Planning to jet off for a well-deserved holiday? Before you pack those bags, listen up! Martin Lewis has an important warning for UK holidaymakers that could save your trip from going belly-up right at the airport.
In a video that caught everyone’s attention, Martin explained the two critical passport checks you need to do before heading to the airport. Missing either of these could mean a nasty surprise when you’re all set to travel.
First things first: how much time is left on your passport? If you’re off to the European Union, you’ll need at least three months left on it. For other destinations, it’s often six months. Easy to overlook, but double-check your destination’s specific requirements!
The second check is where most people slip up. It’s not about when your passport expires but how old it is from its issue date. Even if your passport shows more than six months to expiry, if it’s over 10 years old, you could be turned back! Until 2018, renewing passports early meant the remaining months were carried over, leading to passports with months left but already over a decade old. So, don’t just check the expiry date — check the issue date too.
Remember, post-Brexit rules mean when travelling to most of the EU, your passport should be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave and should be less than 10 years old when you travel. If in doubt, consult the UK Government’s foreign travel advice.
Planning on renewing? Adult standard passports cost from £102 online or £115.50 by post, and it usually takes about three weeks to process — so plan ahead!
Avoid the headache of being turned away. A few quick checks now can save you a world of trouble later. Enjoy your travels without a hitch! Safe journeys, everyone! ✈️🌍