A travel expert has listed issues that could cause problems for holidaymakers including an explanation of passport damage
Travellers across the UK are preparing for their summer holidays but there are some vital checks you need to carry out before heading to the airport. Travel experts have outlined three things you need to be looking out for.
An oversight could lead to denied boarding, trip cancellations, or being turned away at border control, often at a significant personal cost. Gemma Brown, head of ground product and partnerships at Travel Republic, warned: “The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would not cover any costs associated with invalid or expired passports, as it’s down to the traveller to triple-check their documentation is correct.
“Our advice would be to ensure that your passport is within the 10-year issue date and is valid for at least six months from the date of departure to ensure you will be accepted into most countries. Regardless of passport rules, it’s important for all travellers to research the country they plan to visit and ensure they know what travel documentation is required upon entering and leaving. You can find foreign travel advice on the government website to make sure you have everything covered.”
Three must-do passport checks before you travel this summer
1. Check your passport was issued less than 10 years before your departure date
Those travelling to any country in the EU, or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland should ensure their passports were issued less than 10 years before their departure dates. For example, if you are flying on 10 July 2025, your passport must have been issued after 10 July 2015. This rule applies regardless of the passport’s expiry date.
2. Ensure you have at least 3 months’ validity from your return date
Your passport must also be valid for at least three months after your intended return date when travelling to Europe or the Schengen area. For example, if you return home on 1 August 2025, your passport must be valid until at least 1 November 2025.
3. Make sure your passport is undamaged and readable
A passport must be in good physical condition to be accepted. Even minor damage can cause issues at check-in or border control. Here’s how typical passport conditions are assessed:
Condition
Acceptable wear and tear
Considered damage
Minor scuffs on the cover
Yes
No
Personal details page unreadable
No
Yes
Laminate peeling on the name page
No
Yes
Small tear on blank visa page
Sometimes
Yes (if severe)
Missing or detached pages
No
Yes
Water/ink/chemical stains on the details page
No
Yes
Chip is visible or not working
No
Yes
Renew your passport early to avoid disruptions
Travel Republic says: “With thousands of UK travellers experiencing airport heartbreak over the last year due to non-compliant passports, checking your documents ahead of summer travel plans is essential. If your passport doesn’t meet the updated rules and outlined conditions, renewing early could be the key to a seamless getaway instead of missing out on your long-awaited trip.”
