UK holidaymakers are being urged to check their passports carefully before travelling this Easter, as damaged documents could lead to being turned away at the airport. Travel expert Jamie Fraser from Wild Packs warns that thousands of travellers are refused boarding each year due to physical damage such as torn pages, water damage, or detached covers.
Even minor wear and tear can cause issues with automated scanners and border checkpoints. Fraser advises checking the passport's condition well in advance, as general deterioration from being stored in backpacks and handled during trips can render it invalid.
Post-Brexit rules also require UK passports to have been issued within the ten years before the arrival date for travel to most European countries. Travellers must also ensure there is a blank page for stamps or visas, as a full passport can cause problems at the border.
If a replacement is needed, the standard online renewal costs £94.50 and takes around three weeks, but fast-track services are more expensive and not always available during peak periods. The government recommends applying as early as possible to avoid disruption.
