Holidaymakers have been advised to carry out essential passport checks while travelling to avoid potential delays or being denied boarding at the airport. The advice comes after it was recently announced that getting a new passport is now more expensive, up 7 percent to £94.50 per person.
Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have named seven essential passport checks jet-setting Brits should carry out before heading on holiday this year. Brits planning a trip to Europe must ensure their passport was issued within the last 10 years before their arrival and remains valid for at least three months beyond their intended departure from the EU.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “With passport fees increasing and queues likely getting longer this summer due to the introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, we urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.
“Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.
“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.
“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you. That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”
1. Blank pages in a passport
All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages.
2. Expiry date
Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. This is an important detail to remember as previously, British passports could be valid for 10 years and nine months, however with the new EU rules, they’re only valid for 10 years from the issue date.
3. Water damage
If your passport has sustained water damage, you likely won’t be able to use it as a valid travel document.
4. Laminate peeling
If the laminate over the personal details page is lifting or peeling, it could raise suspicions of tampering.
5. Child passport
A child’s passport is only valid for five years and often expire before parents realise. Parents should check the expiry dates early and renew them in good time to avoid delays or travel disruption.
6. Tears or rips in page
If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps.
7. Visa
Holidaymakers need to familiarise themselves with the entry requirements of the country they’re travelling to, especially if it’s a non-European destination, and acquire a travel visa if needed.
