Travel expert issues warning over simple passport mistakes that will stop you from flying
When going on a trip, tourists often have to juggle many different things including travel insurance, transfers and their luggage.
But one important factor to consider is your passport – and issues with it could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK.
Chris Harrington, managing director at transfer company Hoppa, shared his advice for those going away this summer.
The travel expert emphasised the importance of making sure your passport isn't too damaged.
He explained: 'If your passport is damaged to the extent that it impacts its ability to function or verify who you are, this can lead to it being declared invalid.'
Chris advises checking the condition of your passport after booking a trip to avoid problems.
He added: 'Once you have booked your holiday, ensure your passport is in good condition and it doesn't have any water damage, tears, rips, stains or any pages are missing.
One important factor to consider is your passport and problems with it that could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK
'In most cases, minor wear and tear is acceptable, but for anything more severe, you will need to apply for a new passport.'
Though life can become busy, it is important to ensure documents such as passports are up to date – including reflecting any changes to personal information – in order to ensure they are still accurate and valid.
Chris said: 'Your passport needs to have all of your correct details on. Including name and date of birth, which means if this isn't the case, it could be invalid.
'When making your travel booking, it's important that the details you enter reflect those that are on your passport.
'For example, if you get married and you make the booking with your new surname, the passport needs to also have the same details.
'If you need to apply for a new passport due to getting married, this can be done before or after the ceremony.'
Another point to look out for is the expiry date on your passport.
Even if it hasn't expired, it's important to note that some countries require the passport to be valid for three months from the departure date.
Chris explained: 'One of the common mistakes people make is not being aware of when a passport has expired.
'When you are going abroad, you need to make sure that your passport was issued within the last 10 years of the date you enter the country.
'It's important to remember that this is counted from the date of issue and not the expiry date.
'Alongside the 10-year rule, Brits travelling to the EU and Schengen countries also need to be aware that their passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond their departure date.
'It's also worth noting that for some destinations, there needs to be 6 months remaining on the passport, so it's important to check the regulations for the country you're travelling to.'
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