Spring has sprung and with warmer weather on the way, you might have started to think about your next holiday. If you’re planning a getaway, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the border requirements of where you’re going.

New European Union travel rules such as the entry/exit system need more information from you, and could lead to delays. As well as this, it’s crucial to take a good look at your passport and ensure it is fit for purpose. Travel expert Jamie Fraser from Wild Packs said there are a few things that can catch British travellers out – and one could see you £150 out of pocket.

If you’ve got a holiday coming up, and suddenly realise that your passport is out of date, it can be tempting to rely on a fast track service. But Jamie said this can be an expensive mistake.

He said: “They’re not always guaranteed and appointments can be limited during peak travel periods, like the summer holidays. They’re also significantly more expensive than renewing in advance, and could cost you over £150 depending on the service used. If you can, it’s always worth checking your passport in advance of your travel plans to ensure you don’t have to pay extra.”

When you’re checking over your passport, don’t just check the expiry date – the issue date is just as important.

When travelling to most European countries, your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years of the day you arrive.

Jamie said: “Before Brexit, UK citizens could carry up to nine months from an old passport to a new one, but now that no longer meets EU requirements.

“This means a passport that expires in 2027 might be unusable for travel in 2026 if it was issued too long ago.”

If you travel frequently, it’s likely that your passport looks a little worse for wear. A little damage is usually fine – but you need to be careful – anything that makes it even a little hard to read can make it invalid.

Jamie said: “Torn pages, water damage, detached covers, and anything that makes personal details hard to read can mean your passport is no longer valid.

“Even minor wear and tear can cause issues at automated scanners or border checkpoints. If your passport has been through years of beach trips and backpacks, it’s worth checking that it’s good to go before travelling.”

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