With summer holidays just around the corner, consumer champion Martin Lewis is sounding the alarm on passport checks - a crucial step often overlooked by UK travellers. The Money Saving Expert warned viewers on ITV's This Morning that failing to meet strict passport requirements could lead to cancelled trips and hefty financial losses.
The rules surrounding passport validity have changed significantly since Brexit, with many popular EU destinations requiring passports to be valid for at least three to six months beyond the return date. The UK's departure from the EU has brought new complexities, particularly in countries within the Schengen area where specific regulations apply. A passenger being denied boarding or entry can cause significant disruption to travel plans and result in substantial financial losses.
The Passport Office advises allowing up to ten weeks for renewals or applications to be processed, but this timeline can extend during peak periods, making early checks and applications critical. Lewis also highlighted the importance of checking not just the expiry date but also the 'issue date' of a passport, as some countries now consider this when assessing validity.
Passports issued more than 10 years ago may be deemed 'out of date', even if they have an extended validity period. This nuanced rule can catch out many who believe their passport is valid based solely on its expiry date. To avoid any travel complications, it's essential to check specific entry requirements for the destination country before booking travel.
Those needing to renew or apply for a new passport can do so online through GOV.UK at a cost of £88.50 or by obtaining a paper application form from a Post Office (£99.50). Lewis advises checking the latest requirements well in advance, as these can change and vary between countries.