Summer time is here, and many of us will be preparing to jet off somewhere warm and sunny over the next few months. And while holidays are amazing when you’re there, the process of planning one can be pretty stressful, and not to mention expensive.
The last thing you want is to go to all the trouble of planning a trip only to get turned away at the airport gates. But if you haven’t checked your passport properly before setting off, then this nightmare could become a reality. That’s according to the experts at Travel Republic, who have sounded the alarm about three vital checks that every holidaymaker must carry out.
Three vital passport checks to do this summer
Check your passport was issued less than 10 years before your departure date
Those travelling to any country in the EU, or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland should ensure their passports were issued less than 10 years before their departure dates.
For example, if you are flying on July 10 2025, your passport must have been issued after July 10 2015. This rule applies regardless of the passport’s expiry date.
Ensure you have at least three months’ validity from your return date
Your passport must also be valid for at least three months after your intended return date when travelling to Europe or the Schengen area.
For example, if you return home on August 1 2025, your passport must be valid until at least November 1 2025.
Make sure your passport is undamaged and readable
A passport must be in good physical condition to be accepted. Even minor damage can cause issues at check-in or border control.
What happens if my passport is out of date?
With thousands of UK travellers experiencing airport heartbreak over the last year due to non-compliant passports, checking your documents ahead of summer travel plans is essential.
If your passport doesn’t meet the updated rules and outlined conditions, renewing early could be the key to a stress-free getaway, instead of missing out on your long-awaited trip.
Gemma Brown from Travel Republic said: “The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would not cover any costs associated with invalid or expired passports, as it’s down to the traveller to triple-check their documentation is correct.
“Our advice would be to ensure that your passport is within the 10-year issue date and is valid for at least six months from the date of departure to ensure you will be accepted into most countries. Regardless of passport rules, it’s important for all travellers to research the country they plan to visit and ensure they know what travel documentation is required upon entering and leaving. You can find foreign travel advice on the government website to make sure you have everything covered.”
