Brits heading to Europe this Christmas need to ensure they know the rules.
Millions of Brits are jetting off for Christmas getaways this year. If you’ve already sorted your festive break, there are several crucial things you need to remember before you go.
Travel experts at Tiger.co.uk have shared the vital checks every Brit must complete before travelling abroad. Since passport regulations have shifted for UK citizens in recent years, anyone who hasn’t travelled recently should verify their passport remains valid and they’ve got everything sorted.
For those escaping to Europe for some winter sun, there’s one critical requirement to verify, reports the Express.
Your passport must have been issued within ten years of your entry date and retain at least three months’ validity beyond your planned departure from the EU.
You should also ensure your passport remains in pristine condition.
Any deterioration to the cover, pages or electronic chip might result in border officials refusing you entry.
Families travelling together should double-check children’s passports as well, since these expire after five years instead of ten.
Frequent flyers with passport pages packed with stamps must ensure they have a minimum of two empty pages – or risk being denied boarding.
Ian Wilson, managing director at Tiger.co.uk, commented: “We urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.
“Post- Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.
“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you.
“That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”