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With the new EU Entry/Exit System expected to cause delays at airports from next month, travellers are being urged to check their passports now or risk disruptions and even being turned away at the airport.
Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have named seven essential passport checks jet-setting Brits should carry out before heading on holiday this autumn.
Passport rules for British travellers have changed in recent years, with more factors to consider to ensure a passport remains valid.
When travelling to Europe, Brits need to make sure their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date of entry, and that it’s valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the EU.
This is crucial to remember because previously, UK passports could be issued with up to 10 years and nine months‘ validity, but EU rules now only recognise the 10-year limit from the issue date.
While UK travellers don’t need a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days in Europe, those looking to go on longer trips need to check the entry requirements for the country they’re visiting and obtain an appropriate travel permit.
Avid travellers collecting stamps in their passports need to also ensure they have at least two blank passport pages remaining, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid.
The experts also urge travellers to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as damage to the cover, pages or the chip, could lead to delays or even refusal at the border.
Parents travelling with children should be especially mindful, as a child’s passport is only valid for five years.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “We urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.
“Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.
“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.
“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.”
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