Travel expert Simon Calder has issued an urgent warning to British holidaymakers, advising them not to cancel their 2026 holidays but instead to grab bargains. However, he also highlighted a common mistake that has ruined holidays for 'thousands upon thousands' of travellers.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Calder warned that many Brits are being denied boarding due to passport issues. The problem arises because EU and Schengen area countries require passports to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry, and valid for at least three months after the return date. This rule has caught out many, including James Luton, who was blocked from a trip to Portugal for his 50th birthday despite his passport not being expired.
Calder stressed that the issue primarily affects those with burgundy passports issued before September 2018, which can be valid for up to 10 years and nine months. He urged travellers to check both the issue and expiry dates of their passports before travelling this summer.
For those needing a new passport, Calder noted that the one-day premium service costs £239.50 for adults, while the one-week fast track is £192. He advised checking passports now to avoid ruined holidays.
