It’s that time of year when countless Brits start looking forward to summer holidays.
Sunseekers the length and breadth of the country will be dusting off their passports in the hope of jetting off to warmer climes across the globe.
But one expert has warned holidaymakers that there are certain checks you should make before to avoid any passport-related headaches this summer.
Cody Candee, CEO and founder of Bounce, has pulled together their top tips to avoid total disappointment, including one that one that you make not even be aware of.
1. Check that your passport is valid
“It may sound obvious, but if you’re travelling abroad, you must make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip.
“Not only should your passport be valid for your departure date, but many countries require your passport to be in date for at least six months after your arrival. This remains true, even if you’re visiting for a day.”
2. Renew your passport early
“With the cost of fast-tracking a new passport significantly more expensive than standard applications, we recommend renewing your passport well in advance.
“If you have less than six months validity, we recommend applying for a new passport immediately. Not only are processing times currently around ten weeks, but as travel is back on the cards for many following the pandemic, the Home Office is predicting another massive year for renewals.”
3. Check your blank pages
“If you run out of blank passport pages you will have to renew your passport sooner than your renewal date.
“Some countries, such as Italy, require a fully blank visa page for valid entry, while others, such as South Africa require at least two.
“Be sure to check the requirements of your chosen destination before travelling so that you don’t get caught out.”
4. Beware of copycat websites
“A variety of websites imitate official Government websites for passport applications.
“These websites attempt to charge users £20 – £100 on top of the official passport fee, by offering additional ‘validation’ services.
“When applying for a new passport, be cautious of these websites, and only use trusted sources. For example, the Post Office’s Check & Send Service offers in-depth passport application guidance, from specially trained Postmasters.”
