure. It is a long/complicated process and it is only in Portuguese.
The way to purchase 3-day passes is to go to a Portuguese P.O. or somewhere in the Payshop system ( I do not have a clue what that is as it is something in Portugal not in Spain). The article does not talk about service stations (or maybe they are the Payshops?).
The article goes on to say that Portugal has not responded to the questions raised by various bodies in the North of Spain with the EU. So carry on regardless.

PS never use Google to translate unless you like a laugh

EsuriJohn

I find it a challenge but fun!