By Hannah Ahmed
UK tourists are being advised to make four passport checks before jetting off this year. As the summer holidays roll in, families are looking forward to some rest in warmer destinations around the world, however, before flying off there is a checklist one expert is recommending travellers to follow. Passport guidelines can be tricky to understand sometimes, but specialists from Travel Republic have summarised what preparations you should make prior to getting to the airport. Travel Republic issued four rules which should be followed this holiday season. For those headed to Europe, there are rules which must be followed, EU in particular including strict regulations about passport issue dates. The expert said: “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鈥檚 expiry date.” Ensuring your passport is valid is really important, as this can cause problems at the airport. The specialist said: ” 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.” Ensuring your passport is in good physical condition is just as important as knowing what expiry date your document has, as this can also cause issues at border control. The expert said: “A passport must be in good physical condition to be accepted. Even minor damage can cause issues at check-in or border control.” Keeping an eye on the renewal date of your passport is important, to avoid issues when you arrive at the airport. Travel Republic said: “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鈥檛 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.” READ MORE: Panic in Spain as UK tourists ‘concerned over their safety’ Gemma Brown, Head of Ground Product & Partnerships at Travel Republic commented: 鈥 The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would not cover any costs associated with invalid or expired passports, as it鈥檚 down to the traveller to triple-check their documentation is correct. 鈥淥ur 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鈥檚 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.鈥 READ MORE: Terrified UK tourists in Spain, Portugal, Greece warned to stay indoors during day 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