Passport warning issued to travellers over little-known ‘two page’ rule that could deem it invalid
As if getting ready for holiday wasn't stressful enough with remembering everyone's passports and must-have essentials for the trip, now we're being reminded of a little known rule.
Lots of would-be holiday makers have been caught out recently due to passport mistakes, including there not being enough time left to travel.
Many people know about that one now thanks to people sharing when they've been caught out, but there's another issue you need to be aware of.
As well as double checking you've packed enough factor 50 sun cream, make sure to give your passport a second glance too before you head to the airport.
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The more well-known rule for travelling to Europe is to check the length of time left on the passport - it must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry into the country.
It must also be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave. However, something that catches people out is how many pages you have left in the passport - so if you're a serial stamp collector and a globetrotter, listen up for this one.
You need to double check that you have at least two blank passport pages remaining, or your passport could be seen as invalid.
There is a change coming in the next few months which will remove this is an issue, however if you are travelling over the summer it is important to know.
There is a new scheme called the the EES (Entry/Exit System) which will replace the much-loved passport stamps for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area.
The EES will now use digital records to track entries and exits instead of the decorative stamps.
This change is not set to come in until October 2025, so be sure to double check.
Ian Wilson, a travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, told the Daily Record: “With passport fees increasing we urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.
"If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you. That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”
If you're a fan of travelling and think your passport is likely to fill up faster, you can opt for a bigger passport when you renew so it features 54 pages instead of the standard 34.
There is a price difference though, as the jumbo passport costs £100.50 if you apply online, or £112 by paper form. This is in comparison to the standard passport, which will set you back £88.50 online or £100 by form.
The application process is the same as for a regular passport.
Another thing to be mindful of is if you're on the clumsy side, you also need to be aware of any rips or tears or water damage to your passport as this could also invalidate it.
Jen Thomas