Scots holidaymakers warned to check child's passport over rule that could see them BARRED from flight

Scottish Sun

a day ago

WITH the summer holidays fast approaching, families across Scotland will be gearing up for their long-awaited getaways.
Thousands of jet-setters will be looking forward to their trips as schools prepare to finish up this month for six weeks.
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Experts have shared their top advice on how to know if your passport is valid
Credit: Getty
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And families have been urged to double-check their kids' passports before heading to the airport
Credit: Getty
But the one thing that can throw an entire trip off course is an invalid passport.
Even if you have a passport that is in-date, it still might not meet certain travel requirements - and this can grind your whole holiday to a halt.
This is especially the case if you have a red, pre-Brexit passport.
Travel experts are urging parents to double-check their child's passport before heading to the airport.
Pros as Max Spielmann, which offers in-store passport photo renewal services across the UK, has warned families to check that everyone has a valid passport.
They shared their top tips on how to know whether your old, red passport is still valid or not.
The key is to check your passport before booking your holiday to ensure no unwanted surprises
Sue Burden
And they revealed that there is a little-known rule that could actually see children barred from a flight.
Sue Burden, Retail Director at Max Spielmann, said: 'The key is to check your passport before booking your holiday to ensure no unwanted surprises.
'As we offer a passport renewal service, you would be surprised at the number of people who come in to renew their passport with only a couple of days before their flight, after only realising that their passport was invalid or expired.
'We recommend that you check specific entry requirements for your destination country on the official website of the country's embassy or consulate, as rules can change."
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The three-month rule
You might realise it, but there is actually a very sneaky three-month passport rule when travelling to the EU.
We all know that our passports have to be in-date to travel, but experts have revealed that doesn't just apply to the time you're in another country.
Passports now need to be valid for at least three months AFTER you arrive at your destination.
The experts explain: "Many have turned up to their airport but been denied boarding due to their passport not being valid for a minimum of three months after their planned arrival.
"Each passport needs to have at least the months' validity from the date of exit of the European Union Schengen Area, otherwise you will be denied entry to your flight."
The six-month rule
For trips to countries outside of the EU, your passport must be valid for even longer.
The same rules apply as the three-month rule, only for countries outside of the EU, it needs to be valid for six months after your trip.
Travel pros advise: "Many countries, such as Cape Verde, Malaysia, and the UAE, require at least 6 months' worth of passport validity after your planned date of arrival.
"This way, you are sure not to overstay your permitted time.
"So, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before your travel date to ensure your journey goes smoothly."
Transiting and connecting flights
ONE thing that many holidaygoers forget to check passport entry requirements for is the country where their connecting flights are.
The travel pros advise: "Even if one country where these rules apply isn't your final destination, the rules and regulations still apply.
"Even if you are flying from one country to another where these rules don't apply, you still could be denied boarding.
"As a rule of thumb, ensure your passport has a minimum of validity of six months, and is less than ten years old each time before you travel.
"That way you'll avoid any hiccups, and any last minute changes to your travel plans."
The ten-year rule
Another technicality that could sacrifice your time away is the little-known ten-year rule.
This applies to many European countries and depends on the date that your passport was issued.
Some countries require a visitor to have a passport that has been issued less than ten years before you enter.
For example, if you wanted to go on holiday on June 15, 2025, then your passport must have been issued sometime after June 15, 2015.
If it doesn't, then you face not being allowed to enter upon arrival.
The experts say: "If your passport was issued before September 2018, your passport could be valid for more than ten years.
"Although this will allow you to travel to most countries outside of the EU, if you're travelling to any EU country other than Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, your passport MUST have been issued LESS than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country."