The UK Government has issued an urgent reminder to all passport holders who are planning to travel abroad in the near future, whether it be for a holiday or business purposes
Passport holders across the UK have received a crucial warning from HM Passport Office. Officials are urging anyone planning holidays or business trips abroad to carry out one vital check.
Text messages circulating read: “Remember to check that your passport is valid for the country you are travelling to.” The guidance also emphasises the need to “check the entry requirements” via their official website. This resource lists numerous destinations and helps travellers access “advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.”
France serves as a prime example of a popular holiday spot and travel guidance highlights that France operates under Schengen area regulations. Under these rules, your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive, and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).
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Before you start packing your bags, you need to make sure you’re clued up on the requirements. The UK Government has issued a fresh warning to holidaymakers, which reads: “Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.”
If it’s time for a renewal, head over to the official GOV.UK website to submit your application. You can replace, renew, apply for or update your passport and even make a payment online.
The cost of a passport can vary based on your age and whether you apply online or via post. Applying online could save you £12.50 compared to sending your application by post.