While you may think all you need when travelling is an in-date passport and your boarding pass, there are actually a number of countries which have stricter rules. Just one passport error could see you turned away from certain countries, even after spending over 24 hours travelling there.

Dr Mohanjeet Brar, MD of Gamewatchers Safaris, warned: “Your passport doesn’t just need to be in date – it needs enough blank pages. The Namibian entry stamp alone takes almost an entire page, and if you need an extension permit, that’s another page. While most travellers remember to check expiry dates, blank pages for entry stamps and visas are often forgotten.”

Without meeting these requirements, you may be denied boarding or, even worse, be refused entry to the country after landing.

How many extra pages do you need?

Countries that require extra empty pages in passports include:

• Mozambique – Two blank pages
• Zambia – Two blank pages
• South Africa – Two blank pages
• Madagascar – Two blank pages
• Namibia – Three blank pages

However, D Brar recommends having at least one extra page beyond the minimum requirements.

“Blank pages might seem trivial, but they’re essential for a smooth trip,” says Dr Brar. “Checking now can prevent a minor mistake from turning into a major holiday disaster.”

Alongside this warning, the expert has shared a number of other tips for ensuring easy travel: