British passport holders are being urged to perform five essential checks before travelling abroad this summer, as failing to do so could result in being denied boarding at the airport.
Passport Validity
Travel business owner Kate Donnelly, who shares advice on TikTok, recommends first verifying the expiry date. Most European destinations require at least three months' validity remaining from the date you leave the country. However, for Turkey, you need 150 days of validity from the day you arrive. "It's really important you check the country you are travelling to and see what their rule is," she explained.
The 10-Year Rule
Donnelly also highlights the 10-year rule, which applies to most of Europe. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country. This is particularly important for passports renewed before 2018, as unused months from an old passport may have been added, making the passport over 10 years old. "This is catching so many people out," she warned.
Blank Pages
Thirdly, Donnelly advises checking for blank pages. While the new Entry-Exit System (EES) in Europe aims to phase out passport stamping, the system is paused in many countries. If the airline checks your passport and finds no empty pages, they can refuse boarding.
Condition of the Passport
The physical condition of the passport is often overlooked. Water damage, fake tan stains, tears, or illegible writing are grounds for airlines to deny boarding.
Dual-Nationals
Finally, Donnelly addresses dual-nationals affected by a rule change from February 2024. UK citizens must now use a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement when entering or exiting the UK. Since the certificate costs £589, she recommends dual-nationals apply for a UK passport instead, allowing them to carry both passports and use whichever is appropriate for their destination.
