As many of us look at jetting away for some sunshine on our summer holidays, it’s important to check our passports have the necessary time left on them before we travel
Holidaymakers planning a trip abroad are being urged to check a specific detail on their passports or risk being turned away at the airport. Neglecting this crucial step could potentially throw a huge spanner in their travel plans.
There are many things to keep in mind when gearing up for a trip. From packing clothes and toiletries to sorting out travel insurance and visas, it can feel like a daunting checklist of tasks to tick off.
In addition, it’s important to note that different countries have unique rules regarding passport validity. The Post Office advises on its website: “Some countries might ask that your passport’s valid for your whole time away and even a bit longer, sometimes up to six months.
“If you don’t check these rules, you could run into problems, like not being able to board your flight or being denied entry when you land.”
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To play it safe, make sure your passport has at least an extra six months left from the date of your holiday, as many destinations require at least half a year’s leeway, the Daily Record reports.
To find your passport expiry date, look at the document’s data page, which also includes your photo, date of birth, and passport number.
Passport validity rules
Before setting off on your journey, confirm the requirements for the destination you’re heading to. Here are some examples of the rules in different countries:
- For those planning to travel to the United States, it’s crucial that your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay, although having an extra six months’ validity is advised to avoid potential complications
- If you’re bound for Australia, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country
- For travel to New Zealand, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
Europe
In most European countries, your passport must be valid for at least three months. But for British citizens visiting the EU and Schengen countries, there’s an extra rule: your passport mustn’t be more than 10 years old.
The Post Office clarifies: “Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months.
“This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one. This means some people have passports that haven’t officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide.
“The exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than 10 years old.”
To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must meet the following conditions:
- Issued less than 10 years before your departure date
- Valid for at least three months after your planned return date
All the relevant information for travel to the EU and Schengen countries can be found on the GOV.UK website.
If your passport is nearing its expiry date
Head over to GOV.UK to apply for a new passport if yours has run out or won’t last as long as you need it to. Renewing or replacing your passport online will cost £94.50, or £107 if you opt for the paper form route.
Usually, you’ll have your new passport within two weeks, but if you’re in a rush, faster services are available for an additional fee.
If your passport is deemed damaged, it will also require replacement. The HM Passport Office will classify your passport as damaged if:
- You cannot read any of your details
- Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
- There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
- The cover is coming away
- There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
For further details, visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport
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