passport

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.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Joshua Bogdan was born and raised in the United States. The only time the New Hampshire resident has left the country was for a day and a half in seventh grade, when he went to Canada to see Niagara Falls.

Even so, that did not mean proving his U.S. citizenship in last fall’s local elections was easy.

The 31-year-old arrived at his voting place in Portsmouth and handed the poll worker his driver’s license, just as he had done in other towns when arriving to vote. She said that would no longer do.

The poll worker said that under the state’s new proof-of-citizenship law, which took effect for the first time during town elections in 2025, Bogdan would need a passport or his birth certificate because he had moved and needed to re-register at his new address. A scramble ensued, turning the voting process that he had always found fun and invigorating into a nerve-racking game of beat the clock.

“I didn’t know that anything had officially changed walking in there,” he said. “And then being told that I had to provide a passport that I’ve never had or a birth certificate that’s usually tucked away somewhere safe just to cast my vote — which I’ve done before — it was frustrating.”

Noncitizen voting is rare

Bogdan’s experience in New Hampshire is a glimpse into the future for potentially millions of voters across the country. That is if Republican voting legislation being pushed aggressively by President Trump passes Congress and a “show your papers” law is put in place in time for the November midterm elections.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, cleared the House last month on a mostly party-line basis. Republicans say it would improve election integrity. Trump has called its safeguards common sense. Democrats and voting rights advocates call it a clear act of voter suppression. The bill is scheduled to come up for debate and voting in the Senate next week.

Republican messaging has mostly highlighted a less divisive provision in the bill that would require voters to show a photo ID. But the mandate for people to provide documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections is likely to have the most wide-ranging consequences. Noncitizens already are prohibited from voting in federal elections, and it is not allowed by any state. Cases where it occurs are rare and harshly punished.

Obtaining the necessary documents under the SAVE Act is not as easy as it might sound. A similar effort was tried in Kansas a decade ago and turned into a debacle that eventually was blocked by the courts after more than 30,000 eligible citizens were prevented from registering.

Qualifying documents, with caveats

Rebekah Caruthers, president and chief executive at the Fair Elections Center, said the legislation’s strict documentation requirements could move the U.S. “in the opposite direction” of representative democracy.

“If this bill passes, it would deny millions of eligible Americans their fundamental freedom to vote,” she said in an email. “This includes millions of people who make up your communities, including married women, people of color and voters who live in rural areas.”

The list of qualifying documents in the SAVE Act for proving citizenship appears long, but many of them come with qualifiers.

Under the bill, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license would have to indicate that “the applicant is a citizen,” but not all do. Only five states — Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington — offer the type of enhanced Real IDs that explicitly indicate U.S. citizenship.

Standard driver’s licenses, generally available to both citizens and noncitizens, often do not include a citizenship indicator. Some states, including Ohio, have recently added them.

The stipulations continue, buried in the fine print.

While military ID cards are listed as qualifying documents under the act, they will not suffice on their own. The bill says a military ID must be accompanied by a military “record of service” that indicates the person’s birthplace was in the U.S.

A DD214, the current standard-issue certificate of release or discharge for all military service branches, does not fulfill that requirement. According to the Pentagon, that document lists only where someone lived at points of entry and discharge and a person’s current home of record. It does not list where someone was born.

Passport requires time and money

For most provisions, the SAVE Act contains no phase-in period that would give voters and local election offices time to adjust. If passed by Congress and signed by Trump, its documentary proof-of-citizenship mandate would apply immediately, meaning it would be in place for this year’s midterm elections.

That could lead to a rush to obtain documents by those who want to register or need to reregister. A 2025 University of Maryland study estimates that 21.3 million Americans who are eligible to vote do not possess or have easy access to documents to prove their citizenship, including nearly 10% of Democrats, 7% of Republicans and 14% of people unaffiliated with either major party.

A passport would most effectively meet the requirement, but only about half of American adults have one, according to the State Department. The SAVE Act requires the passport to be current; an expired one does not count.

Obtaining a passport in time for a looming voter registration deadline is another potential hurdle.

Workers who process passports had layoffs at the State Department reversed, but just last month the department forbid passport processing at certain public libraries that had long helped relieve pressure at the department. Government libraries, post offices, county clerks and others still provide the service.

It takes four weeks to six weeks to get a passport, according to the department’s website, excluding mailing time. A new passport costs $165 for adults and renewals cost $130, while the photo costs $10 or $20 more. The turnaround time can be sped up to two weeks or three weeks for an additional $60 — and for even faster processing, add $22 more. The fully expedited process for a new passport would cost at least $257, a significant burden for many voters.

Birth and marriage certificates

A birth certificate may be a quicker and cheaper choice for most people, but there are twists.

The SAVE Act requires a certified birth certificate issued by a state, local government or tribal government. What does not appear to qualify is the certificate signed by the doctor that many new parents are given in the hospital when their child is born. It provides information similar to a certified birth certificate, but would not meet the letter of the federal legislation.

Like passports, birth certificates can sometimes take weeks to obtain. Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for Real IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states. In New York, the waiting period for certified copies is four months, the state said. Average processing times for online certificate requests vary widely by state, from as few as three days to 12 weeks or longer.

People whose birth certificates don’t match their current IDs — mostly women who changed their names when they married — would probably need additional documentation to register to vote under the bill. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found about 80% of women in opposite-sex marriages in the U.S. take their husband’s last name.

Notably, the SAVE Act does not provide any money to help states and local governments implement the changes or promote them to voters.

For Bogdan, that was part of the problem when New Hampshire’s proof-of-citizenship law took effect. People who have voted elsewhere in the state are not required to show proof of citizenship in their new towns if poll workers confirm their registration history. But Bogdan said workers at his polling place did not seem to know that or try to look up the information.

He eventually was able to cast his ballot because, by luck, he had recently retrieved his birth certificate from his parents’ house more than an hour away so he could apply for a Real ID. But he said government notices to voters would help prevent possible disenfranchisement.

“Young voters like myself don’t always carry around our birth certificate, Social Security card, all that important stuff, because it’s not used ever or very often,” he said. “And so all those young kids who are going to go out and try and vote will be held back from that.”

Smyth writes for the Associated Press.

Passport holders have been urged to avoid wearing a common item of clothing when flying. When travelling on planes, there are certain items you should never wear

Every day, thousands of individuals globe-trot, but passport holders are now being advised to steer clear of a certain popular garment. When jetting off to sunnier climes, it’s only natural to adjust your wardrobe accordingly and prepare for the balmy weather; however, there’s a particular item you should avoid donning when boarding a plane.

You might be surprised to learn that your choice of attire can significantly influence both your travel experience and your safety. That’s why travellers are being urged to refrain from wearing this specific item when embarking on a flight in future, and it’s advice everyone would do well to heed.

The issue was recently spotlighted by Polly Ann, who goes by the handle Travel with Polly Ann on Instagram, and regularly imparts valuable travel tips to her multitude of followers. Unbeknownst to many, certain items of clothing are best stowed away in your suitcase when flying.

Polly Ann enumerates several garments she personally avoids, but one stands out as crucial from a travel safety perspective. It could have serious implications in the event of an emergency.

She divulged what people need to know in a frank post. It’s advice worth heeding, as it could greatly affect your travel experience.

Imparting wisdom to passport holders, she stated: “Things never to wear on a plane. Open-toed shoes.

“Sandals and open-toed footwear are discouraged because aircraft floors and bathrooms aren’t very clean and they don’t protect your feet in case of an emergency.

“Offensive clothing. Anything with profanity, lewd graphics or offensive messaging could lead to being asked to change or even denied boarding under some airline dress codes.”

She proceeds to mention several other items she’d steer clear of but, regarding safety, footwear is particularly crucial. Whilst they’re not typically prohibited on aircraft, travellers are actually discouraged from wearing sandals.

There are several reasons why it’s advisable to avoid them when flying. You might never have considered they can actually present hazards.

Why should they be avoided?

Experts generally recommend passengers avoid wearing sandals or open-toed footwear on flights due to safety risks during an emergency evacuation, the possibility of foot injuries from falling objects and hygiene issues.

If you do choose to wear them, it’s recommended you also wear socks. There are multiple reasons behind this guidance.

During an emergency, such as an evacuation, sandals can slip off, making it challenging to run or walk across harsh surfaces like tarmac, broken glass or wreckage. Additionally, aircraft floors are frequently dirty and chilly, meaning wearing sandals leaves your feet vulnerable to bacteria.

Aeroplanes are typically cold, and feet have a tendency to swell during lengthy flights, rendering the footwear increasingly uncomfortable. You may also be required to remove sandals at security checkpoints, which could extend your time getting through the airport.

Hence, it’s simpler all around if you refrain from wearing them. There are a few reasons why they could land you in a bit of trouble.

Travel expert Mark Wolters warns holidaymakers against saying certain phrases at passport control that could land them in hot water with immigration officers

Holidaymakers are being warned against uttering a ‘fun’ six-word phrase whilst going through passport control. A travel expert cautions this is because you could land yourself in serious trouble with immigration officials.

Mark Wolters, from Wolter’s World, has visited more than 80 countries throughout his travels. He now shares his expert advice for people who find themselves venturing across the globe.

In a recent video, Mark highlighted that travellers must avoid making jokes when passing through international borders.

He explained: “‘I’m going to stay here forever, I love your country’. That sounds like a fun thing to say to the passport control officer when you come into a country, but I want to tell you, that is something you don’t ever want to say when you come across a border.”

He emphasised that you shouldn’t “joke around” when at passport control. He encourages travellers to respond to them “politely”, reports the Express. He continued: “Don’t add in the dad jokes.

“I know for me, my go-to when they’re like, ‘What are you going to do here?’ I’m like, I’m going to help the British economy by spending lots of money.

“Yes, it’s a good dad joke but it’s best to be like, ‘I’m here for tourism with my family’. That’s one of those things, you have to realise those passport and those border officers aren’t allowed to have humour, they’re there doing their job.”

Mark explains that border force officers are stationed there to ensure the “wrong people aren’t coming in”, which means it’s unwise to mess about. He suggests you can make your “life easier” by staying composed and courteous.

Mark cautions there are certain phrases you should “never” utter at security. He continued: “You don’t ever say the word bomb, you don’t say human trafficking, you do not joke about drugs, you do not joke about overstaying, like, ‘I want to stay here forever’.

“You do not say any of those things because those are the trigger words where they go, ‘Oh wait, we need to do something’. Even if they know you’re joking, they don’t have a choice.”

The specialist also recommends people keep their passport out until they’ve cleared security. He mentions he’s frequently witnessed travellers packing away their documents and wandering off, only to be summoned back by passport control.

He stated: “If you’re putting your documents away before they feel it’s right, they could think, ‘Oh this person’s nervous, they’re trying to get away quicker’. That can lead to other questions, so just wait until they dismiss you.”

Holidaymakers are also advised to ensure they’ve got their accommodation sorted. He notes that arriving without lodgings arranged can frequently trigger “more questions” and raise concerns about trafficking.

“I sent my itinerary to myself, so we can say, ‘Oh we’re staying at the Marriott Amsterdam on this street here’,” Mark elaborates. “That makes it a lot easier because that’s one of those typical questions they might ask, so it’s good not to be vague.”

The HM Passport Office has issued a warning to Brits about passport checks they must carry out well in advance of any impending holidays over spring and summer

HM Passport Office has issued a warning to Brits ahead of the peak travel season.

With the Easter half-term just weeks away and plans already made for a summer getaway, thousands of holidaymakers will be jetting off abroad during one of the busiest travel periods. To ensure their journey gets off to a flying start, Brits are being urged to check their passports; otherwise, they risk being turned away at the airport.

In a stark reminder, the HM Passport Office advised Brits to “check your passport now” in a post shared on X, ahead of any spring or summer trips. A link in the post directed travellers to the government website, where they can apply online to renew, replace, or update their passports.

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There are two key dates you should check on your document; the expiry date, and the issue date, especially if you’re planning to head to a European hotspot such as France, Spain or Greece. This is because of a post-Brexit regulation on travel to the European Union or Schengen countries, which stipulates that UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure and must be valid for at least 3 months after your return.

Meanwhile countries such as Australia, China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and India require at least 6 months of passport validity from the date of arrival. It’s vital to check any entry requirements and passport validity before making any travel plans.

You must also ensure your passport has not been physically damaged, as this may render it invalid. This could include ripped pages, water damage, separated covers, or anything else that might make the personal information difficult to read.

Travel expert Jamie Fraser at Wild Packs warned that the general wear and tear of a passport can also be problematic when passing through automated scanners or at airport border control points. So it’s vital to check that your passport is in good condition, or if you need to apply for a replacement.

There must also be a blank page at the back of the passport for any necessary stamps or visas. If the passport is crammed with stamps from past trips, it could create problems at the border if there aren’t enough blank pages, leaving you unable to travel.

If your passport has expired or needs to be replaced, you can apply for a new one through the government website. However, it’s crucial to do it well in advance, as it can take around three weeks and sometimes longer.

There are fast-track passport services available, but Jamie cautioned that these are not “always guaranteed and appointments can be limited during peak travel periods”. HM Passport Office also advised: “Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.”

To renew or replace your standard passport online, it will cost £94.50, or £107 if you opt for a paper application. Meanwhile, a child’s passport will cost £61.50 online or £74 by post.

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

UK passport holders are being urged to check theirs now

UK passport holders are being urged to check the whereabouts of their documents now, particularly if they’ve got any holidays on the horizon.

Many of us have mislaid our passports at some point, so it’s wise to store yours in a specific spot, such as a lockable drawer or cabinet. The Passport Office advises that you must cancel a lost or stolen passport immediately, to minimise the risk of someone else using your passport or stealing your identity. You can also report a lost or stolen passport on behalf of someone else if they’re unable to do so themselves.

However, it’s crucial to search your home thoroughly for your passport before declaring it lost. This is because once you notify the authorities that it’s lost or stolen, you won’t be permitted to use it if it turns up and regardless of how much validity it has remaining.

This is because, when you report a passport as lost or stolen, all the information on the document is forwarded to the National Crime Agency. If you try to travel with it, you’ll be stopped at the border and it will be seized.

If you do locate your lost passport, you should instead cut off the top right-hand corner and post it to the Passport Office alongside a Recovered British Passport Form. You’ll then need to apply for a new passport if you wish to travel abroad.

The current estimated processing time is a maximum of three weeks, though government officials warn it can occasionally take longer “if we need more information, or we need to interview you”. If this applies to you, you’ll receive notification within the three-week timeframe.

A standard adult passport, for those aged 16 and above, costs £94.50 when you apply online, or £107 if you use the paper application form. However, if you require a replacement passport urgently, a one-week fast track document costs up to £191 for an adult.

A one-day premium service costs up to £235.

HM Passport Office has issued an urgent warning to all passport holders

Anyone holding a passport has been cautioned not to “risk it” as part of a warning from HM Passport Office. In a message posted to X, the Government agency urged Brits to “think before you share”.

This comes amid concerns over identity theft and fraud. On X, HM Passport Office stated: “Think before you share. Your passport includes important details personal to you – don’t risk it.

“Secure your passport. Protect your identity. #ProtectYourPassport.”

In an accompanying video, the office explained: “Your passport is an important document. Here are some simple steps to help keep your identity secure.”

These steps are:

• Never publicly share personal details online
• Only share details with trusted sources
• Keep a secure copy of your passport details page
• Report loss or theft online immediately on GOV.UK

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement. GOV.UK states: “If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it.”

HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

Replace online

You can replace your passport online for a fee of £94.50. To do this you’ll need:

• A digital photo
• A credit or debit card

If you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport, you’ll need someone to verify your identity online. You can apply for a replacement online here.

Replace using a paper application

You can obtain a paper application form by either:

• Visiting the Post Office
• Phoning the Passport Adviceline

The cost is £107. Payment methods include:

• Debit or credit card – complete the form in the application pack
• Cheque – made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’

You’ll require two new and identical printed photos of yourself. If you’re using a paper form, you can utilise the Post Office Check and Send service.

The address to post it to is provided on the form. For additional information, visit GOV.UK here.

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UK travellers may not be aware of certain rules

Those planning a holiday are being urged to check their passports, due to lesser-known travel rules that have come into effect post-Brexit. Anyone living in the UK will require a valid passport for international travel.

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. To obtain a new or replacement document, an application must be submitted to HM Passport Office, with the current average processing time standing at three weeks or less.

Travellers should check their passport well ahead of any holiday plans. This is because you could be turned away at the airport if yours isn’t valid.

Alvaro Iturmendi from Confused.com said: “It is easier to get caught out than you might think. Our research found that less than half (43%) holidaygoers, know that if you are heading to the EU, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure date.”

As Mr Iturmendi pointed out, all UK passport holders heading to the Schengen zone must make certain their passport’s “date of issue” is within 10 years of their arrival date. Furthermore, the passport’s “expiry date” must be at least three months beyond their intended departure from the Schengen zone

Should your passport fall short of entry requirements, you’ll almost certainly be refused boarding at your departure airport. So it’s absolutely worth double-checking yours immediately.

And if you need a replacement passport in a hurry, it could cost you as much as £235. The current estimated processing time is a maximum of three weeks, though government officials say it can sometimes take longer “if we need more information, or we need to interview you”.

Those to whom this applies will be contacted within the three-week timeframe. A standard adult passport, for those aged 16 and above, costs £94.50 when applying online, or £107 when using the paper application form.

If you need a passport urgently, a one-week fast track document costs up to £191 for an adult. A one-day premium service costs up to £235.

A number of changes have been made to passport rules since Brexit, and while most of us have got to grips with the basics, there are still things that catch holidaymakers out year after year

Since Brexit, a raft of changes have been implemented to passport regulations, and whilst the majority of us have got our heads around the basics, there are still elements that trip up holidaymakers each year.

From ensuring your passport was issued within the last ten years, to verifying you have at least three months validity on your passport when entering the EU, there are several passport checks you should carry out before booking your getaway. Now is the prime time to scrutinise your passport, as renewing it at this point in the year helps you dodge the summer rush.

Whilst you may have double-checked details such as the dates and confirmed there’s no physical damage to your passport, one aspect many people overlook is the number of blank pages they have left, particularly given today’s digital age.

A standard UK passport contains 34 pages, and typically, you receive an entry and exit stamp when you go through passport control. This practice is likely to be phased out soon for holidaymakers visiting Europe due to the introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), but for the time being, you can assume most countries will continue adding their stamps.

Numerous countries have precise requirements regarding the number of blank pages needed for passport stamps. For EU nations, one to two pages is typically adequate, whilst destinations such as South Africa demand two, reports the Express.

Certain countries will also insist that the two blank pages are consecutive, as one page is used for the entry stamp, followed by one for departure.

Some nations that require visas for entry still utilise stickers, which are attached to blank pages, though these are generally being replaced by e-visas.

There are places that demand four pages, but the record belongs to Namibia, with reports that travellers can be required to present six blank pages upon arrival. Brits ought to verify requirements for their destination when organising their travels.

It’s important to note that not all pages can receive stamps. British passports contain an ‘observation page’ at the back reserved for official notes.

This may feature information about the holder’s dual nationalities or alternative names, but most often it remains empty. However, it doesn’t qualify as a blank page as it cannot be stamped.

So, what should holidaymakers do if they lack sufficient pages?

You’ll need to renew your current passport prior to your journey, as extra pages cannot be added. This means paying the standard passport renewal fee, which for an adult passport is £94.50 according to the UK government website.

If you’re a regular globetrotter, it’s worth considering a 54-page frequent traveller passport when you next apply. Whilst it costs slightly more at £107.50, it can prove more economical than renewing your passport in a couple of years simply because you’ve exhausted all the pages.

Children under 16 can also obtain a frequent traveller passport for the reduced price of £74.50. Frequent traveller passports for adults are additionally available through the one-day premium or one-week fast track services, though these cost £235 or £191 respectively.

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NEW passport rules are being introduced from today – and anyone breaking then could be banned from their flight.

From today (February 25), dual national passport holders can no longer use their foreign passport to enter the UK.

Affecting as many as 1.2million people who hold more than one passport in the UK, they must now use a valid British passport when arriving into the UK.

Anyone without this must instead have a certificate of entitlement, which costs £589.

Passengers trying to enter the country by plane, ferry or train without this risks being banned from travelling.

A Home Office spokesperson previously explained: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.”

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Many have slammed the new rules, which were only announced earlier this month, for not allowing enough time for people living abroad to buy a new passport.

New British passports can take up to three weeks, while first time applications can take as long as 10 weeks.

The government suggested that airlines may allow passengers to travel with an expired passport, however this is at their own discretion.

A spokesperson told The Sun: “At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation.”

Not only that, but it must be no older than an expiry of 1989 or later.

They also confirmed that anyone who previously held a British passport, but it has now expired, can instead get an emergency travel document to enter the UK instead.

The new rules are in line with the electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which has also launched from today.

Any non-British national must now may for the £16 ETA to enter the country.

Lasting up to six months, it will be required from people who are from destinations like Europe, the US and Australia.

Anyone who is a dual national cannot apply for an ETA under the new rules.

Brits will not need an ETA when returning to the UK.

Here are some other passport rules you need to be aware of.

And we explain how to apply for your child’s first passport.

PASSENGERS travelling between the UK and Ireland will see a major change to passport requirements from tomorrow.

A popular airline is switching up its identification process for anyone flying between the two states.

From Wednesday, February 25, Aer Lingus will join Ryanair in requiring all passengers travelling between the UK and Ireland to carry their passports.

The Irish airline previously accepted alternative identification documents for these routes, such as driving licences or Irish Garda age cards.

Despite the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland, a new rule change will require all passengers travelling between the two states to carry either a passport or passport card.

In a statement issued by Aer Lingus’s spokesperson, the airline said the new measures “will ensure consistency across our network and further improve our operational performance for our customers”.

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They added: “Aer Lingus is updating its travel document requirements for flights between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, effective from 25th February 2026.

“All customers (including Irish or British nationals) travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card.

“The other forms of photo ID (driver’s licence, etc.) previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel.”

Flights between Belfast and the UK are exempt from this latest update.

British Airways, which is the sister airline of Aer Lingus, will continue to allow passengers to travel without passports on flights from London City and Heathrow to Dublin.

The airline said: “You do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), but you do require recognised photographic identification that proves your identity and nationality.”

Ferry companies sailing between Ireland and England and Wales will continue to accept alternative forms of identification.

There are no checks between the Republic and the North of Ireland.

Aer Lingus has launched dedicated phone lines for passengers who do not have a passport but need to fly between Ireland and the UK before they can obtain one.

Both methods are quicker than the standard three-week service

Realising you need a new passport just before jetting off abroad can cause quite a headache. But fortunately, two surprisingly quick solutions could save your holiday plans.

Both options, available through the HM Passport Office, are ideal for when you’re in a rush for a passport, but believe the standard service, which takes around three weeks, won’t cut it in time. On occasion, the standard process may even take longer than three weeks if additional documents, information, or an interview are required.

Below, the Mirror has delved into two fast-track options available and how much they’ll cost you.

Option 1: One-day premium

The one-day premium service is exclusively for adults renewing their passports. Applicants must apply online and will be required to pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent-traveller passport.

Once the application is submitted, an appointment is arranged, with the earliest available slot coming two days afterwards. Official Government advice adds: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment.

“Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment.”

Option 2: One-week fast track

This second option is similarly open to anyone who needs to renew their passport. However, it is also accessible under the following circumstances:

• You need to get a child’s passport
• You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)
• You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport

The fast-track option comes in cheaper, costing £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) or £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). However, you can only secure an appointment the day after submitting your application.

The passport will generally land on your doormat one week afterwards. Neither service is available if you’re presently abroad or seeking your very first adult passport.

The Government’s guidance adds: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport. You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”

For further details, visit the Government’s website.

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NEW passport rules are causing chaos for more than one million people – and they start this week.

It was announced earlier this month that all dual national citizens will no longer be able to use their foreign passport to enter the UK.

Instead, from February 25, they must show their British passport to return to the country.

Anyone without one must instead pay for a “certificate of entitlement” that costs £589 and it attached to the passport.

Passengers trying to enter without either could face being banned from their flight and prevented from returning to the UK.

A Home Office spokesperson previously explained: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.”

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It is thought as many as 1.2million people across England and Wales currently hold more than one passport.

This works out to just over two per cent of the population.

Yet the new rules have sparked fury due to the lack of notice given.

Many people currently living abroad have slammed the change as it doesn’t allow enough time to order a new passport.

Dual national Kara Przybylski, from Brisbane, doesn’t have a British passport, and said: “It sucks for people who have flights booked, the government should have allowed more time before it comes into effect.”

The UK government said last week that an expired British passport could be used as “alternative documentation.”

Yet this is at the airline’s discretion, so could still risk families being turned away at the border.

A Home Office official told Sun Travel: “We recognise that this is a significant change for carriers and travellers, but we have been clear on requirements for dual British citizens to travel with a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, in line with those for all British citizens.

“At their own discretion, carriers can accept an expired British passport as alternative documentation.

“Separately, individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.

The new passport change is on the same day as the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Costing £16, any non-British or non-Irish tourists will have to pay the fee to enter the country, with it acting like a visa waiver.

Dual nationals are not able to apply for it.

Brits living in the UK will also not need an ETA, although will need an ETIAS later is travelling to Europe.

Set to start later this year (with a confirmed date yet to be announced) it will cost £17 and act like an American ESTA, lasting three years.

Here are some other passport rules that are still catching Brits out.

Some British nationals could face problems at the border when the change begins on February 25, 2026

A cluster of UK citizens are bracing themselves for the prospect of obtaining a new passport or shelling out hundreds of pounds due to an impending border change set to kick in on Wednesday. Dual British nationals, including children, could be denied entry into the UK unless they hold a British passport, under fresh regulations slated to come into force later this month.

An estimated 1.2 million dual British citizens are scattered across the globe. From February 25, 2026, those journeying to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Travellers without an ETA will be prohibited from boarding their flight, ferry or train.

British and Irish citizens, which includes dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement but must adhere to other stipulations. To travel to the UK, dual nationals will now require a valid British passport.

Alternatively, they can fork out £589 for a certificate of entitlement to attach to their second nationality passport. In the past, dual nationals were able to enter the UK using their non-British passport at no cost.

Dual nationals attempting to gain entry to the UK solely with a foreign passport may face hurdles. Although British citizens have a legal right to reside in the UK, travellers could be subjected to extra scrutiny while their status is verified. They might also be barred from boarding if they fail to prove their right of entry.

The Government rolled out these regulations last year, but numerous dual nationals have argued the changes arrived with insufficient warning and inadequate communication. Anxiety is growing that getaways or work journeys could face disruption if people don’t obtain a passport or certificate of entitlement quickly enough.

Why have ETAs been introduced?

ETAs have been brought in as part of wider plans for a “more streamlined, digital immigration system” which the Government expects will be faster and more secure for the millions crossing the UK border each year. It’s a digital travel authorisation – not a visa or levy, simply granting someone permission to travel to the UK.

Government officials maintain that introducing ETAs mirrors the approach numerous other countries have taken for border security, such as the US and Australia.

At present, an ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time across a two-year period. There are plans to raise the charge to £20 down the line.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK. Without one, carriers cannot verify they are a British citizen, which may lead to delays or refused boarding.

“Public information advising dual nationals to carry the correct documentation has been available since October 2024 and a substantive communications campaign about the introduction of ETA has been running since 2023. This requirement applies to all British citizens regardless of other nationality and is the same approach taken by other countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia.”

New Entry/Exit system and ETIAS requirements coming to Europe in 2026 mean British passport holders need to prepare for biometric checks and travel authorisation.

As winter fades away, millions of Britons are probably mapping out their summer getaways. Some might already have flights secured, and if that’s you, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the new regulations taking effect.

Whether you’re jetting off to Europe or across the Atlantic, fresh legislation is being implemented that could result in substantial hold-ups at airports and railway terminals. Updated requirements covering visas, biometric information and passport checks mean that international travel is growing increasingly complex.

That said, provided you understand what’s needed, your journey should remain hassle-free.

For those bound for Europe, the new entry/exit system may trigger bottlenecks. The introduction of this began in October 2025, and by April 2026, it’s anticipated to operate throughout all Schengen zones.

It demands biometric information – fingerprints and a facial photograph – at the airport, reports the Express.

This may create hold-ups at border crossings, so it’s vital to factor these in and avoid leaving your travel arrangements too tight.

Also anticipated in 2026 is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This will oblige non- European Union nationals to secure ETIAS approval if they intend to visit Europe for up to 90 days.

The application will set you back £17.46 but comes free for those under 18 and over 70, and remains valid for three years or until your passport runs out.

Whilst this won’t launch until the final quarter of 2026, specialists are encouraging travellers to get ready and stay informed about the upcoming transformation.

Those planning a journey to the US will be required to use the Mobile Passport Control App. The application was created to cut down queuing times at airports and do away with paper documentation.

Upon arrival in the US, passengers must download the app, set up a profile and respond to a number of questions about themselves.

After completing your submission, you’ll be given a QR code to present at passport control.

Nicole Kerr, CEO at ground transportation platform Mozio, said: “UK searches for ‘summer holiday deals’ have increased by 123% in the past three months, as Brits look to secure their travel plans ahead of peak season.

“While a holiday is meant to be a relaxing and stress-free experience, experts have warned that changes to the travel industry could cause delays and confusion.”