Passport Office

Meghan Law, who is an NHS nurse, has expressed her anger after her teenage son Alix Dawson was not allowed to board the Qatar Airways plane for Phuket, Thailand

A mum has blasted Qatar Airways after her 13-year-old son was denied boarding their flight for Thailand.

Meghan Law said there was “no justification” for her experience at Edinburgh Airport, which threatened to derail her £3,000 family holiday. Check-in staff, though, told Meghan there was a “luggage sticker mark” on Alix Dawson’s passport, which they said constituted “damage”.

The mum was ordered to go to Glasgow Airport — around 50 miles away — for a new emergency document. Scrambling to salvage her family’s holiday, Meghan contacted TUI, who she had booked the trip with, for their advice. The tour operator found no issues with the passport and put them on the next available flight to Thailand.

But Meghan, 33, has now vowed to never use Qatar Airways again. The NHS nurse, who has two kids, said: “If I hadn’t booked through TUI and booked it myself, we just wouldn’t have been able to go on holiday. One way from Glasgow on the same day of travel would’ve been £2,800. There’s no way I would’ve been able to pay that.

“I’d never had an experience like that at any other airport. There was no justification for it. I’ll never fly with Qatar again. It ruined the start of the trip – it was so stressful.”

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Meghan, who lives in Aberdeen, has now returned from her two-week holiday, but wants to raise awareness of her experience. HM Passport Office classes a passport as damaged for several reasons, including if details are indecipherable, if there are missing or detached pages and if there is a chemical or ink spillage on any page.

But Meghan said Alix’s document had neither of these issues, and had previously been accepted dozens of times at airports. She continued: “I said I’ve used this umpteen times. No one’s ever mentioned any damage on it before. There were no rips or stains, I don’t know what she was trying to imply. I was really shocked.

“She told me that I need to get an emergency passport from Glasgow Airport. Then she said actually it’s not your passport that’s the problem, it’s your child’s, Alix.

“What they were trying to say was that the luggage check-in stickers that had been stuck on one of the pages [and] had damaged the page. But it wasn’t even on the photo page.

“There were no rips, it was just where the sticker marks had been. They said we couldn’t travel with it. I knew there were no issues with their passports. We’d probably travelled over a dozen times with those passports. We were just left in the airport with no help and no advice.”

The Mirror has contacted Qatar Airways for comment.

Travel blogger Chelsea Rodd was left stranded at London Gatwick Airport after being denied a flight to Italy owing to a passport issue she believes may not be common knowledge

A woman has issued a warning to all British passport holders after her holiday plans ended in tears at the airport. Travel blogger Chelsea Rodd fell victim of a rule she was unaware of, resulting in her having to cancel her plans despite the fact her passport is yet to expire.

“I should be in Milan right now with the girls,” began a tearful Chelsea in a TikTok video. She continued, explaining that after arriving at London Gatwick Airport ready to drop off her baggage, her passport was subsequently checked and it soon became apparent she wouldn’t be heading to Italy. “I’m not sure if this is common knowledge – I travel all the time – but because my passport’s start date is July 2015, it’s just gone over the 10-year mark even though it doesn’t run out until April 2026,” Chelsea explained.

So what’s the problem? “I learned the hard way that for travel to the EU your UK passport must have been issued within the last 10 years – even if it hasn’t expired yet,” she revealed.

Chelsea continued: “I’m absolutely shocked by that. When you go to book your flight to the EU, nothing on the website mentions this and at the point of check-in nothing was said.”

Attempts to fly with a different airline, on alternative flights and to another airport all proved in vain. “I even tried the Passport Office and booking an emergency appointment online” Chelsea said. “But there was nothing until Monday when we’d be due to come back. I tried everything and the girls didn’t want to go without me, but I wanted them to have a lovely time as we’ve been planning it so long.”

To compound her misery, Chelsea revealed she will now be forced to miss out on numerous content creation opportunities she had arranged with a number of brands over the course of the past year.

She closed by urging others: “If you have a trip coming up, check your passport’s start date, not just the expiry date. This rule came in after Brexit, but it’s still catching so many people out.

“Previously when you renewed a passport, if you did it before the 10 years was up they would give you the extra on top – this was my issue. They don’t do that now.”

Writing in response, one TikTok user shared the same frustration, penning: “The annoying thing is when you check in and put your passport details in they only ask for expiry – and given this has happened so many times of people being unaware airlines should ask for start date too.”

A second person added: “This happened to me many years ago. I organised a trip to Milan. We all at airport checking in. That’s when I was informed that my passport had expired. I had to wave goodbye to my friends.”

While a third fumed: “Happened to me too a couple of weeks ago at Gatwick. Passport expires Sept 2026 and issued June 2015. Don’t get how they allow you to book. I always thought you had to have 6 months from when you return.”

The European Union’s travel website advises: “If you are a national from a country outside the EU wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa.

“Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.

“This means your travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years the day you enter the EU on condition that it is valid until the end of your stay plus an additional 3 months.”

Passport holders have been told that taking just their passport may not be good enough

The Foreign Office is advising travellers to take two essential documents when going on holiday. In addition to your passport, they recommend carrying another form of identification.

As part of their foreign travel checklist, officials urge people to “take an extra form of photo ID with you, other than your passport.” Alongside this, they also advise holidaymakers and business travellers to have a contingency or “backup plan” in place.

This is intended for situations where you may need to access important information like your accommodation details, flight information, passport number, emergency contacts and insurance policy. This could be crucial if you lose your phone.

Travellers are encouraged to share this information with trusted friends or family members, or to store it securely online using a reliable data storage platform. The Foreign Office also advises taking a few additional documents and completing certain tasks before departure, as part of their broader travel recommendations.

You should:

Recently, the HM Passport Office sent an urgent text to people heading on holiday. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, in a text, they urge people to follow a link before they fly.

They write: “Remember to check that your passport is valid for the country you are travelling to.” They add that you need to “check the entry requirements” listing their website.

Following the link, it takes you to the Foreign travel advice page. Listing a series of destinations, the page is there to help people get “advice and warnings about travel abroad, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences.”

If you need to renew your passport, you can do it via the official GOV.UK website. The site allows you to apply for a new passport, renew your current one, update personal details or request a replacement – all while making secure payments online.

It’s important to note that passport fees vary depending on your age and how you apply. Applying online is the more affordable option, saving you £12.50 compared to applying by post. For full details on how to apply for a new UK passport, including costs and delivery times, you can visit Liverpool Echo.

Penny Moyses and her family, who are from Hertfordshire, had hoped to see the beautiful sights of Croatia but a last-minute snag dashed the group’s travel plans

A mum had to leave her five-year-old son at home during the start of their holiday due to a basic admin error.

Penny Moyses, 37, has today warned fellow parents to always ensure their children’s passports are valid after she discovered her eldest son’s document expired. Penny only realised this was the case just days before they were due to depart from Stansted airport, dashing her family’s hopes to attend a wedding in Croatia and spend time enjoying the country’s beautiful sights.

Panicked, the mother of two rushed to secure an emergency one – but was stunned to find out children’s passports need to be applied for at least one week in advance. So, the tragic admin error meant Penny had to leave husband James and their five-year-old son at home, while she flew to Croatia with their youngest child.

“Fear totally went through me – I felt sick to my stomach. I just had a quick peek just to double-check I had the exact right passports and just happened to notice that my eldest son’s passport expired,” Penny said today.

“I thought ‘It’s fine we can get an emergency passport, you can get those in a day” Turns out that for kids you have to wait a week as there’s a lot of safeguarding regulations, which I totally respect.”

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Despite missing their flight and a few days in the sun, James eventually managed to secure their eldest’s emergency passport. The pair met the group at the port and, with their outfits in tow, quickly changed on the boat transfer before stepping off in their suits – much to Penny’s relief.

Penny, who lives in Hertfordshire, said: “My eldest ended up missing the first two days of the holiday. Luckily we managed to intercept the passport at our local sorting office and they arrived just in time for the wedding, literally the boat transferred them to the wedding.”

The traumatic event has encouraged Penny to take charge of what she refers to as the “silent load” of life admin that swirls around her head on a daily basis. One new trick in particular is helping her brain take a break from constant worries about planning.

The mum is using an app called Fyio, a digital filing cabinet that helps users keep track of their most important personal documents. She said: “The silent load is often what can fall on a woman for various reasons but typically the person that is running the household.

“It’s something that I certainly can’t switch off. By using Fyio I can now keep track of my important documents; if I had the passport expiry dates in there, I would’ve completely avoided the Croatia disaster and saved myself hundreds.

“My son wouldn’t have missed two days of our holiday. For me, it’s those family moments that paperwork can really impact. I totally underestimated what it was like going back to school with kids.

Penny first came across Fyio when it launched at her 2022 ‘Clean & Tidy Home Show’. Since then, her event has evolved into ‘Home, Life & You LIVE’, which returns to Excel London in October 2025.

She is now an avid user of the app, which allows for everything from passport renewal reminders to managing prescriptions, uploading files in seconds and sharing documents safely with others, with them set to expire after a chosen time.

The platform uses military-grade security and even Fyio’s own team cannot access the data. She said: “Now, I have all the important documents in my online filing drawers, such as school uniform regulations ” and, of course, passport info.

“The app helps with the silent load I used to feel and helps me take ownership of my life admin in a simple way. Finding ways to save time ” especially as a parent ” means I can be present with my family instead of worrying if I’ve forgotten something. This app makes my life easier and takes some of the pressure off my shoulders ” something every mum could do with.”

It’s important to make sure you know your passport is in mint condition before travelling as many people don’t realise they could be permitted from entering the country

When going on holiday there are a few important things to remember such as your passport and visa – but few people know one mistake that could stop them from entering a country.

Many people check their passport expiry date before travelling, making sure it’s got enough time on it before it runs out, but most people don’t realise the condition of their passport can be just as important.

According to Experience Travel Group passports with worn corners, tears, water damage or even loose pages can result in refusal of entry even if your passport is still valid and your visa approved.

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The experts say your passport isn’t just a form of identification, it’s a legal travel document and border officials are trained to look for signs of damage, tampering, or wear and tear that could make a passport unreadable or raise doubts about its authenticity.

“What many travellers don’t realise is that immigration officers have the final say at the border. Even with a valid visa and an in-date passport, an officer can still refuse you entry if they believe the document is damaged. Airlines also carry out checks before boarding and can deny travel altogether if they suspect your passport will be rejected on arrival,” they explained.

This means a damaged passport can therefore be just as harmful as an expired one and even minor flaws such as smudges, bent corners or faded pages can derail your journey.

There are some countries which are stricter than others. These include:

• Indonesia: Travellers have been turned away at the border over tears as small as a centimetre. Even with a valid visa, any damage to the passport can lead to immediate deportation or refusal of entry. In some cases, passengers were denied boarding at their departure airport when airline staff spotted minor damage.
• Thailand and Vietnam: These countries have also denied entry to passengers whose passports appeared dirty, water stained or had peeling laminate. Border officers treat any visible damage to the photo page especially seriously, as it can interfere with identity checks. Travellers have been put on the next flight home in such cases.
• United States: US border officers rely heavily on biometric scanning and machine-readable zones. If the passport chip cannot be read, or if the data page is scratched, smudged, or water damaged, the document may be deemed invalid. Even if the chip works, visible physical damage may be treated as suspicious and raise concerns about tampering.
• Australia: Travellers are advised not to attempt travel with a significantly damaged passport, including torn or missing pages, or visible damage to the cover or spine. Airlines flying to any destination may deny boarding if they believe the passport could be rejected on arrival, to avoid complications or penalties.
• United Arab Emirates: The UAE has some of the most rigorous border checks in the world. Passports with loose binding, detached pages or deep creases are often refused. Travellers have reported being stopped from boarding in their departure country when airlines identified likely issues for UAE immigration.
• Airline checks: Airlines act as the first line of defence, as they face penalties for carrying passengers with unacceptable documents. As a result, even minor tears or stains have led to boarding refusals. Travellers have been denied flights because of small rips, coffee stains or faint watermarks on their passports.

It may seem extreme, but passports contain advanced security features, including chips, holograms and machine-readable codes so damage to these elements can make it difficult for scanners to confirm the document’s authenticity. Border officers also look out for tampering and forgery and a tear, water spills or a separated spine could suggest that the passport has been altered.

Even if the damage is innocent, officials are unlikely to take the risk particularly in countries with strict immigration controls. According to Experience Travel Group: “Travel should be about discovery and relaxation, not unexpected setbacks at the border. By taking just a few minutes to check the condition of your passport before departure, you can avoid a ruined trip. It’s a small precaution that makes a huge difference.”

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According to American Summer camp travel provider Wildpacks, ‘souvenir’ stamps may seem like a harmless memento, but can cause serious complications at border control

Brits may be unknowingly putting their holiday at risk by collecting passport stamps when travelling.

Passport stamps are badges of honour for many travellers, creating a nostalgic paper trail of their adventures. However, Brits heading to Wales, the United States and the European Union and those flying further afield this summer are being warned that collecting novelty stamps in their passports could cause serious problems on future trips or even blocked from entering countries.

According to American Summer camp travel provider Wildpacks, ‘souvenir’ stamps may seem like a harmless memento, but can cause serious complications at border control. The warning comes as more information emerges about when a new border regime for travel to EU countries will come into force.

Have you had travel issues because of your passport? Email [email protected] if you’d like to share your story

Because official immigration authorities don’t issue them, some countries treat them as tampering or even a potential security concern. The stamps are available at plenty of famous attractions such as like Machu Picchu, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch and Checkpoint Charlie, with the inky marks offered as a souvenir.

Tourist stamps are increasingly common at historic or iconic destinations. But some mimic official travel markings or reference politically sensitive areas — both of which can trigger delays, questioning, or outright denial of entry.

Jamie Fraser, American summer camp director at Wildpacks, explained: “Souvenir stamps have become a bit of a badge of honour for travellers — they look cool, they feel like part of the adventure. But the second you let someone stamp your passport who isn’t a border official, you’re not adding a memory — you’re risking the whole document being declared invalid.

“If your passport includes anything not placed there by an official, you’re at the mercy of each border’s interpretation. For something that takes up just one square inch, it can cause a world of trouble.”

In some cases, travellers have been forced to replace their passports entirely if a foreign border official considers it damaged or altered.

What the UK government considers passport damage:

• Unofficial stamps, markings or writing
• Torn or missing pages
• Faded or unreadable information
• Ink stains or water damage
• Loose or separated covers

If you are worried about your passport not being valid, companies such as TUI offer handy passport validity checker tools.

When it comes to making sure your passport is in good working condition, following these steps is a wise idea:

• Skip the souvenir stamp – Ask for it on a postcard or piece of paper instead.
• Don’t mark your passport yourself – Even small doodles or messages could be flagged.
• Do a page-by-page check before you fly – Look for unfamiliar marks, stamps or smudges.
• Replace early if in doubt – A clean passport is your best travel guarantee.

Some iconic souvenir stamps include Ciudad Mitad del Mundo which is located in Ecuador at the Equator, Churchill in Canada which has branded itself the polar bear capital of the world and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a town famous for having the longest place name in Britain.

Leaving things until the last minute can often end up costing you more, especially when it comes to going on holiday, and there’s one purchase costing Brits more than they might expect.

It’s best not to leave things too late when booking a holiday. Not only can it be stressful, but you’ll often find yourself having to pay more for flights and hotels than you might have if you’d booked weeks in advance.

While heading to less well-known destinations, or booking your flights on the cheapest day of the week can help you save a few pennies here and there, there’s one costly mistake many Brits are still making while travelling.

Realising you’ve forgotten to pack a toothbrush or a pair of flip flops at the airport can be annoying, and making a list of what to pack can easily prevent this, but forgetting sun cream is likely setting you back more than you might think.

A recent study from Travel Republic revealed that Brits splurge an eye-watering £683million annually buying the easily avoidable last-minute purchase at the airport.

The online travel agents found that that over one in three Brits confess to forgetting to buy sun cream before going on holiday, but this minor oversight can be pricier than anticipated.

A standard bottle of SPF 30 at the airport can set you back as much as £30 more than if you’d picked it up on the high street, and Travel Republic has warned travellers that they could end up shelling out up to £35 for a last-minute bottle of sun cream, reports the Express.

Even if you’re only taking hand luggage with you, decanting your sun cream prior to travel could save you a pretty penny and prevent you from having to fork out on a bottle you might not even get through.

Sun cream isn’t the only expense hitting travellers wallets. Travel Republic also found that over half a million UK adults opted for express passports for their summer holiday, adding a whopping £111 million to the national last-minute holiday bill.

Even if you’ve bagged yourself a bargain flight, the dream of a budget-friendly break can quickly turn sour if you overlook an impending passport expiry, an oversight that’s all too common.

While forgetting sun cream is an easy mistake to make, shelling out for an emergency passport is easily avoided with a bit of forward planning, and it’s as simple as checking your passport before booking a spontaneous getaway.

Data from the HM Passport Office reveals that in 2023, over 500,000 people chose fast-track services for a new passport, which on average costs a hefty £194.25 for one-week or same-day services.

To dodge such steep costs, Travel Republic advises checking passports annually and at least a month before you jet off to ensure you have ample time to renew it if necessary.

The digital travel experts also recommend creating a checklist a week prior to your flight, particularly if you’re planning on checking in luggage. This ensures that you don’t overlook essentials like sun cream and adapters, which can be quite costly if purchased last minute.

Those travelling on a UK passport will need to undertake an extra step when checking in

Ryanair passengers travelling on a UK passport are required to undertake an extra step when checking in online – meaning the process may take longer. Ryanair passengers are required to check in online and print or download boarding passes, with the exception of those travelling on Flexi Plus ticket, who can check in at the airport for free.

Travellers can check in online from 60 days before their flight, if they have paid for an allocated seat. Other passengers, who will be given a seat by Ryanair at random, can check in between 24 and two hours before the scheduled time of departure.

Because of new rules that came in post-Brexit, for trips to the EU Schengen Area, British passports must be valid for at least three months following the day of departure, and have been issued less than 10 years before the date you plan to enter. Ryanair’s online check-in reflects this, with an additional step for UK passport-holders.

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After filling in important details such as date of birth and passport number, travellers will be required to read the following passage: “I understand that if I am using a British passport to travel to the EU, my passport must be valid for at least three months from the date I intend to leave the EU (excluding Ireland), and my passport should be issued within the previous 10 years upon the date I arrive into the EU (excluding Ireland)”, before ticking a box to confirm.

If you arrive at the airport with a passport that doesn’t meet the correct requirements, you won’t be able to fly. And it’s unlikely your travel insurance will pay out, either.

Those planning a trip abroad should check their passport details well in advance to avoid any last-minute rushes, as it can take a few weeks to renew a passport. His Majesty’s (HM) Passport Office suggests that the process of a new or replacement passport currently takes about three weeks.

It could take longer, though, “if we need more information, or we need to interview you”. In such instances, the Passport Office said it will contact applicants directly.

As of April 10, 2025, fees for a new or replacement adult passport (for someone aged 16 or over) are set at £94.50 for online applications, and £107 for paper submissions. For children, the fees are £61.50 and £74 respectively.

If you require a passport urgently, you can use the Premium Service (one day), but this will cost you £222 for an adult passport, or £189 for a child’s.

Holidaymakers risk being turned away from flights

Hundreds of people have said they’ve been forced to miss holidays over neglecting to check their passports. It comes as new Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the Passport Office found more than a million UK passports will expire between now and the end of 2025.

With many Brits currently gearing up for summer breaks, or planning to head abroad later in the year, findings suggest many are cutting it fine. And if your passport is invalid, you simply won’t be able to travel.

A number of countries, including the US, mandate a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date for eligibility to travel there. For trips to the EU Schengen Area, passports must be valid for at least three months following the day of departure, and have been issued less than 10 years before the date you plan to enter.

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Co-op Insurance said some 10% (200) of the 2000 UK adults asked said they have missed a holiday due to failing to renew their passport. FOI data further revealed that nearly a quarter of a million passports were reported as either lost or stolen last year.

The Passport Office disclosed that Hong Kong and Spain were the top locations where passports were most frequently reported missing. Losing a passport can be extremely stressful, particularly considering the £94.50 replacement cost, or £222 if you want it within a day.

On top of potential passport issues, Co-Op Insurance said nearly one in six Brits (15%) confessed to always holidaying without travel insurance. Given that the average medical expenses claim has been just over £2,500 so far in 2025, those without coverage are exposing themselves to substantial financial risk, the firm added, urging that people make sure their travel documents are up-to-date and that they have appropriate cover before heading to the airport.

The rules apply for trips to Spain, Greece, France and other EU countries

London Luton Airport is warning holidaymakers to check their passports now, or risk being turned away from flights. It comes as British travellers heading to EU countries now face different regulations, after Brexit.

An update issued from the airport’s official account on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today reads: “Travelling in the EU? You’ll need to renew your passport if there’s under three months on your passport while travelling [and/or] your passport is 10 years old or more when you enter an EU country”.

While the advice comes from Luton Airport, the rules are the same no matter where you fly from, if you’re travelling with a British passport. If your travel document does not meet these requirements, you’ll likely be turned away by airline staff.

If you’re heading abroad soon, make sure to double-check your passport well before jetting off, as renewing one can take time. His Majesty’s (HM) Passport Office indicates that processing and delivery of a fresh or replacement passport currently takes around three weeks.

However, it can take longer “if we need more information, or we need to interview you”. Should any issues arise, the Passport Office will get in touch with you directly.

Since April of this year, a new or replacement adult passport (that is, someone aged 16 or above) costs £94.50 when applying online, or £107 if using the paper form. For children these prices ate £61.50 or £74, respectively.

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If you need a passport urgently, you can use the Premium Service (one day) but this will set you back £222 for an adult passport, or £189 for a child’s.

Failing to carry out one check before flying could scupper your holiday plans.

An expert has warned Brits planning a holiday abroad to do one thing or risk having their summer plans ruined. Consumer journalist Alice Beer urged travellers to check their passport in advance.

This includes checking it for any potential damage as well as its expiry date. This needs to be done as soon as possible to allow time for a replacement travel document to arrive.

Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, Alice explained: “If you’re planning on making the most of the school holidays and getting out of here, the minute your kids break up, you have got to do one thing and check your passport. Not just your passport, all the family’s passports and you’re checking for some really key things.”

If your passport is damaged you could get turned away at the airport. 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)

Alice continued: “One, check they’re not damaged. I saw someone on Instagram whose airline had stuck the luggage tag on the photo page of their passport, when they came to peel it off it damaged it.

“And she didn’t know, is this good to fly, is this not? So she spent a week, she got the fast turnaround passport. Cost her a couple of hundred quid, just in case.”

On top of potential passport damage you need to be looking at its expiration date. Alice said: “So, you’re looking for how many months have I got to run, how many months do I need on my passport to go where I’m going, you’ll find that on the Government website.”

Some countries require that your passport has at least another three or six months left on it by the end of your holiday. Before flying you should therefore check the individual requirements of each country.

However, some countries, including in the EU, don’t accept a passport that is more than 10 years old. “Is my passport, more than 10 years old?” Alice said.

“This keeps coming up, time and time again. If you renewed your passport, and you’ve got a carry over of extra months, you might find your passport is currently more than 10 years old.

“That will not get you entry into some countries and you’ll simply turned down at the gate. So check your passports, check everyone’s passports for damage and for validity.”

A standard passport renewal takes around three weeks. You can apply either online or via the post.

Online passport application

To apply online, visit gov.uk/apply-renew-passport. Key requirements include a digital photograph, a valid payment method (credit or debit card), and the old passport for renewal applications. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of identity and citizenship.

The application fee for adults stands at £94.50, while children’s passports cost £61.50.

For those requiring assistance with the online application, local Post Office branches are available to offer support. Their staff are equipped to:

• Capture your digital photo
• Assist with completing the application online

However, be aware that this service incurs an additional charge.

For postal applications

You can get a paper passport application from a nearby Post Office to apply by post. Keep in mind, applying via post generally takes more time than submitting an application online.

You are required to dispatch a fully completed application form along with your supporting documents, two photographs, and the necessary fee.

Post Office team members can assist in ensuring your form is accurately filled out – though you must supply your own photos. Note that this service will cost you extra. Payments can be made with cash, or through debit or credit card transactions.

Fast-track applications

If three weeks is cutting it too close with your holiday, there are two ways to apply for an urgent passport.

GOV.UK says: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” For both of these options you will need to go to a passport office for an appointment:

• One day premium – This service costs £222 (or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)
• One week fast track – £178 for an adult passport (or £191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport), or £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)

For more information, visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport.

An acclaimed travel expert has warned Brits to check their passports before heading to the airport this summer, after swathes of travellers are still being caught out by a little-known rule

Brits heading on holiday this year have been issued a stark passport warning, even if their document is still technically ‘in date’. Swathes of passengers are still being caught out by a little-known rule that came into effect after the UK left the European Union (EU) which could leave you being denied boarding.

Simon Calder, The Independent’s travel expert, recently issued a warning ahead of the ‘peak holiday season’ – stating: “A number of people will be turning up to airports across the UK with their passport and very sadly finding out that they are not allowed onboard because they have inadvertently breached the passport validity tiles.”

The ace explained that the UK negotiated for Brits to be classed as ‘third country nationals’ following Brexit, ‘just like people from Venezuela’. “British passports can be issued for more than 10 years,” Simon added. “But, if you’re trying to get into the EU and wider Schengen area you cannot get into those countries after your passport is 10 years old.”

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So, if you’re jetting off to the likes of Spain or Greece this summer, make sure your passport hasn’t passed its ’10th birthday’. You’ll also need to ensure your passport has at least three months remaining from the day you intend to return from the EU (aka the last day of your holiday).

If you’re travelling to the Schengen zone, which consists of 29 countries including Sweden, Luxembourg, Finland, Czech Republic, and Denmark – the rules are even tighter. Earlier this year, a British artist was denied boarding by Norwegian airline as her passport was issued ‘more than nine years and nine months ago’.

As previously reported, her passport’s date of issue was June 13, 2015 – and it is due to expire in August – meaning she meets both criteria laid out by the EU. However, after trying to check-in at the airport, she was directed to a staff member who stated the passport was invalid as the Schengen does not recognise ‘extensions of 10-year passports’.

The anonymous artist claims she lost around £700, and was forced to spend hundreds of pounds on an emergency passport renewal and replacement flight. According to the Guardian, the Copenhagen police department stood by its decision – and confirmed that once a passport is nine years and nine months old from the date of issue – it is invalid.

How much is a new passport?

If you’re worried your passport will be invalid by the time you fly, it might be worth renewing the document. On April 10, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK increased from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications also increased from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.

If you’re in a rush, you can pay for a Premium Service (one day) application. If this is made in the UK, it will now cost you £222 for adults and £189 for children. Overseas standard paper applications have also increased from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.

“The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation,” the government said. “The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.”

You can renew or replace your passport here.

Have you been stung by the post-Brexit passport rules? Email [email protected] for a chance to share your story.