British passport holders are being urged to carry out five crucial checks before travelling abroad this summer, according to travel business owner Kate Donnelly. The TikTok creator warned that many holidaymakers risk being turned away at the departure gate if they overlook these common but critical issues.
First, verify your passport's expiry date. Most European destinations require at least three months' validity remaining from the date you leave the country. However, Turkey has a stricter rule: you must have 150 days of validity on the day you arrive. Donnelly stressed the importance of checking the specific requirements for each destination.
Second, check the '10-year rule' applicable to most of Europe. Your passport must be less than ten years old on the date you enter the country. This particularly affects passports renewed before 2018, as unused months from the old passport may have been added, making them effectively older than ten years. 'This is catching so many people out,' she said.
Third, ensure you have blank pages in your passport. While the new Entry-Exit System (EES) was meant to phase out stamping, its rollout has been paused. Some countries still require stamps, and airlines can refuse boarding if you have no empty pages. 'Therefore if the airline checks your passport and you have no empty pages left, they are well within their right to refuse boarding,' Donnelly warned.
Fourth, inspect the physical condition of your passport. Water damage, fake tan stains, tears, or illegible writing can all be grounds for airlines to deny boarding. Donnelly emphasised that this is often overlooked but can pose a genuine obstacle to travel.
Finally, dual nationals should note a UK rule change from February 2023. British citizens must now use a UK passport or a certificate of entitlement when entering or exiting the UK. They can no longer rely on a non-UK passport, even if they hold British citizenship. Donnelly advised that a certificate costs £589, so it is more cost-effective to apply for a UK passport to use alongside the non-UK one.
