avoid

Rules around travel to Europe are changing – make sure you’re prepared by following a travel expert’s tips.

Nobody wants to face those dreaded airport queues; there’s nothing to ruin the start of a holiday than being stuck in a long queue, stressing about whether you’ll make your flight, surrounded by equally frustrated travellers.

From April 10, new biometric checks will become mandatory for all non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area which will include Brits. Traditional passport stamping is now replaced by fingerprint scans and facial recognition. While it is meant to be a quick process, major international hubs are already reporting long queues of up to four hours for the service, especially at airports that host multiple airlines.

With that in mind, Jane Bolton, a travel expert at Erna Low, has shared four simple but essential tips to help passengers avoid unnecessary delays and start their trip without delays.

Arrive earlier than you think you need to

“Airport wait times can vary, but with the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times,” Jane explains. “In the past, travellers were advised to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. Now, it’s worth allowing more time than usual.”

To be extra prepared, Jane would recommend arriving three to four hours before the flight to account for additional biometric checks slowing down border processing – especially if you’re flying during busier holiday periods.

Consider fast-track options where possible

But spending so much time in airports isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of fun. In that case, fast-track security could be worth the investment. “As long queues are expected, passengers should opt for alternative time-saving methods where possible,” Jane says. “Purchasing fast-track tickets for security is a great method for reducing the time needed prior to a flight.” Typically costing between £3 and £12, these passes can help you bypass long security lines, a price she says is “a relatively small investment for peace of mind.”

Plan carefully if you’re travelling with family

Under the new system, families might even face additional challenges – children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting and facial recognition, but they must be linked to a registered adult. “For families or large parties travelling, allowing extra time at the airport is essential,” Jane explains. “This process will take longer than average, so plan ahead and keep all documents ready.”

Double-check your passport before you go

Since Brexit, Jane says, one of the most common mistakes travellers make is assuming their passport is valid everywhere, at any point. “Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure,” Jane says. She stresses that, while most would know their passport is expired, some wouldn’t think to check one thing that also matters: the issue date. She explains: “For example, a passport issued in March 2015 and expiring in December 2025 won’t be valid for EU travel after March 2025.” Failing to check this could mean being turned away at the airport before your trip even begins.

EMMA Watson has sparked mystery as she went to extreme lengths to avoid being pictured with a married star after a lavish dinner date in Hollywood.

The Harry Potter star recently confirmed her secret relationship with billionaire entrepreneur Gonzalo Hevia Baillares.

Just last month they were spotted passionately snogging at the airport after having jetted off on a romantic break.

But now, Emma was seen going to extreme lengths to avoid being papped with Jay Shetty, 38, according to The Mail‘s source.

Emma reportedly had dinner with the former monk and now lifestyle guru at a lavish LA restaurant last week.

The 35-year-old made her swift departure using a different exit to podcast host Jay, the source said.

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Taking their seemingly well-thought-out exit a step further, The Mail’s eagle-eyed onlooker told how the pair even “swapped cars,” in a bid to baffle the paps.

Outside the trendy spot, Jay, the British author of Think Like A Monk, was also seen looking after Emma’s dog, Sofia, in a display of manly chivalry.

In September last year, Emma, who is a PHD student at Oxford, appeared on Jay’s podcast, On Purpose With Jay Shetty.

The pair got into a deep conversation on Emma’s love life and she told how marriage is “a miracle,” and while she hopes it may one day happen to her, she doesn’t feel “entitled to it.”

Since the podcast aired, it seems Jay and Emma have struck up a close friendship – so why make a great escape?

It’s not the first time they have been spotted out on the town together, according to The Mail.

Little Women star Emma and celebrity life coach Jay were also seen arriving at Beyoncé and Jay Z‘s Oscar party.

Jay and his wife influencer Radhi Devlukia married in a traditional Hindu ceremony back in 2016.

Celebrating his wedding anniversary back in 2020, he said: “Your laugh is infectious, your dances are hilarious and your heart is so so deep.

“You’re my spiritual inspiration and guide in SO many ways! Thank you for being my wife and loving me!”

Meanwhile, actress Emma is thought to be loved up with her boyfriend Gonzalo.

They didn’t appear to care who saw them last month as she embraced the businessman as they walked through Mexico City airport.

Gonzalo, who is one of Mexico’s most eligible bachelors, is said to be taking his relationship with Emma very seriously – having already introduced her to his parents, a source told The Daily Mail.

A travel content creator based in Tenerife believes there are five common mistakes tourists make when visiting the largest of the Canary Islands and has advised how to avoid making them

If you’re planning a getaway to Tenerife in the near future, a travel content creator based in the popular Canary Islands resort has highlighted five common blunders many visitors make. Taking to TikTok, Tenerife Ambience suggested that such missteps stop tourists from experiencing the “real” island.

Around 2.3 million Brits flock to the sun-soaked destination each year. However, Brits travelling to Spain this weekend could face severe travel disruption amid major airport strikes.

More than a million travellers could be hit by industrial action taking place at popular destinations across Spain. Tenerife Ambience warned against falling victim to these pitfalls.

Staying only in the South

“The South is for sun and hotels,” Tenerife Ambience said, “but the soul of the island is in the North (Anaga, La Orotava, Garachico) – that is where the real magic begins.”

Fearing the North’s weather

Connected to the previous point, Tenerife Ambience urged prospective holidaymakers not to be deterred by the supposedly more challenging weather conditions in the island’s northern region. “Mist in the laurel forests is not a ‘bad forecast’,” they explained.

“It is the most photogenic atmosphere you will ever see. Just pack a light jacket.”

Overlooking logistics

While mountain roads may look short on the map, these winding ‘serpentine’ routes require time to navigate. Therefore, Tenerife Ambience recommends: “Do not rush through the drives. Tenerife is not for hurrying.”

Visiting Teide

Mount Teide is a 3,718-metre-high active stratovolcano situated on the island, and is an absolute must-see. However, Tenerife Ambience cautions against visiting around midday, when it tends to be heaving with crowds.

“The heat and crowds kill the scale of this place,” they said. “Stay for the sunset. Watching the sun go down above the clouds is a life-changing experience.”

‘Tourist’ food

Rounding off Tenerife Ambience’s list is a word of warning about dining out. “Forget frozen paella in the ports,” they advised. “Look for Guachinches in the North. Local wine and fresh octopus are the true taste of the island.”

For those who love exploring on foot, Tenerife Ambience has put together five “iconic” oceanfront routes to “feel the real energy” of the Atlantic, taking in “wild cliffs to misty palm groves”. In their own words, these are:

1. Costa de El Sauzal. A hidden scenic boardwalk directly above the crashing waves.

2. El Médano to Montaña Roja. Windy dunes and a stunning view of the Red Mountain. Pure freedom.

3. Lago Martiánez to Playa Jardín. The best of Puerto de la Cruz: saltwater pools, black sand, and lush parks.

4. Punta del Hidalgo. Walking between huge volcanic mountains and natural ocean pools. North side vibe.

5. Rambla de Castro. A lush palm forest trail right above the powerful Atlantic ocean. A total fairytale.

Passport holders have been told to act in April if they want to avoid spending more money. Failing to do so could lead to people facing more expensive travel fees this summer

UK passport holders are being urged to take action in April as a costly change is about to come into effect. Whether you’re planning a holiday now or in the future, it’s essential you take note if you want to sidestep a heftier bill.

This is because a change coming into force from April 8 could affect how much you’re forking out to travel. Acting before this deadline could mean you’re able to board a flight at a cheaper rate, which is welcome news when virtually everything else seems to be getting pricier by the day.

This comes as the holiday season truly kicks off following the onset of spring. Brits have been advised to pay close attention to the guidance as a significant passport change is set to take effect this month.

The advice was recently brought to the public’s attention by Simi, known as Miss Personal Finance on TikTok, where she laid out everything people need to be aware of. She regularly shares a wealth of useful money saving tips online.

In the clip, Simi said: “From April 8, the cost of getting a passport in the UK is set to increase by 8%. This means that an adult online passport will be going over the value of £100 for the first time.

“The UK Home Office stated that the increase of these costs is to reduce reliance on taxation funding, while covering the cost to produce the passports.”

Following the video, viewers claimed “everything is going up”; nevertheless, those who fail to act promptly when renewing their passports will find themselves facing steeper fees to travel.

According to the UK Government website, there are several key points to be aware of.

These include:

• The price for a standard online application made from within the UK will rise from £94.50 to £102 for adults and from £61.50 to £66.50 for children
• As well as this, postal applications will rise from £107 to £115.50 for adults and from £74 to £80 for children
• The fee for a premium service (one day) application made from within the UK will jump from £222 to £239.50
• There will also be changes to prices for overseas applications which are detailed on the website

Why is it happening?

According to the government website, there are several reasons behind the fee increases. It explains: “The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.

“The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.”

If you need to renew your passport, applicants have been urged to apply well in advance of any travel plans. You can complete this online.

In 2025, where no additional information was needed, it’s reported 99.7% of standard applications from the UK were completed within three weeks or less.

Choosing the right seat on the plane can determine a lot for your overall flight experience, and a travel expert has revealed exactly why you should avoid booking 11A

We all have a preferred window or aisle seat when flying, but one travel expert has revealed the exact seat you should always avoid.

Choosing the right seat on a plane can certainly come with its bonuses. Whether that’s more legroom, closer to the bathrooms, being the first row to be served refreshments, or a quieter spot near the back, away from babies. Yet some seats can be a disadvantage.

Window seats are popular among travellers, particularly for those wanting to enjoy the view during take-off or landing, for a little more privacy, or to take a little snooze against the cabin. One favoured window seat on planes has been 11A, due to its positioning near or over the wing, which is thought to offer less disruption from turbulence.

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While it may sound appealing, 11A might not be as relaxing as it sounds. Andrea Platania, operations manager at airport transfer platform Transfeero, said that this specific seat often leaves passengers disappointed.

“Seat 11A might sound ideal because it’s by the window, but it can quickly become frustrating, especially on anything longer than a short hop,” the travel expert said. “You’re quite far from the toilets, which isn’t ideal, and getting in and out of that seat can be awkward.”

Andrea also explained that this seat can prove tricky for those who want to move around and stretch during the flight. “If you’re in 11A, you’re relying on the people next to you to move every time you want to get up. That might be fine once or twice, but over a longer journey it becomes inconvenient very quickly.”

It’s a seat that can also feel a little cut off from the rest of the cabin. “You’re not close to the aisle, so you don’t have that easy access, and you’re not in a premium position either. It ends up being a seat that looks better when you book it than it feels when you sit in it,” he outlined.

But that’s not the only seat you might want to think twice about booking. The expert said that seats 11A and 11F are among the “least rewarding seats” on a flight.

“Seats like 11A and 11F are often overlooked when people are booking, but they’re right in that middle section of the aircraft where you lose a lot of the small conveniences. They don’t seem bad on paper, but in practice, they’re some of the least rewarding seats to be in, Andrea said.

Yet one of the biggest disadvantages of these seats is during food and drink service. “On most short and mid-haul flights, cabin crew will begin service from both the front and the back of the plane, then work their way towards the centre. If you’re sitting in rows like 11, you’re effectively last in line from both directions.”

It can become even more of a drawback during busy flights. He said: “Passengers in seats like 11A and 11F are far more likely to find that popular snacks, meals, or even drinks have already run out by the time the trolley reaches them. It’s something people don’t think about when booking, but it becomes very obvious once you’re in the air.”

If that wasn’t enough to deter you from seats 11A and 11F, Andrea noted that they are inconveniently positioned on board. “You’re not particularly close to the toilets, and you’re not near the exits either, so you don’t get the benefit of convenience in either direction.

“You’re just in that middle zone where everything takes a bit longer.” So next time you book your plane seat, have a think about where you’d rather sit, whether that’s to ensure you’re one of the first to be served your meal or somewhere to ensure little disruption during your flight.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

As you begin to book seats on flights for the trips ahead of you this summer, there’s something you may want to consider when it comes to the most fuss-free flight

Ahead of your big holidays this year you may be starting to look at your flights, or maybe you’re checking in and choosing your seats last minute; either way, you might want to hear this.

Most planes have a handful of seats that tend be located in the same place. Some with extra leg room, others with less, some in between windows, and some even on their own. Those boarding these flights and helping to keep everything streamlined know no more about those inside of those planes than anyone else.

That’s why it would be smart to consider this key piece of seat advice from Andrea Platania, operations manager at the airport transfer platform Transfeero. According to the firm’s onboard knowledge, there are a handful of seats that passengers continuously regret going for, and it may not be the ones that have even crossed your mind.

Seat 30F is a clear seat to avoid booking on a standard aircraft, along with 30E, as these tend to be located close to the toilets. In turn, the area tends to see a lot more disruption as people queue in the aisle or pass the seat to go in and out of the toilet.

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He explained: “It’s not just about proximity, it’s about the constant movement around you.” He further claimed that these areas can quickly become gathering points during flights.

The expert shared: “The toilet doors opening and closing, people chatting as they wait, and general foot traffic all add up. If you’re hoping for a quiet, relaxed journey, these seats make that much harder.”

While these are notoriously standout bad seats, the specifics don’t quite stop there, especially in the 30 zone. Typically, seats 30A and 30F can’t be reclined as much as others.

This is worth noting for those particularly long journeys of yours, such as longer-haul flights. Andra suggested: “If you’re on a flight where you’re hoping to rest or even just sit comfortably, not being able to recline makes a big difference.” You end up feeling much more tired by the time you land.”

Adding to the already growing list of reasons as to why you might want to avoid these seats is time. If you’re a quick traveller, you have a short transfer time, you’ve got another flight to catch, or you just like to be efficient, you will not be cutting time by sitting in these seats.

These seats typically are some of the very last to leave the aircraft, according to the expert. Passengers in these rows often are left waiting longer as they have to allow time for almost everyone to disembark.

“It might not sound like a big deal, but when you’re eager to get off or have a connection to catch, it can feel like a long delay,” Andra said.

These stunning destinations are exempt from the new system launching in April.

Following months of preparation, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally be implemented across the Schengen area from April 10.

The new EES will require all non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries to register their biometric data, such as a facial scan and fingerprints, rather than receiving a traditional passport stamp. Numerous popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Italy and Spain will be impacted by the new system.

However, there are 14 countries (15 including the UK) outside the Schengen Area and therefore not implementing the new travel system.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, anticipates a surge in travellers heading to non-Schengen countries as a consequence, reports the Express.

She said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to some people who want to book last-minute trips this Easter, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.

“I think we should expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months – including the Easter and summer holidays.”

For those looking to sidestep the hassle and make their travels a little more straightforward, Laura has identified three fantastic holiday destinations that will be unaffected by the EES, meaning British tourists can explore freely without the need to provide biometric data.

Kotor, Montenegro

She explained: “Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe. A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper.”

For instance, accommodation in Montenegro begins at £23 per person per night, while a three-course meal will cost you £31.78.

Kotor sits on the coast, boasting stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. Laura remarked: “This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices.”

Tirana, Albania

This vibrant capital city is brimming with culture and a food lover’s dream destination. Laura noted: “One of the best ways to explore is by taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals.

“Remember to order Albanian favourites, Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk) for dessert.”

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Laura said: “It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.

“Tucked inside a long, thin valley and surrounded by forested mountains, the city has a picture-perfect backdrop. Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings.

“And, with prices averaging just £30 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”

Key was also a guest on the the TMS programme and he said England will make changes in the way they approach selection.

There had been a perception that the England Test team felt like a ‘closed shop’, particularly to players in county cricket who did not fit the aggressive Bazball style.

Key said the introduction of a “county insight group” to offer input into selection will attempt to formally rebuild relations with stakeholders, including directors of cricket, in the domestic game.

The 46-year-old former Kent captain also said England’s selection policy will become more cut-throat compared to the past when certain players have almost appeared undroppable.

“We’ve overvalued loyalty and overvalued having a settled team,” Key said.

“We thought what we wanted to do is make sure we have a team that is settled out there [in Australia], that we go out there and we’re not giving debuts to opening batters [during the Ashes] and stuff like that.

“But what that does is it creates an environment where there’s not enough consequence. We need to be more ruthless with our selection.”

McCullum is due to return to work towards the end of May as England gear up for a Test series against his native New Zealand which starts at Lord’s on 4 June.

However, Vaughan felt it would have been worthwhile McCullum spending time on the circuit during the early rounds of the County Championship – for good PR if nothing else.

“I’m a bit disappointed that he’s not coming a bit earlier,” Vaughan said.

“I think at this stage, when you’re trying to win back the fans, trying to win back a little bit of the game, if I was Brendon McCullum, I’d come a few weeks earlier, get seen around the counties.

“I’d go and talk to a few coaches, go and speak to a few umpires, get seen out and about just for the optics. Because at this stage he needs the fans, and he needs the game to kind of get behind his philosophy a little bit more.”

You can watch the full TMS debate over the post-Ashes review on BBC iPlayer or download it as a podcast.

BRITS are urged to apply for passports now before the price hike.

Holidaymakers have only 21 days before the application fees increase to £102.

From April 8, passport fees are set to rise sharply from £94.50 to £102.

It’s the third year in a row prices have gone up, meaning Brits will now pay 24% more for a passport compared to renewing back in January 2024.

And it gets worse if you apply by post, with fees jumping from £107 to £115.50 for adults.

Kids aren’t spared either, with children’s passports rising from £61.50 to £66.50 online, or from £74 to £80 by post.

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The Government says the increases are needed to make the system self-funded rather than relying on taxpayers.

Officials insist they’re not making a profit, with fees instead covering processing applications, supporting Brits overseas and managing UK border checks.

Standard applications take on average three weeks to process, which is the exact date when the new price comes into force.

So if you want a passport before the cost shoot up, you can apply for one-day premium service.

And be quick as the premium service will go up from from £222 to £239.50 in April as well.

EASYJET has warned holidaymakers to book their summer break as soon as possible amid fears of huge price hikes.

The airline chief has said the cost of holidays during peak months is expected to surge due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Kenton Jarvis, the chief executive of easyJet, has advised anyone wanting to go on a summer holiday to book one now before they get too expensive.

He told The Telegraph: “I think the message would be to book as soon as possible, because that will start feeding in at some stage.

“My expectation is that prices go up. The industry has no choice. We make about £7 a seat and if fuel goes up by £10 then you do something about that.

“You’re not going to take an extra £10 of costs and just sit there and do nothing.”

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At the moment, most UK airlines won’t be affected because of hedging – essentially a fixed price for oil – which is keeping prices stable.

Depending on the length of time that the Iran conflict continues and if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, there could be price hikes in the coming months.

This in turn will see airlines having to put up their fares for passengers.

Mr Jarvis said that he expects easyJet to be “good for three weeks.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said that he doesn’t expect disruption as long as the ongoing conflict ends “in the next month or two.”

Unlike these airlines, US carriers aren’t hedged which has resulted in the rise in fare prices already.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IAG) who owns British Airways, explained that fares across the North Atlantic are set to jump up.

Talking more on the issue, he said that due to the price increase of US airlines, “competitors at the other end will match the price increase. It’s the nature of the industry.”

Some airlines have already put the price of their fares up, or are preparing to.

AirAsia said it would temporarily raise ticket prices but said it would be revising fares at a later date.

Thai Airways said it expects tickets to go up by 10 – 15 per cent, while Qantas also said it would increase prices depending on the route.

And Scandinavian airline SAS has introduced a “temporary price adjustment”.

Air New Zealand has increased prices of its flights in response to rising fuel costs as well.

Domestic flights were going up by $10 (£4.37) one way, short haul by $20 (£8.74), and long haul $90 (£39.35).

For more on booking a summer holiday, here’s why you should head to Spain and Greece.

And here are six of the best holiday destinations to book for some quick Vitamin D including 28C Spanish islands.

If you’re checking into a hotel room, there’s one item I recommend you should always avoid, and I’m not talking about the kettle and mugs, but something else entirely

Tapping my keycard onto my hotel room door always leaves me filled with anticipation, excitiment and dread. Lurking behind that door, I know there will be an unwanted item waiting for me on arrival, and it’s something everyone should avoid.

Having previously worked as a hotel receptionist for several years, I gained a few useful insights into the hospitality industry and how it really unravels behind the scenes. From how upgrades really work and the hidden costs of the mini bar, to getting a cheaper rate and handling awkward guest requests, it was a very valuable experience.

Today, it helps me with my own trips, particularly after witnessing just how hotel rooms are cleaned. And let me tell you, those decorative pillows scattered on the bed and the perfectly placed bed throw are not what you want to see in your hotel room.

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From my years working in a hotel, I rarely, if ever, saw hotel decorative pillow covers, blankets, or bed throws washed. Perhaps they got a quick spritz of air freshener or a gentle dusting, but there they sat, still unwashed and covered in other guests’ germs and grime.

So now, without fail and on every room check-in, I will grab the decorative cushions and bedspread and toss them into a corner of the room, never to be handled again for the rest of my stay.

It’s not just in budget hotels that I take this course of action. Even if it’s a luxurious four-star hotel with rave reviews, I will avoid those pillows, throws and blankets like the plague. And if that wasn’t enough of a precaution, I will ensure I flip over the bed pillow that the decorative pillow was touching to avoid any cross-contamination.

While it might seem a little drastic and take me back to that time where anti-bac and toilet roll sold out in shops, I can’t shake the feeling of dirty pillows and throws in a hotel room that other people have used. Once you’ve worked at a hotel and witnessed the other side of hospitality, it opens your eyes for better, and for worse.

Yet, that’s not the only feature of a room I advised you to avoid. The mugs are also problematic. Now, I’m not saying this is the case at every hotel, but more often or not, the mugs are not thoroughly washed before the next guest’s arrival.

On more than one occasion, I’ve witnessed housekeepers rinsing the mugs out in the bathroom sink, wiping them with a cloth, and simply placing them back on the table. While it removes coffee or tea dregs, it doesn’t quite cut it for washing a mug used by guests repeatedly.

As part of my personal check-in routine, in addition to ditching pillows and throws, I’ll always boil the kettle to rinse the mugs and glassware out with hot water as a precaution. I’ll also use a little hand soap. I’m not going to be that guest who demands a fresh mug and glass just in case they haven’t been washed up; a simple home sterilisation is enough to put my mind at ease.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FOR the first time ever, renewing a British passport is set to cost more than £100.

That makes it one of the most expensive in the world – so if you want to avoid the rising costs, here’s how you can do it.

From April 8, 2026, the fee to renew a passport online for adults will rise from £94.50 to £102.

The standard fee for children will see a £5 increase, from £61.50 to £66.50.

Postal applications will go up from £107 to £115.50 for adults and £74 to £80 for kids.

The charge for a next-day premium service made from within the UK will rise from £222 to £239.50.

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The Home Office said that the price increase is to “move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.”.

If you need to update your passport, but don’t want to pay the increased fees, there are a few ways to avoid them.

First of all, apply before April 8, 2026 so your renewal will cost the current rate of £94.50.

Second, don’t apply for a renewal by post as this will increase the fee by £13.50.

And if you’re trying to avoid high costs, apply with ample time and don’t opt for next-day premium service as this hikes up the price by over £100 compared to online renewal.

The Home Office say that the fees “contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.”

It also added that last year 99.7  per cent of applications last year that needed no further information were processed in under three weeks.

Those who still have a burgundy passport need to check the expiry date on their passports, as Brits are still being caught out.

You’ll need to have the passport renewed exactly six months before the expiry date to make sure you can still travel.

For example, if your passport was issued in June 2016, but your expiry date says September 2026, that expiry is incorrect.

Instead, your passport will expire 10 years past the start date – making the real expiry June 2026.

If travelling to the EU, your passport must be less than 10 years old.

It must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to return home.

For more on passport rules – here’s everything you need to know for travelling in 2026.

And check this new rule that was enforced in February 2026 affecting dual national citizens.

IN A new twist in the Beckham family feud, it has been revealed how Brooklyn “lay by an LA pool just metres from dad David’s hotel room”, as they avoided seeing each other in the US.

The Sun were first to reveal how the estranged father and son were staying near to each other in America earlier this week.

We revealed on Monday, how David, 51, was in LA to shoot a commercial, after spending time with middle son Romeo, 23, skiing in Canada.

On Sunday night he checked into the Beverly Hills Hotel, which wasn’t far from where son Brooklyn, 27, and his wife Nicola, 31, were spotted at Sir Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars viewing party.

But in a new twist that has just emerged, it has been revealed that both David and Brooklyn were “just metres from each other” on two occasions at the five-star hotel.

It came when Brooklyn was spotted at his dad’s five-star hotel on Monday morning for breakfast after Elton’s Oscars party, according to the Daily Mail.

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David, had reportedly only just left the hotel to film five miles away in Santa Monica to record an advertisement for Lays crisps.

Insiders then said, Brooklyn stayed at the hotel all day to enjoy a “chill day by the pool“, and was seen sunbathing at around 3pm. close to where his dad’s room was.

Just three hours later David arrived for dinner at the hotel’s famous Polo Lounge restaurant at 6pm.

This means there were two occasion where the estranged father and son could have seen each other.

A source told the Mail: “David was totally in the dark about where Brooklyn was and had no idea that he had just missed him, not just once, but twice.

“Brooklyn was with Elton when David arrived to check in on Sunday night, didn’t get there before David left on Monday morning and then had gone before he arrived back.

“There is absolutely no contact between Brooklyn and his parents and there hasn’t been for some time, it is desperately sad but that is how Brooklyn has chosen to live his life with Nicola.

“Brooklyn also probably had no idea that his father was staying in a room just yards away from where they were having their breakfast.”

The insider added: “David looked like he was having a great time when he was at dinner, you wonder if that would have been different if he had known he had missed his son.”

Meanwhile, a source told The Sun earlier this week: “David was in Los Angeles for a new ad campaign, but given Brooklyn’s decision to cut off his family, there was no meeting between them.

“David had just come back from a skiing trip with Romeo and friends in Canada when he flew to Los Angeles for work.

“Brooklyn would have just been miles away from him in the house he shares with Nicola.”

The Sun first revealed last year how Brooklyn had cut off his family.

In October, insiders confirmed that the eldest Beckham boy had no interest in making amends with his family.

By January, he was communicating with them through lawyers.

Days later, Brooklyn released a bombshell statement confirming the story.

He went on to make allegations against his family, including claiming fashion designer Victoria, 51, had “hijacked” his first dance with Nicola at their wedding in 2022.

As well as cutting off his famous parents, Brooklyn is no longer in contact with his brothers Romeo and Cruz, 21, and sister Harper, 14, after blocking them on social media.