Latest news with #IanWilson
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned 'check passports' blank pages or risk being turned away at airport'
Brits heading on holidays to the likes of France, Spain, Portugal and Greece need to check their passports including blank pages before heading to the airport Before heading on holidays abroad, most people will check their passports are still in date and damage-free, but travel insiders are warning UK travellers to also cast their eyes over blank pages in their documents. That's because one simple mistake could mean your holiday is over before it even starts, as you could be denied boarding at the airport, or turned away at border control. The travel insurance experts at have warned: "With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who travel for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages." READ MORE: Livid Brits take 'sunbed wars to a whole new level' with sneaky 2am tactics It's not just how many blank pages you have left; you'll also want to check for any damage. The experts added: "If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps." Meanwhile, you'll also want to check two key dates on your document; the date of issue and the expiry date. That's because following Brexit, passport requirements have changed for Brits heading to the EU. Your passport now needs to have been issued less than 10 years ago, and must be valid at least three months beyond the date of departure. These easy errors could also be costly, as if you're turned away because you don't have a valid passport, then it's unlikely that your travel insurance would cover the costs, leaving you out of pocket. Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director, added: "With passport fees increasing and queues likely getting longer this summer due to the introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System, 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."
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Daily Record
Holidaymakers warned to check 2 pages of passport 'now'
Making sure your passport is valid for travel is essential, but one crucial rule could catch passengers out. Holidaymakers planning on jetting off to the sun have been warned to make some crucial checks of their passports in plenty of time. With just a couple of months to go until peak holiday season in July and August, experts are urging people to make sure their document is in order. And while they should be ensuring their passport is in date and valid for the country they are travelling to, there is another check that many might be unaware of. And it's to do with the number of blank pages your passport has as not having enough could see you be denied boarding. Experts are warning people that there are several factors they must check to ensure their passport is valid to travel with. The cost of an adult and a child's passport has risen by 7 per cent. As of last month, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK rose from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. When travelling to Europe, holidaymakers must make sure their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date of entry and that it remains valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure. But one lesser-known rule is that travellers should ensure they have at least two blank passport pages remaining or their document could be seen as invalid. Those who have a lot of stamps in their passport or who travel frequently need to be aware of this rule. The EES (Entry/Exit System) is replacing passport stamps for most non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area. Instead of stamps, the EES will use digital records to track entries and exits. But this system is not expected to begin until October 2025 which means summer holidaymakers must be sure they have blank pages. Ian Wilson , travel insurance expert and Managing Director at said: '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.' Here detail seven essential checks Brits need to make before they head to the airport this summer. 1. Blank pages in a passport With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who travel for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages. Expiry date Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. In Europe, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure and must have been issued less than 10 years ago. This is an important detail to remember as previously, British passports could be valid for 10 years and nine months, however with the new EU rules, they're only valid for 10 years from the issue date. Water damage If your passport has sustained water damage, you likely won't be able to use it as a valid travel document. While minor exposure to water such as slightly crinkled page edges shouldn't be an issue - further damage like smudged ink or discolouration can lead to delays or refusals at the border. Tears or rips in pages If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps. Laminate peeling If the laminate over the personal details page is lifting or peeling, it could raise suspicions of tampering. This is a common reason for passports being flagged or rejected so even if all the information is readable, it's best to get your passport replaced to prevent any issues. Visa Holidaymakers need to familiarise themselves with the entry requirements of the country they're travelling to, especially if it's a non-European destination, and acquire a travel visa if needed. When travelling to Europe, you don't need a visa if you're going for a shorter trip of up to 90 days. Child passport A child's passport is only valid for five years and often expires before parents realise. Parents should check the expiry dates early and renew them in good time to avoid delays or travel disruption.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers being fined £5,000 and hit with nine points over footwear choice
Drivers have to contend with countless road and safety rules while out on the road, but a new consideration cropping up in their mind might be shoes. Recent rumours online have spread the notion that it is illegal for drivers to get behind the wheel wearing flip-flops, slippers, or no shoes at all. However, according to the insurance comparison service there are no laws controlling what you can and can't have on your feet. Read more: Martin Lewis issues urgent cash ISA warning and says 'I know for a fact' Yet, the Highway Code does state that "footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner" should be avoided. Ian Wilson, managing director of said that many answers surrounding these rumours can be found in the Highway Code. He explained: "There are lots of motoring myths that have been around for years and persist to this day, making it a challenge to know which of them hold any truth. "We have looked into some of the most well-known tales to provide drivers with the answers they need to avoid a fine. "Motorists should remember that while the Highway Code is not considered a legal document, much of it is underpinned by UK legislation, meaning it is a criminal offence to break certain rules." While it isn't illegal, wearing flip-flops could result in losing control of the vehicle. If the accident puts another road user in danger, it could result in a fine of up to £5,000 and nine penalty points. Another popular online myth is that it's illegal for dogs to be unrestrained in the car, and they cannot put their heads out of the window while the vehicle is moving. While it isn't illegal, the Highway Code requires that dogs be "suitably restrained" to prevent them from distracting the driver or causing injury. This is to help prevent the dog from distracting the driver, particularly if it decides to make a sudden or unexpected movement. Drivers could face a £5,000 fine and nine points if they are spotted behind the wheel of a vehicle with an unsecured dog.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Most dangerous thing you could do in car during heatwave
As many parts of the UK enjoy soaring temperatures, motorists are being urged to put road safety at the forefront of their minds when reaching into their seasonal wardrobes While many Brits are enjoying the warmer weather, temperatures could be set to rise in coming days. With temperatures expected to remain in the 20s for much of the week, record-breaking temperatures could be on the horizon as the UK basks in sunshine. 'The warmest day of the week looks set to be Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 29C in the southeast,' explained the Met Office. If temperatures reach 29C, this could see the 76-year record for the hottest April on record. But as temperatures heat up, and as people reach for their summer wardrobes, drivers have been urged to ensure that road safety is at the forefront of their mind when thinking about their footwear. Although there is no law that states people must wear certain types of footwear when driving, Rule 97 of the Highway Code says people should ensure their 'clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner' so it might be time to step away from the flip flop. READ MORE: UK weather maps turn ORANGE as exact date 27C heat blast set to roast Brits revealed According to the RAC, although light and impractical footwear can be dangerous, sturdier shoes can be too. When picking footwear to drive in, people should opt for a shoe that has a good base and grip that allows them to apply pressure to the pedals. Your footwear also needs to give you the ability to manipulate the controls. 'Motorists should remember that while the Highway Code is not considered a legal document, much of it is underpinned by UK legislation, meaning it is a criminal offence to break certain rules,' explains Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director at 'Failure to know the rules of the road can see drivers hit with hefty fines and penalty points on their licence, which could in turn affect the insurance premium. Therefore, it is important that all drivers familiarise themselves with the Highway Code on a regular basis and be aware of these unusual offences.' As well as addressing footwear concerns, the insurance comparison site also looked into other myths surrounding driving, including whether motorists can eat or drink behind the wheel. Although it's not technically illegal to do so when driving, it could see you slapped with a fine. According to Rule 148 of the Highway Code, 'safe driving and riding needs concentration' and drivers must 'avoid distractions when driving or riding' including eating or drinking. If police determine that eating or drinking behind the wheel has led to you becoming distracted and losing control of your vehicle, you could be charged with careless or inconsiderate driving. This carries a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points. As well as this, Rule 148 of the Highway Code also states that 'loud music' could be distracting and impact your road safety if it masks other sounds, such as emergency sirens or horns from other cars.
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Daily Record
Little-known passport mistake could mean you're not allowed to board a flight
There are a number of things that could prevent you from being able to travel - and some are not as well known as others Travellers heading for an overseas trip have several documents that must be double-checked. From airline tickets to driving licences, it is essential they are in order to ensure everything is ready to go. It's common knowledge that a valid passport is crucial for travel, but lesser-known factors could play havoc with your departure plans. One such issue that even seasoned holidaymakers might not be aware of is water damage to your passport. Specialists at highlight the potential severity of this issue, cautioning: "If your passport has sustained water damage, you likely won't be able to use it as a valid travel document." This warning is part of a list of seven critical passport checks that advise tourists to perform before jetting off. With some changes coming into force over the coming months there is already potential for problems at borders so it is vital you do all you can to make sure there are no avoidable issues. This year marks the launch of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), set to phase out passport stamping in favour of digital facial and fingerprint recording, which could mean lengthy queues and hold-ups at security checkpoints. For visits to European destinations, UK citizens should verify that their passports were issued within the last 10 years from their intended entry date into the EU and ensure that their passports are valid for a minimum of three months beyond their planned exit date from the EU, reports the Liverpool Echo. Travellers should take note of new regulations as previously, UK passports could have up to 10 years and nine months of validity, but post-Brexit, EU rules only acknowledge a 10-year limit from the date of issue. Although no visa is required for short stays of up to 90 days in Europe, those planning longer visits must confirm the entry requirements and secure any necessary permits. Ian Wilson, travel insurance specialist and Managing Director at warns: "With passport fees increasing and queues likely getting longer this summer due to the introduction of the EU's new Entry/Exit System, 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." He also highlighted that "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." The firm says these are the seven crucial passport checks to make prior to travel: Water damage In the event that your passport has been damaged by water, it's likely invalid for use when travelling. Minor splashes resulting in slightly wavy page edges shouldn't be a problem, but damage like smudged ink or stains could cause issues including delays or refusals at border control. Available blank pages Since Brits are now subject to passport stamps upon entry and exit in the EU, frequent travellers for business or leisure may risk running low on passport pages. At least two blank pages are necessary to ensure the passport remains a valid document. For frequent flyers, there's also the option of a jumbo passport, boasting 54 pages instead of the standard 34. Passport expiry Certain countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months from the point of entry. For European travel, passports need to be valid for a minimum of three months from departure and must have been issued within the last 10 years. This is particularly important to remember given that, whereas previously British passports could remain valid for up to 10 years and 9 months, new EU regulations dictate they're valid for only 10 years from issue. Page tears or rips If your passport has any torn or missing pages, it's deemed as damaged and likely won't be accepted at the border. This is particularly true if the damage affects the personal details page or any visa stamps. Laminate peeling Should the laminate on your personal details page start to peel or lift, it could suggest tampering. This is a common cause for passports being flagged or rejected. So, even if all the information is still legible, it's wise to replace your passport to avoid any potential issues. Visa It's crucial for holidaymakers to understand the entry requirements of their destination country, especially if it's outside Europe, and secure a travel visa if necessary. For trips to Europe that last less than 90 days, you don't need a visa. Child passport A child's passport only lasts for five years and often expires before parents realise. It's recommended that parents check the expiry dates early and renew them promptly to prevent any delays or disruptions to travel plans.
