The three things you need to check on your passport NOW

BRITISH tourists face having their holidays ruined if they don’t check their passports before travelling due to new rules in place.

For many, this will be the first summer holiday since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

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To avoid missing your holiday, there are three things you should check before you head on your holiday when it comes to your passport.

Expiry date

The first thing all passengers should check is the expiry date on their passport.

Some countries require you to have at least three months left on your passport by the date you intend to return home.

Since the UK left the EU, Brits now need to have at least three months left on their passport to be able to travel to Europe.

Save yourself any last minute stress by checking the travel requirements for your destination either with the airline you’re travelling with, or the UK government website.

Start date

The start date – or ‘date of issue’ – is the next thing to be checked on your passport to avoid any last-minute chaos.

This is because new rules no longer allow Brits to have passports that have more than 10 years left on them.

Previously, UK passport holders could roll over up to nine months from their previous documents – these are no longer valid, meaning the expiry date may not be the real expiry date.

Instead, you should make sure the start date is 10 years or less when you are travelling.

For example, if you are visiting Spain in May 2022, your passport start date will needs to be no older than August 2012.

Any damage

While well-travelled people might take pride in a slightly worn passport, if it’s in too bad of a condition then you could be refused travel.

A number of travellers have been turned away from their flights due to their passports have some damage to them.

The Government website warns: “You must replace your passport if it has more than reasonable wear and tear because you may not be allowed to travel with it.”

This can be anything from a bit of water damage or slightly torn page, to missing pages or large rips.

If you need to renew your passport, it can be done online, costing £75.50, or via a paper application form available at the Post Office for £85.

Here’s a handy guide on how to get a new passport in just two days and other vital tips to avoid holiday hell this summer.

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