A travel expert has issued a passport warning to parents ahead of the school summer holidays. Two very important things to check before flying abroad – and you’d want to make sure of it
Before jetting off on holiday, it’s crucial to check your passport thoroughly. This includes ensuring it’s valid for the entirety of your trip and meets the specific entry requirements of your destination country.
Many countries stipulate that passports must be valid for a certain period beyond your return date. Failure to comply with these rules can result in denied boarding or entry, leading to significant travel disruptions and financial losses. Post-Brexit, the regulations for UK citizens travelling to Europe have been altered.
HM Passport Office, established in 2006, maintains accurate and secure records of key events and conducts trusted passport operations. Before 2013, it was known as the Identity and Passport Service. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.
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The rules differ for children and adult passports. In the UK, a child passport is issued to applicants under 16 years old and is valid for five years. Once a child turns 16, they can apply for an adult passport, which is valid for ten years, reports the Liverpool Echo.
With millions set to fly to Europe over August, a travel expert has issued a warning about two vital things parents need to check before embarking on their summer holidays.
Simon Hood, executive director of relocation firm John Mason International, warns that expiry and resemblance rules trip up thousands of travellers each year. Millions are set to jet off on foreign holidays this summer, and Simon warns that time is ticking to sort out emergency and replacement passports.
The travel guru emphasises: “The most important rule revolves around the differences between children and adult passport validity. Children’s passports are valid for five years, versus the adult ten years – so if in doubt, check the expiry date because the last thing you’d want is to turn up to the airport to find your children aren’t able to leave the UK.”
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Simon is also cautioning travellers that updating your child’s passport might need doing more often than you’d expect. He clarifies: “This is an often-overlooked aspect of passport renewal by parents planning summer getaways, but looking like your passport photo is obviously important.”
“As a father to young children myself, kids’ appearances can quickly change – especially at a young age. So be honest and question whether you need to renew your children’s passports ahead of summer flights.”
British passports have seen numerous alterations through the decades, including changes to cover colour and enhanced security measures. Essential security elements feature a secondary photograph of the bearer, plus a see-through overlay with various holograms.
The initial burgundy machine-readable passports were launched in 1988, and over three decades later in 2020, the iconic blue cover made its comeback after Britain’s exit from the EU. The blue passports were rolled out and distributed in March 2020.
A phased introduction was implemented from mid-2020, ensuring all new passports issued are now blue. However, a significant number of individuals still possess a burgundy passport. When your passport is due for renewal, you’ll receive a blue one. However, there’s no need to rush for a renewal unless your current passport has expired or doesn’t have sufficient validity left for your travel plans.