holidaymakers

The comment from the owner of BA comes after Jet2 said it would not introduce surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases

The parent company of British Airways has cautioned that airfares are set to climb as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the Iran conflict, has caused oil prices to surge dramatically.

International Airlines Group (IAG) announced on Friday that the ongoing Middle East crisis will push up the cost of flights to account for soaring jet fuel prices.

Airlines routinely purchase a portion of their fuel in advance at fixed rates to shield themselves from price fluctuations, a strategy commonly referred to as “hedging”.

Despite this, IAG warned that it remained “not immune” to the wider consequences of the Middle East conflict. The group insisted it had yet to experience any disruption to its jet fuel supply, amid growing concerns over potential future shortages as a result of the ongoing hostilities.

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The government is “closely monitoring” fuel stocks as airlines brace themselves for possible shortages, with oil tankers still unable to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. It has also emerged that airports are set to make it simpler for airlines to cancel flights without jeopardising their allocated take-off and landing slots, should fuel shortages prevent them from operating. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced that airlines will no longer be obliged to adhere to the “use it or lose it” rule at UK airports, whereby carriers must utilise at least 80% of their allocated slots during a season in order to retain them for the following year. “Airport Coordination Limited, the independent body that manages slot allocation at UK airports, has updated its guidance so that airlines will not lose their slots if fuel shortages prevent them from flying,” the DfT statement confirmed.

“Airlines can now apply for an exemption from the ‘use it or lose it’ rule in these circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Jet2 has revealed it will not be imposing surcharges on any previously booked flights or holidays to offset rising costs, reassuring customers that the price they book is the price they will pay.

The policy covers all flights and holidays booked through any channel, whether online, via the mobile app, contact centre or through an independent travel agent. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”

NATIONAL Trust is set to close more than 130 holiday cottages due to falling profits.

The charity said it would cut the properties from its books – with most set to go on the rental market later this year.

The conservation charity owns more than 500 holiday cottages across the UK – but it is planning on closing down 137 of them this year.

It is understood that most of the cottages will be repurposed as homes and put on the rental market later in the year, according to The Telegraph.

The Trust has not yet issued a list of which properties will be closed and when.

But it is thought the remote Bird How, located on a rough farm track in the Lake District’s Eskdale Valley, is among the many properties earmarked to shut.

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Elsewhere in the area, the Trust confirmed to local publication, Cumbria Crack, that it would close six holiday lets in the county.

This comes after the charity experienced a challenging financial period, after it was revealed its investment portfolio had lost millions in recent years.

Membership numbers have also plummeted – declining by 120,000 in the past two years.

Now, it has decided to cull some of its holiday let portfolio to alleviate local housing shortages and “deliver a greater financial return for the organisation”.

A National Trust spokesman confirmed 137 of their cottages would be “repurposed”.

They told The Telegraph: “We have reviewed our holiday accommodation to ensure all holiday cottages are financially sustainable.

“As a result, 137 holiday cottages will be repurposed, with most becoming long‑term rented homes that support local housing needs.”

The decision was “not easy” but was necessary to ensure the Trust could continue its “mission”, they added.

A skincare expert has shared which beauty products are likely to cause problems at airport security due to hand luggage liquid rules – and how to avoid any hold-ups

With summer getaways fast approaching, countless holidaymakers are gearing up to travel overseas. As skincare continues to surge in popularity, many will be packing their creams and serums – yet skincare specialists are cautioning that transporting these products can prove more complicated than anticipated.

Experts at Landys Chemist have outlined the key ways skincare items can cause issues at airport security.

Skincare specialist Rhysa Phommachanh explained: “Many travellers are now packing full skincare routines in their hand luggage, but it can be confusing knowing which products are allowed. As a general rule, if a product can be spread, rubbed, or sprayed, it will usually fall under airport liquid restrictions.”

For instance, numerous skincare products nowadays appear as jellies, balms and sticks.

All of these are classified as liquids by airport security, as are sheet masks and eye patches.

Failing to adhere to airport security regulations could result in travel disruptions or having your belongings seized.

To conserve luggage space, travellers sometimes transfer larger items into smaller containers to meet requirements.

Nevertheless, these unidentified containers can prompt queries at security and trigger manual inspections, which can prove time-consuming.

It’s also probable that any pressurised containers such as facial mists, setting sprays or spray sunscreens will require manual examination and slow down security lines.

It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the regulations at each airport you pass through, as updated liquid rules are gradually being introduced across the country.

Restrictions may vary from one airport to another, so ensure you are fully aware of the specific guidelines before you board your flight.

When it comes to skincare, a minimalist approach often yields the best results.

As reported by the Express, Rhysa said: “A more simplified approach tends to work best for long-haul travel.

“Basic essentials such as lip balm, a lightweight moisturiser, or a facial mist are usually more than enough to maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin barrier.”

‘Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets’

The EU has issued a warning that Europe faces a “very serious crisis” as aviation fuel supplies begin to dwindle due to the conflict in Iran, and holidaymakers may need to alter their summer travel plans.

“Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets,” Dan Jorgensen, the EU energy commissioner, told Sky News. “Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it’s not there.”

Jorgensen added: “[Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues.”

The International Energy Agency has cautioned that significant supply problems could emerge within the next five to six weeks.

Airlines are already implementing measures to curb demand: the Lufthansa Group, among Europe’s largest airline operators, has confirmed the scrapping of 20,000 flights over the coming months. Meanwhile, other carriers are hiking ticket prices on long-distance routes to offset rising fuel costs.

“If we had peace tomorrow and the Strait of Hormuz opens, I think we will manage without that happening, but I have to say that even in the best-case scenario, the price crisis will still last for quite some time,” Jorgensen warned.

“Gas infrastructure has been ruined to a degree that will take years to rebuild and this means for months and maybe years yet we will see much higher prices than we had before this crisis started.”

The head of Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority told Sky News that people should consider spending their summer holidays in their home countries.

“In the past petrol prices have reached and exceeded more than $100 without any significant side effects on air travel but this time, the psychological effect is having a destructive effect on passengers,” Pierluigi di Palma warned. “It is best to recommend holidays nearby, rediscovering beautiful places in our country. “For those who still want to risk taking a long trip, it’s a good idea to consider special insurance that can provide reassurance regarding a guaranteed refund in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight.”

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The EU has unveiled a raft of measures aimed at curbing the impact of the energy crisis, including proposals to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy sources and incentives for households to install clean energy solutions such as heat pumps and solar panels. The bloc is also pushing member states to slash tax on electricity, in a bid to encourage more motorists to make the switch to electric vehicles.

A group representing British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Loganair, Ryanair, TUI, UPS and Virgin Atlantic has given a stark warning to ministers about holidays this summer. According to ITV News, Airlines UK has told passengers, ‘you can forget your holidays’ according to Good Morning Host Susanna Reid.

The letter, which has gone to ministers and the Civil Aviation Authority, calls on the government and officials to change the rules to bring down passenger duty, allow more night flights, and also to scrap compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.

Presenter Susanna said: “You can forget about your summer holidays. That is the stark warning issued to some air passengers hoping to fly abroad this year. With the war in Iran doubling the price of jet fuel, airlines say they face having to increase fairs or cut flights altogether.”

Co host Ed Balls added: “UK operators are now calling on the government to bring in emergency measures. In a confidential letter seen by ITV News, they’re asking for help to protect fuel supplies, reduce taxes on tickets, and waive strict rules. on compensating passengers.”

ITV said airlines are urging the government to step in to protect business travel, holiday flights and freight operations from the economic fallout of the war in the Middle East. A confidential briefing document submitted to ministers and the aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, seen by ITV News, warns that if the disruption “continues or worsens,” airlines will be forced to cut flights and push up fares.

The document, from Airlines UK, which represents British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Loganair, Ryanair, TUI, UPS and Virgin Atlantic, warns that jet fuel costs have doubled, with fuel accounting for around a third of airline operating costs.

Correspondent Nick Dixon said: “Airlines are now at the stage where they are monitoring their reserves of jet fuel very carefully, very closely. There’s no indication just yet of any immediate cancelled flights or fuel shortages, but the airlines clearly need a backup plan in the longer term. And they are pushing for that. Now, some of the airlines have already taken steps. Lufthansa, the European airline, has cancelled thousands of its short-haul flights in an effort to conserve jet fuel. EasyJet, Virgin Airlines, as well as others, have expressed a lot of concern about the coming weeks.

“Virgin Atlantic has cancelled one of its long-haul routes. EasyJet has said, really, beyond the next few weeks into mid-May, they’re not entirely clear on what they will do for jet. Let’s just take a look at what the airlines are asking from the government in this letter that you mentioned.”

In terms of the changes the airlines want, he said: “So firstly, they want to relieve or reduce air passenger duty to help bring down the cost of travel generally and holidays during this period. Allow for nighttime flights to keep things moving if the schedules are disrupted, and also to scrap compensation for cancelled or delayed flights caused by fuel shortages. All of that, of course, would have a huge impact. on passengers.

“What most passengers want to know is, will my holiday flight be affected? It may well be that if the airlines win concessions from the government, we start to see some tactical flight cancellations of what would otherwise be loss-making departures. Well, the Department for Transport has said that it’s continuing to work with fuel suppliers, with airlines, and international counterparts on our contingency emergency planning to ensure that people keep moving and businesses are supported while the conflict is ongoing. But it’s all quite vague really at the moment and very concerning for passenger passengers who have either spent hundreds if not thousands on flights or are looking to plan uh trips throughout the summer.”

Many holidaymakers like lazing around the pool and soaking up the rays when on an Egypt break. But tourists in one resort got more than they bargained for when they were relaxing by the pool in their resort

Egypt is a top holiday destination amongst Brits, with approximately one million British nationals visiting the the country each year. The destination known for its diverse blend of ancient history, world-class marine activities and year-round winter sun. However, as well as exploring, many holidaymakers like lazing around the pool and soaking up the rays when on an Egypt break. But tourists in one resort got more than they bargained for when they were relaxing by the pool in their resort.

Paolito Entertainment, which puts on hotel and resort entertainment, shared a video of some baffled holidaymakers in Egypt being greeted by someone dressed as Monster’s Inc character Michael Wazowski.

The ‘green monster’ was seen jumping on some people’s sunbeds as they tried to ignore him.

Next to him was also someone dressed as fictional character Cheburashka.

They captioned the post: “Hotel-style entertainment done right.”

The post racked up 178,000 likes as many admitted they would find it amusing.

One person called it ‘their dream’, while someone else added: “I wish this would happen to me.”

However, other people weren’t so keen.

“That looks terrifying,” admitted one person, while another said: “They don’t look very entertained.”

A third confessed: “Don’t want to know who is inside there.”

While someone else asked: “What the heck Cheburashka doing out there?”

As of April, 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) considers major tourist destinations in Egypt safe to visit, but maintains strict warnings for specific border and desert regions.

Areas advised against travel

The official FCDO advice for Egypt warns against:

North Sinai Governorate: All travel due to ongoing security operations and the risk of terrorism.

Egypt-Libya Border: All travel within 20km of the border (except for El Salloum, where only essential travel is advised).

Western Desert: All but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta (except for major sites like Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Faiyum Governorate).

Northern South Sinai: All but essential travel beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, excluding coastal areas.

Ismailiyah Governorate: All but essential travel to areas east of the Suez Canal.

Safe tourist destinations

The FCDO does not currently advise against travel to the primary tourist hubs, including:

Cities: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan.

Red Sea Resorts: Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam.

It might seem unusual, but they can actually come in very handy when you’re travelling.

Planning what to pack for a holiday can be challenging. The task becomes even trickier if you’ve only booked hand luggage, as there’s nothing more frustrating than attempting to squeeze everything into limited space.

But there’s one small item you should always attempt to include in your suitcase when travelling anywhere. It comes in particularly useful if you’re heading somewhere far away and want to reduce your jet lag.

All that’s required is a few clothes pegs, which most of us have at home.

If you’re somebody who struggles to sleep unless the room is completely dark, staying in hotels can be problematic, as curtains don’t always meet properly.

This is where clothes pegs come in handy. You can simply use them to fasten the curtain fabric together, preventing any additional light from filtering through and disrupting your rest.

A similar technique circulated on TikTok in recent years, though it involved using a hanger rather than clips. Nevertheless, people have highlighted several flaws with this method, which is why it’s worthwhile packing a few extra pegs instead, reports the Express.

When travel influencer Emmaline Childs demonstrated the hack on TikTok, she explained: “Pull out a hanger with the clippies and use that.”

In the comments section, viewers acknowledged the hack worked effectively but also identified a problem. Anyone who has stayed in a hotel lately might have noticed that those types of hangers weren’t available.

In many cases , they’re permanently fixed to the rail and cannot be removed. One commenter noted: “Half the hotels don’t give you the option to remove the hangers now!! But the other half I sleep well.”

Due to this issue, travel specialists at Islands suggest packing some clips or clothespins as a precaution. The experts explained: “Not only do they help close those stubborn curtains, but they also serve other handy purposes.”

For instance, one Reddit user shared: “We always pack 4 wooden clothespins. The ones that have springs. Good for drapes, closing snack bags and whatever else.”

They’re equally useful for hanging damp clothing in the shower to dry overnight when you fancy doing laundry during your hotel visit, and resealing those crisp packets or toiletry pouches to prevent your items from spilling into your luggage.

Tenerife tourists admit they’ve been hit with an unlikely issue that’s “catching holidaymakers out”. Travellers visiting the hotspot have alerted people to the matter

Tourists visiting Tenerife have been left floored after an unlikely aspect led to impacting their recent holidays. It comes as holiday season has started with a bang, with thousands jetting off to hot countries to sample their first real bit of sun this year.

However, those visiting the Canary Islands have been issued travel advice, especially those heading to Tenerife, as they’ve been warned they may need to act before they go on their travel adventure. Claire, known as Family Freed Company on TikTok, recently alerted people to the issue in a candid video were she offered her top travel tips for visiting.

It’s not the first time the holiday hotspot has been in the news recently either. A few weeks ago, some people admitted they booked early flights home after visiting the destination.

Alongside her video, Claire wrote: “Everyone thinks Tenerife is hot ALL day, but no one tells you what happens when that sun disappears.

“Midday? Boiling. Shade/cloud? You’ll feel it instantly. Evenings? Jumper is coming out. And, if you’re travelling with kids, this catches you out FAST.

“We’ve been multiple times and I STILL see families underpacked. Tenerife is amazing – just don’t pack like it’s 30 degrees 24/7.”

The video has been viewed hundreds of times since it was shared, and dozens have commented to share their thoughts. It seems as though many have been struck by the issue when visiting the destination.

One quipped: “Finally someone said it. Clouderife most of the time.” Another added: “Not in the north it’s not! Cloudy every day.”

A third said: “Coming tomorrow. We have cardigans and jackets.” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I stayed there last March. It was so lovely. I was grateful for a bit of cloud as some days it was so hot.”

While Claire loves Tenerife, and admitted it can get really hot at times, she said it’s something travellers need to be aware of. You need to know what to pack if you’re planning a holiday there to ensure you don’t get cold when it clouds over.

In another recent post, people also complained about the misty weather. Someone said: “Got here yesterday and I have never seen it this bad before.”

One more also wrote: “So depressing when you get three or four days out of seven like this.”

What you need to know

If you haven’t been to Tenerife before, there are a few things you may want to know about the weather. Tenerife often has varied cloud cover, frequently appearing cloudy or overcast in the morning, particularly in the north.

However, generally, this tends to clear to sunny spells by midday. While the north is greener and wetter, the southern tourist areas are generally much sunnier and drier.

Even so, these areas can sometimes experience “calima” (dusty, hazy, hot conditions), so people should bear this in mind. Lots of people love visiting the destination though, much like Claire.

For the most accurate, localised forecast, it’s best to check the weather specifically for the area of Tenerife you are visiting. Sources you could use include the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) or a local Tenerife weather webcam.

Brits travelling abroad are being urged to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.

Holidaymakers have been warned about a new charge coming into force this week. The government is introducing new fees for passport applications on April 8, pushing the cost of online applications beyond £100 for the very first time for adults.

This follows a previous price rise for passport applications earlier in 2025. The latest hike stands at 8%, with a statement on the government website confirming the new fees will help the Home Office move further towards a system that covers its own costs through users rather than relying on general taxation funding.

Under the new proposals, adult online applications will climb from £94.50 to £102, while child applications will go up from £61.50 to £66.50. Postal applications will also see increases, reaching £115.50 for adults and £80 for children.

Premium one-day applications from within the UK will set you back £239.50, up from £222, and standard online applications made from abroad will rise to £116.50 for adults and £75.50 for children. Overseas paper applications will increase to £130 for adults and £89 for children.

Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, says the rise is particularly significant for Brits applying from overseas, where charges are already higher, reports the Express.

He said: “For expats, long-term travellers or those in the process of relocating, these additional costs can quickly add up, especially if passports are needed for visas, work permits or international moves. Getting your application in before the deadline can help avoid unnecessary extra spend.”

With busy travel periods such as summer on the horizon, demand for passport applications is expected to surge. Delaying too long could mean not only paying more, but also facing hold-ups.

Mike added: “If you know your passport needs renewing, acting now is the safest option, putting you ahead of both the upcoming price increase and the seasonal rush.

“While renewals typically take up to three weeks when completed correctly, any errors can cause delays, so it’s important to check all documents carefully before submitting. Early applications are a simple step that could save both time and money.”

How long does it take to get a new passport?

According to the Home Office, the majority of standard applications from the UK were processed within that three-week timeframe.

However, it can take longer if additional information is required or you need to attend an interview. A sensible approach is to always apply for a passport renewal with as much advance notice before travelling as possible.

For first-time applicants, or those applying on behalf of a child, the process may take a little longer. The government also strongly advises against booking any travel until the new passport has been received, as the number will differ from the previous one.

HOLIDAYMAKERS could get stuck abroad this summer as up to 10 per cent of flights face cancellation if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary warned.

And the budget airline kingpin said that holidaymakers should book as soon as possible to avoid paying far higher prices.

The price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has left the vital shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz blocked.

Speaking to ITV News, the airline chief revealed that between five and 10 per cent of flights in May, June and July could be cancelled if the Strait remains closed.

The Ryanair chief explained: “We have aircraft that are based at 95 airports across Europe.

“And we’ll have to cancel routes at whichever airport where the fuel company advises us they’re short of jet fuel at, say, Malaga Airport or Athens Airport.

“It’ll be those kind of decisions. And we’ll get very little notice – we’ll be told, I think, within five or seven days.

“So we will then be looking around and we will be trying to ground one or two aircraft and minimise inconvenience for customers. But it’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be challenging.”

O’Leary admitted that some holidaymakers may get stuck abroad due to flight cancellations, but noted that airlines have a responsibility to get you home.

He said: “Now, you won’t get compensation because it’s clearly beyond the airline’s control, but we will – and in Ryanair’s case we have lots of flights on a daily basis – we will re-accommodate you and get you back.

“You might be stuck for a day or two, but if you’re staying within Europe, you should be reasonably confident.”

Asked if it would be a “gamble” to book a summer holiday, O’Leary admitted “life is a gamble”.

He continued: “I think we’re looking at the risk of five or 10 per cent of cancellations in June or July, but 90 to 95 percent of flights will still operate.

“So, I think you’re really not taking much of a gamble. I would be much more concerned if you delay your booking, that actually you and your family will be paying much higher prices if you get to May, June, or July.”

The blame for any cancellations should be laid at the feet of the US President, not the airlines, the Irish airline boss added.

He added: “There doesn’t seem to be any exit plan at all. But we are where we are, blaming Trump is not going to get us anywhere.”

O’Leary said that this would be an “unknown scenario” for the airline industry and that “the sooner this war is over, the better”.

The new comments from the airline boss come after he said yesterday that jet fuel supplies could be disrupted as soon as May due to the new crisis in the Middle East.

Speaking to Sky News, the airline chief revealed that while Ryanair is “reasonably well hedged” on 80 per cent of its fuel, the company is being forced to shell out nearly double for the remaining 20 per cent.

O’Leary confirmed the airline is paying around $150 (€130) a barrel for the unhedged portion of its supplies.

The MSE team and Martin Lewis said to do this quickly

If you’re planning a holiday this year, there’s one crucial item on your checklist that should be ticked off first before you begin planning where to go and what to wear.

The Money Saving Expert (MSE) News team and Martin Lewis have emphasised the importance of securing travel insurance as soon as possible after booking a holiday. Many people tend to leave it until the last minute, but as Martin Lewis recently explained on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, without insurance, you may not be able to recoup your costs if something prevents you from travelling, potentially losing thousands.

According to MSE, during the show, Martin Lewis said: “Travel insurance is not just to cover you while you’re away. It’s also very important to cover you in case something happens before you go that stops you going.

“I have a rule: you should get your travel insurance ASAB – as soon as you book. ASAB.”

The financial expert added: “Right now, many people have already booked. If you don’t have your travel insurance and if your holiday’s booked, do it right now.

“The reason I do this is every year, someone asks me a question something like, ‘I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. We can’t go on the holiday. They’re saying we can’t have our money back. What do I do?’ And I’m impotent.

“Because the answer is, you get on your travel insurance. And they say, ‘Well, I haven’t got my travel insurance yet’. Do not get your travel insurance the day before you go. You get your travel insurance ASAB.”

Speaking to his co-host Jeanette Kwakye, who is also a former Olympic sprinter, she revealed that a viewer had contacted the programme regarding a difficult predicament they were facing.

Jeanette shared their message, reading: “I booked a holiday for Christmas last year, but I was then medically advised not to fly. The holiday was already paid for and I hadn’t taken out any travel insurance. I’m now being told I’ve lost all the money for the holiday. Is there anything that can be done?”

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Martin said: “Please don’t be the person this summer who asks me that question. If you’re going to get travel insurance, ASAB.

“The answer [to whether something can be done] is no. I mean, look, very simply, just think about it for a second. If you bought a tennis racket and you broke your arm, you can’t say to them, I want a refund because my arm’s broken.

“The tennis racket still works. The flights still work, the hotel still works. It’s not them that’s got the problem. It’s you. That’s the logic. That’s what you have insurance for.”

Foreign Office and travel insurance

While you can take out travel insurance, it is worth noting that it could be invalidated, even if you take it out when you book. For example, if you are planning on heading to Dubai, the Foreign Office has said on its GOV.UK website: “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

At present, it states: “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates.”

For detailed information and advice on Foreign travel insurance, visit the GOV.UK website online here. It also advises: “You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.”

Alongside insurance, it is recommended that you review FCDO travel advice and register for alerts for your destination. GOV.UK confirms: “If you travel to a destination where FCDO advises against all but essential travel or all travel, your insurance may be invalidated.”

Travellers are being caught out by new rules at certain UK airports, as people are reminded to check their airport’s regulations before flying to prevent upset and delays

As the cold, bleak winter drags on, many Brits are counting down the days until they can jet off on their summer holidays. But a major new airport rule change is catching some travellers off guard – and starting their trips with unnecessary stress when they realise they’ve got it wrong.

As of January, passengers flying from certain UK airports can now carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, replacing the long-standing 100ml limit, thanks to new CT scanners. In a statement, Heathrow Airport said: “Passengers travelling through all terminals at Heathrow no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage, or juggle plastic bags at security.

“The UK’s hub has become the largest airport in the world to fully roll out next-generation CT (computed tomography) security scanners – a move that promises faster queues, less stress and a smoother start to journeys for millions of travellers.”

UK airports that have ditched the 100ml rule

• Belfast International
• Belfast City
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow

However, the change has not been rolled out across every airport – with many still sticking to the 100ml rule and requiring liquids to be removed and placed in clear plastic bags.

UK airports still enforcing the 100ml rule

• Aberdeen
• Bournemouth
• Cardiff
• East Midlands
• Glasgow International
• Glasgow Prestwick
• Inverness
• Isle of Man
• Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool
• Luton
• London City Airport
• Manchester
• Newcastle
• Newquay
• Norwich
• Southampton
• Southend
• Stansted
• Teesside

Exemptions still apply for essential medicines, baby food, and milk, as well as special dietary requirements.

Travellers are being urged to check their departure airport’s rules before flying – especially ahead of the busy Easter holidays – to avoid delays or having items confiscated at security.

Reacting to the change, one traveller flying from Gatwick Airport wrote on Reddit: “Makes the journey just that little bit less stressful. Leave everything in your bag – laptop too.”

Another added: “Edinburgh is the same, which is really handy.”

A third explained: “This is because a new generation of scanners is being rolled out that allows more liquids and means you don’t have to remove laptops – but only a few airports have them so far.”

However, not everyone is convinced.

One user said: “This change is useless until all major airports follow suit. It’s fine on the way out, but if your return airport still has the old rules, you end up throwing things away. It also causes confusion, especially when different London airports have different rules. It should be all or nothing.”

Another added: “I’ve been travelling with just carry-on for years now and wouldn’t go back. There’s something freeing about not carrying full-size toiletries when you only need a small amount.”

British holidaymakers in Tenerife admit they have “booked early flights home” recently. A specific issue seems to have impacted their holidays over the past few weeks

UK holidaymakers visiting a beloved travel hotspot say they’ve been “booking early flights home” after their breaks were disrupted by an unexpected issue. While many jet off abroad hoping to bask in the sunshine, unwind and enjoy some well-deserved rest, things don’t always go according to plan – no matter how much we’d like them to.

Brits in Tenerife recently discovered this first-hand, with some suggesting their holidays were “ruined” due to an unlikely problem. A string of videos have gone viral on TikTok, with visitors expressing their frustration after trips to the destination over recent weeks, catching many completely off guard.

This follows yet another Tenerife-related announcement made earlier this month, when it was confirmed the island had been added to a warning list.

A man, known online as Gazza, posted a video of his recent getaway, stating: “Come here every year and this is the first bad downpour experience.” He also described the weather as “brutal” for four days due to the relentless rainfall.

The clip has since racked up thousands of views, sparking hundreds of responses. It appears many fellow travellers have encountered similar situations.

One commented: “Had wind, clouds and cold one year for four days out of the seven. Never went back.” Another added: “I was there last week and got an early flight home.”

Gazza responded to this remark, saying: “Was debating it too.” While a third chimed in: “I just got back. It was mental.”

A further user wrote: “It’s been almost a week!!! Everywhere/everything closed!!!” While another remarked: “That’s pretty unlucky. I would feel gutted.”

Others, however, claimed to have had a wonderful time during their visit, with some reporting an entirely different experience.

One holidaymaker shared: “It’s heaven. Chill.” Another added: “Here at the moment and not that bad. People need to chill out.”

Someone else also weighed in with: “Still rather be there than here. It’s the getting away that matters.”

What’s actually been going on?

While heavy rainfall is uncommon in Tenerife during March, a powerful storm has recently battered the Canary Islands. Storm Therese is reported to have wreaked havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unexpected mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds and even snowfall at high altitudes.

Authorities confirmed it was amongst the most devastating storms to strike the archipelago in over 10 years, which may well explain why so many visitors encountered such dreadful weather during their stays.

The silver lining, however, is that conditions appear to be on the mend. Current forecasts predict sunny spells over the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching highs of up to 26 degrees, which could explain why some travellers have recently reported a marked improvement in the weather.

One visitor said: “It’s sunny now.” Another wrote: “I’m just back yesterday. Was there for a week. We had a ball even with the storm and rain.”

People with plans to go abroad are being warned

Holidaymakers are being made aware they may face additional expenses due to continuing unrest in the Middle East. With flight cancellations, disrupted travel routes and official advisories now in effect, many with travel plans remain uncertain about their financial position should trips be delayed or cancelled entirely.

Alicia Hempstead, Travel Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, has addressed a series of questions concerned travellers may be asking. She explained: “Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that travel insurance will cover travellers affected by the current situation in the Middle East.

“Most standard policies will not allow claims resulting from events that fall under standard exclusions like war and civil unrest. This means any claims for costs linked to disruption, such as cancelled trips, lost items, emergency accommodation, or medical treatment resulting from the conflict are unlikely to be covered.”

Foreign Office guidance

“In serious crises, such as the current situation in the Middle East, which has prompted updated Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warnings, the FCDO will usually coordinate support and evacuation efforts. However, this assistance is not guaranteed and does not replace travel insurance. Depending on the circumstances, travellers may still be responsible for some costs, even if they receive help from the FCDO.”

Can I get my money back if my flight is cancelled?

“As flights are being cancelled and significantly delayed, airlines have legal obligations under UK and EU passenger rights rules to offer either a full refund or to re-route at no additional cost. Once services resume, carriers must also offer re-routing options. Passengers’ first point of call should be to check directly with their airline for the latest updates, as policies may vary by departure location and the specific disruption.

“For those due to travel in the coming weeks or months, refunds are not automatic simply because the FCDO advises against travel. However, many airlines and tour operators may offer refunds or flexible rebooking options if the FCDO formally advises against all travel to a destination. Travellers should check the terms and conditions of their booking carefully, and contact their airline or travel provider if they are unsure.

“Be aware that operators may be experiencing high volumes of enquiries, so refunds or rebooking arrangements may take several days or weeks to process and you may need to be prepared for longer waiting times on the phone or online.”

Can I get specialist insurance?

“Travellers who knowingly travel to high-risk areas typically require specialist high-risk or conflict-zone insurance that explicitly covers war-related incidents. These policies tend to be more expensive and come with strict conditions, but they are the only way to secure cover for conflict-related risks.

“For instance, Dubai has previously been a very popular destination, and travellers who have holidays booked may find their hotel costs aren’t covered because their standard policy excludes war-related incidents.

“It’s always a good idea to check directly with your hotel, or if you’re on a package holiday, with your provider, to understand what might be refundable or rebookable if your plans are affected.”

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) option

“A future option to ensure you’re always as protected as possible is to opt for Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance, which can offer reimbursements of around 50-75% of non-refundable, prepaid trip costs. However, these premiums come at a higher price and aren’t offered by all UK insurers.

“If you don’t have specialist cover in place, your best first step is to speak directly to your airline, hotel, or tour operator to understand what flexibility or refunds they may be able to offer before assuming your travel insurance will pay out.”

Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and snow at high altitudes, causing flight cancellations and travel disruption, with some holidaymakers even cancelling their breaks

Many people book a holiday to Spain for some much-needed sunshine, however some are now choosing to cancel their trips as Storm Therese is currently causing chaos across the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma.

The storm is currently delivering an unusual combination of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and substantial snow at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, describing it as one of the most severe storms to hit the archipelago in over a decade. Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will stay active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in effect across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also covered Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The weather drama has caused many Tenerife tourists to admit they ‘can’t wait’ to get home.

One Tenerife resident, known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok, took to his account on Saturday (March 21) to discuss the ‘wild’ weather in the area.

The car hire and bar owner filmed himself as he said: “The Tenerife weather is just wild at the moment. It’s on for another at least four days this crazy weather. He explained the Santa Cruz de Tenerife area had just experienced a “torrential downpour”, but then he turned the other way to reveal “blue skies with the sun shining”. However, he noted, within the next minute, the rain is “bouncing down” again.

The Tenerife resident also mentioned the drains “just can’t handle” the rainfall and they end up “bursting up” fairly regularly.

He continued: “The good news is, it is mixed. I suppose that’s kind of good news, you can get a bit of sunshine, but it was absolutely hammering it down a minute ago.

“So there you go, another four days or so of this. If you’re here, expect a mixed bag – heavy rain, a bit of sunshine now… towards Las Americas looks alright. But you’re going to want to do your indoor activities.”

He stated when the sun is out, it’s “about 22 degrees”, but it’s “around 18 degrees” in the shade, the rain and the wind.

Numerous followers amongst his 115,000-strong audience who were heading on Tenerife holidays confessed they were concerned about their break.

One person commented: “When will it be finished? We come Friday.”

Whilst another added: “Praying it passes by Tuesday.”

A third chimed in: “I’m coming Monday, really hope it picks up!”

Nevertheless, others admitted they were calling off their breaks as the Tenerife resident posted another clip of the rainfall, with one person writing: “We cancelled our week away at the last minute.”

Another replied: “Snap – we’ve rebooked for April 12 onwards.” The storm has resulted in widespread cancellations and safety shutdowns across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or diverted by Friday, 20 March, mainly at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are urged to verify their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Numerous individuals on TikTok and Facebook have branded Tenerife South Airport as ‘chaos’, claiming that the luggage queue is taking hours and some people are missing their flights.

Others have also alleged that the E-gates aren’t functioning and hundreds of people have been queuing “to see one passport officer who was having to re-scan face/finger prints”.

Sharing another video from Tenerife South Airport, @theknightstrider1 described it as “rammed” in the caption and said arrivals was particularly crowded so holidaymakers should “be prepared”.

He added in the clip: “If you’re wondering if Tenerife is busy, it certainly is. This is the arrivals area and it’s absolutely rammed. People are still pouring in.

“If you come to the airport, I do recommend you get here nice and early if you’re leaving, there’s bound to be queues when you’ve got this many people around.”

Aena said in a comment: “In Spain border control is the responsibility of the National Police, not the airport. The airport has provided the necessary infrastructure for the implementation of the Entry Exit System but its availability depends primarily on the number and performance of police officers at the border post.”

When will Storm Therese be over?

Storm Therese is expected to subside across most of its affected areas by Monday, 23 March 2026. While the worst of the weather occurred between Thursday and Saturday, some impacts and weather warnings will persist through early next week.

Storm effects are currently continuing today (Sunday March 22) with rain and strong winds. Orange wind warnings (up to 100 km/h) remain in place for Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and western La Palma.

Weather is forecast to “ease off” on Monday (March 23) with wind speeds dropping and rainfall decreasing significantly. However, yellow and orange warnings remain active for several islands, and some schools in El Hierro, La Gomera, and parts of Tenerife will stay closed as a precaution. Conditions are expected to improve throughout the week.

Storm Therese is battering the Canary Islands with heavy rain, 100km/h winds and significant snowfall, with over 40 flights cancelled and schools closed across the islands

Storm Therese is currently wreaking havoc on the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and La Palma, with an unusual mix of heavy rain, 100 km/h (62 mph) winds, and significant snowfall at high altitudes. Authorities have declared a full-scale emergency in Tenerife, labelling it as one of the most severe storms to batter the archipelago in over a decade.

Spain‘s meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued several alerts that will remain active throughout the weekend. Orange (high risk) warnings have been dispatched for northern Tenerife and parts of La Palma due to wind gusts reaching 90–100 km/h and heavy rainfall. Concurrently, yellow warnings are in place across all seven islands for rain, thunderstorms, and choppy seas with waves reaching up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Unusually for this time of year, significant snowfall has also blanketed Mount Teide and surrounding peaks above 1,800–2,000 metres.

The storm has led to widespread cancellations and safety closures across the islands. Over 40 flights were cancelled or rerouted by Friday, March 20, primarily at Tenerife North and South airports. Travellers are advised to check their flight status via Flightradar24 or their airline.

Schools and universities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and several other islands were shut on Thursday and Friday, whilst key roads, including access to Teide National Park and the TF-445 to Punta de Teno, are closed due to ice and snow.

Major international events such as the Tenerife Bluetrail 2026 race have been cancelled or postponed.

Providing an update on the weather situation on Friday (March 20), one Tenerife resident known as @theknightstrider1 on TikTok took to the platform to share details with his 115,000 followers.

The car hire and bar owner, who is based in Playa de las Américas, was heard saying: “A little weather update for you then, it’s raining… it’s pretty grim and it’s gone really overcast as well.

“The rain showers are on and off, we haven’t really had any rain until now. It was okay this morning, but yeah it is raining. The current temperature’s around 18 degrees, not too cold but the umbrella’s are out, people are sheltering and it’s really not that nice.”

He added: “Bear in mind, you might get caught in the rain, have a brolly with you. Maybe some of the rain macs as well if you’ve got any, if not buy some because it’s on and off.”

One person wrote: “Weather’s been awful the last three days, can’t wait to go home.”

Whilst another added: “Arrive tomorrow, packed a brolly.”

A third chimed in: “This makes me so happy as someone who was going to go this week and changed to last week! Phew.”

Whilst a fourth asked: “Why is it every time it’s sunny in the UK it rains in Tenerife?”

Another resident of the Canary Islands also posted a weather update on TikTok from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, captioning the clip, ‘Rain, wind and choppy ocean. Flights cancelled and diverted. Flooding in El Médano and roads closed. The storms Theresa and Samuel are hitting Canary Islands.’

He then said in the video: “Here if your weather update from Tenerife South on Friday March 20th, 2026. The two storms – Theresa and Samuel – are hitting the Canary Islands with force.

“As you can see here, we have quite a lot of waves here in the Troya area of Las Americas. The storms have caused quite a few incidents on the island, we have had 11 flights cancelled yesterday, 10 flights have been cancelled during the day today.

“We have had quite a few flights deviated to other airports as well and we have had ferries that have been cancelled because of the conditions out on the see.”

He explained the temperature was currently hovering around 19 degrees and there had been some rain which was “coming and going” along with overcast skies.

Are flights from the UK to Tenerife being cancelled?

Yes, flights from the UK to Tenerife are currently experiencing cancellations and significant disruptions due to severe weather from Storm Therese.

As of Saturday, 21 March 2026, authorities in Tenerife have declared an island-wide emergency due to extreme conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and rare snowfall over high ground.

Over 36 flights were cancelled earlier this week, with further disruptions reported today. While many cancellations involve inter-island services, several international flights have been diverted or cancelled due to poor visibility and high winds.

Currently, the most affected airport is Tenerife North (TFN), which has seen the greatest impact, though Tenerife South (TFS) – where most UK flights land –is also experiencing delays and some rerouted services.

Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Saturday, with a gradual improvement predicted for Sunday, 22 March.

Major airlines serving the UK to Tenerife route, such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI, are urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport

If your flight is cancelled, contact your airline immediately to discuss rebooking or refund options.

It could be worth checking your passport now

People who are planning to go on holiday this year may want to check their passports now, with some at risk of being hit with a £239.50 fee.

The price of a new or replacement passport is set to rise next month, and everyone in the UK needs a passport for overseas travel. According to Gov.uk, you can apply for a British passport if you’re a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British overseas citizen, a British subject, a British national (overseas), or a British protected person. HM Passport Office issues these documents, which currently take around three weeks or less to be delivered.

If your passport is damaged, or has expired, you will need to order a replacement one in order to travel overseas. Most people will need to pay a fee to renew an existing passport or to obtain a new one, including those for children.

At present, a standard adult passport, for those aged 16 and over, costs £94.50 when applying online, or £107 when applying via the paper form – but these charges are set to climb to £102 and £115.50, respectively.

Additional price hikes that will come into force on April 8 include the charge for a standard child’s passport increasing from £61.50 to £66.50, or from £74 to £80 for a postal application. If you need a new passport quickly, you can currently use the Premium Service (for a passport within one day) for £222.

However, from April 8 this cost will jump up to £239.50. For those applying for a UK passport from overseas, the cost will increase by £8.50 – from £108 to £116.50 – for adults, and by £5.50 – from £70 to £75.50 for a child’s passport.

The cost of overseas standard paper applications will also go up from £120.50 to £130 for adults and £82.50 to £89 for children. While the majority of folks will have to pay for their passports, there are a select few who can get one for free.

If your birth date falls on or before September 2, 1929, you’re eligible to apply for a new British passport or renew your existing one without spending a penny. You can also take advantage of the Post Office Check and Send service at no charge and benefit from free secure delivery.

BRITS applying for a new standard passport will be charged more than £100 for the first time ever.

The fee for online applications for adults within the UK will rise on April 8 from £94.50 to £102.

Holidaymakers looking to renew their passport before the summer holiday rush will be stung unless they get their bid in soon.

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

But it will likely spark a backlash for putting up prices as many families face the pinch in a cost of living crisis.

The standard fee for kids will rise from £61.50 to £66.50.

Postal applications will increase from £107 to £115.50 for adults and £74 to £80 for children.

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

The Home Office said: “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.  

“In 2025, where no further information was required, 99.7 per cent of standard applications from the UK were processed within three weeks.” 

SPANISH sun and a sense of calm was what I was expecting to greet me at Lanzarote Airport – instead I spend the first three hours of my holiday queuing to get out of the arrivals hall.

Because thousands of travellers like myself were stuck in huge queues, thanks to the new EES system – and with Easter and summer season on the way, I can see it getting worse.

My Jet2 flight landed at half past one on a Thursday afternoon in early March and I didn’t get out until just after half past four.

The queues stretched along the corridor and zigzagged all the way through the arrivals hall that took passengers to EES registration.

I’d already signed up to EES, having visited Lithuania a few months ago – but that was no use at all.

There was no separate queue for – or any staff for that matter – advising those who have registered to head straight to the passport e-gates.

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While this was frustrating, what was even more so was that only half of the EES machines were actually working.

When I finally made it to my bus transfer, even the Jet2Holidays rep said she’d ‘never seen delays this bad’.

While Lanzarote has had a bad rep for lengthy queues in recent weeks, they are by no means the only ones.

The Sun travel team has been to various airports across Europe since the start of 2026 and many of them have had much longer queues than usual.

Like in Lanzarote, in some places only half the EES machines are working.

In other destinations, all of the machines are switched off until around midday. So it’ s pure luck as to whether you’ll even get to sign up.

Thanks to its winter sun offering, Lanzarote is one of the first airports to really show what an issue the new system could be for Brits this summer – when millions of visitors arrive for their annual holidays across Europe.

Lanzarote Airport has been subject to ‘bottlenecking’ which is a term used when there are too many flights at once and it causes congestion in the airport.

It’s no surprise really, Lanzarote is a small island with a small airport.

Around 100 planes land at the airport each day and over one million British tourists visit Lanzarote each year, with more heading there over the Easter and summer holidays.

Looking at planned flights on flightradar24 for Thursday 19 March 2026, there are almost 40 from the UK alone, with just under 100 flights in total scheduled for the day.

Between 2pm and 3pm there are 10 flights due from the UK.

Two from Glasgow arrive at the same time, and others are within five and ten-minute intervals.

With the queues in Lanzarote reportedly reaching four hours, I’ve seen parents fearing travel chaos for their upcoming holiday.

One mum even started a forum on Mumsnet with the subject ‘Lanzarote airport actual chaos or exaggerated drama’.

In the comments, one recent visitor described the airport as a ‘madhouse’.

Another, who went on holiday around the same time as me, described it as an “absolute nightmare” and has even cancelled their booking in April as a result.

The lengthy wait times are likely to crop up at other European destinations too because of the new EES requirement.

Delays have been reported at airports like Brussels, Lisbon and Prague, and officials have even called for the EES to be delayed until after the summer holidays.

Other airports are looking for solutions.

At some operated by Aena, like Ibiza, Menorca, Malaga and Palma, Majorca – there could be a Brit only lane at border control to ease congestion.

As for Lanzarote, if you want to make the most of your arrival on the island, then I’d suggest booking an earlier flight so you’ll still have the afternoon to explore.

Otherwise all there is to do is line up and wait patiently.

For more about the new travel requirements this summer – here’s everything you need to know about EES.

And for more travel inspiration, here are the bucket list 2026 holidays you should go on for every month of the year.

Brits heading abroad have been warned the normal £94.50 fee can escalate under some circumstances

Brits planning to travel abroad this Easter have been warned not to make a crucial passport mistake which could leave them seriously out of pocket. Adult passport renewals currently cost £94.50 when applying online – in some circumstances this can soar.

Experts say people should be checking their passports immediately to make sure they are still valid, as the window for standard renewals is already beginning to tighten. With Easter Sunday falling on April 5 this year, travellers who have not yet checked their passports may already be close to the usual processing deadline for standard applications.

According to official government guidance, most UK passport applications are usually processed within three weeks or less, although travellers are advised to apply well before their trip whenever possible. A standard adult passport renewal currently costs £94.50 when applying online, while applications submitted using a paper form cost £107.

However, if you leave this too late, urgent processing services mean prices rise sharply. The government’s Premium one-day passport service, used for urgent adult renewals, now costs £222, more than twice the price of a standard online application.

Andrea Platania, travel expert at Transfeero, says the weeks leading up to Easter are a common moment when travellers suddenly realise their documents may need attention. It is then a race against time to make sure they can still travel.

He says: “Easter trips often creep up on people. Many families book their flights weeks or even months earlier, then only check their passports when they start preparing for the journey.”

According to Andrea, discovering a passport issue close to departure can quickly complicate travel plans. “Renewing a passport is normally straightforward if you give yourself enough time,” he says. “But when travellers realise just a few weeks before departure that their passport has expired or does not meet entry requirements, the situation becomes much more stressful.”

Because standard applications can take around three weeks to process, travellers who are planning to leave the UK around the Easter period may now be close to the point where urgent services become the only realistic option. Urgent passport services require travellers to attend an appointment at a passport office.

The Premium one-day service can provide a renewed passport within hours of the appointment, but the convenience comes at a significantly higher cost. Andrea says this situation is surprisingly common during busy travel periods.

“People often assume passport renewals can be sorted out quickly at the last minute,” he explains. “But if the departure date is already approaching, travellers may find themselves forced to use urgent services that cost far more than the standard application.”

He advises travellers to treat passport checks as one of the very first steps when planning any international trip. He said: ” “When you start looking at flights and accommodation, that is the moment to check your passport. If it needs renewing, doing it early keeps the process simple and affordable.”

He also notes that some countries require passports to remain valid for several months beyond the date of travel, meaning a passport that appears valid may still not meet entry rules, warning: “That is another detail people often overlook. A passport might technically still be valid, but it may not meet the entry requirements of the country you are visiting.”

With Easter travel approaching quickly, Andrea says travellers who have not yet checked their passports should do so as soon as possible. “A quick check today can prevent a lot of stress later,” he says. “If your passport needs renewing, acting early helps you avoid both the pressure and the much higher cost of urgent processing.”