Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark warning to anyone planning to travel abroad in June, July, or August, urging them to check their passports before heading to the airport. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Calder highlighted that thousands of holidaymakers have already been caught out and missed their trips due to outdated passport rules.
The issue primarily affects Brits with burgundy passports travelling to the EU or Schengen area. Calder explained that passports must not be more than 10 years old on the day of entry and must have at least three months' validity beyond the planned return date. He cited the case of James Luton, who was denied boarding for a flight to Portugal for his 50th birthday because his passport was issued over a decade ago, even though it had not expired.
Calder emphasised that the EU is the only region that cares about the issue date of a passport, while other destinations only check the expiry date. He urged holidaymakers to verify their passport's compliance before travelling to avoid 'wrecked holidays'. The warning is particularly relevant for those with burgundy passports, as blue passports issued from 2020 onwards are less likely to be affected, though children's blue passports, valid for only five years, should also be checked.
