warned

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.”

In a blow to Brits planning to get away for summer 2026, experts have revealed that the situation in the Middle East could cause holiday prices to rise, even in destinations not affected by the conflict

Brits planning to get away overseas for Easter or summer this year are being warned they may need to expand their budget, as holiday prices could rise across all destinations.

Hannah Mayfield, a qualified financial advisor, has explained that the situation in the Middle East could have a “knock-on effect” on prices, following similar patterns seen during times of instability. Even those who opt for a UK-based staycation, or visit countries nowhere near the Middle East, could see higher prices for flights, accommodation, and even everyday spending.

Hannah explained: “Rising tensions in the Middle East can have a knock-on effect on holiday costs, even if you’re travelling somewhere completely different. But this isn’t a new phenomenon. We’ve seen similar patterns during previous periods of geopolitical instability, where travellers change their plans and demand shifts toward destinations perceived as safer.”

Hannah, who is working with travel insurers PayingTooMuch, gave the reasons why flight prices could rise: “Airlines can face higher operating costs during periods of geopolitical instability. If flights need to avoid certain airspaces, routes can become longer. At the same time, global oil prices usually rise during conflicts in major energy-producing regions, and that can eventually feed through into the price for fuel. For travellers, that might mean more expensive plane tickets.”

And it’s not just overseas jaunts that could become more expensive. Hannah said: “There’s also the potential impact on taking holidays, especially to destinations closer to home. If some holidaymakers decide not to travel as far afield, demand for popular destinations such as coastal towns, national parks and major cities can increase.

“When that happens, accommodation prices often rise during peak periods, particularly if availability is limited.” This could mean that, like during Covid, staycations could become pricier.

If you’re planning a trip, even to ‘safe’ destinations, you Hannah advises: “When travel feels more uncertain making sure you have the right level of cover for your trip becomes even more important, so you are less likely to face unexpected costs. Booking early, staying flexible with travel dates, comparing travel insurance policies and prices for flights can make a noticeable difference to the overall cost of a trip.”

She also had this warning: “Most standard travel insurance policies don’t cover acts of war, so conflicts itself may not typically have a direct impact on premiums. However, travellers should always check their policy details carefully, so they understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.

“Consider getting a policy that offers additional cover for travel disruptions which can offer another layer of protection in situations where official government travel advice changes and costs can’t be recovered elsewhere. It’s also worth noting that travel insurance does not cover events that are already known at the time the policy is purchased.”

Hannah, who also runs What is Wealth, which offers financial education for women, also gave some additional money saving tips for holidaymakers: “Keeping an eye on exchange rates and fuel prices can also help holidaymakers budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs closer to their trip.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A big rise in infections has been detected in a report published today

Health officials have issued an alert of a ‘high risk’ of being infected with a potentially lethal virus at one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations. In an alert issued today (Friday March 13) the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said gthere has been a huge surge in cases in people returning from this hotspot.

It said that since November 2025, more than 110 travel-related cases of chikungunya virus disease have been reported by 13 EU/EEA countries among travellers returning from Seychelles. In a report today it said: “This represents a marked increase compared with

the earlier months of 2025, and no cases have been reported in preceding years. The emergence of chikungunya virus disease in the Seychelles aligns with a broader regional spread throughout the Indian Ocean. Notably, Réunion (France) experienced a major outbreak in 2025.

“According to local health authorities, chikungunya virus has become more prevalent in the Seychelles compared with other circulating arboviruses.”

Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 people from the UK travel to the Seychelles annually, with 19,870 visitors recorded in 2023. The beaches of the Seychelles have been described as being the most beautiful in the world.

The Republic of Seychelles, to give the official name, is an archipelago consisting of 115 separate islands most of which are uninhabited. The islands are set in the western part of the Indian Ocean at a distance of between 480 and 1600 km from the east coast of Africa and to the north of Madagascar. At a latitude of 4 to 10 degrees south of the equator, they form what has been described as a tropical island paradise.

The ECDC report said: “The current likelihood of chikungunya virus infection for travellers to the Seychelles is high. Given that the peak travel period to the Seychelles occurs between February and April, it is important to strengthen communication to travellers and travel medicine clinics regarding the ongoing outbreak and the need for reinforced preventive measures.

“Vaccination of travellers may be considered, based on national recommendations. The likelihood of onward transmission of chikungunya virus in mainland Europe following introduction by a viraemic traveller is currently considered low, as environmental conditions are not favourable for Aedes mosquito activity at this time of year.”

The UK Health Security Agency said: ”In 2024, there were 112 confirmed and probable cases of chikungunya reported among travellers returning to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – nearly one and a half times the number reported in 2023. Travel to India accounted for the majority of these cases, followed by travel to Pakistan and Brazil – all popular destinations for people travelling from the UK.”

It explained Chikungunya spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species. Mosquitoes breed in natural and human-made sources of standing and stagnant water such blocked gutters and drains, litter, tarpaulins, open buckets, bins, plant pots and discarded items like tyres, and these are a risk factor for transmission if left around human habitation. Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitoes that are active at night, these insects are most active during the day, and particularly at dusk and dawn. This timing makes them troublesome for travellers engaged in daytime activities.

The UKHSA said: “The first symptoms of the disease are usually a high fever and severe joint pain, often more severe in the small joints or where there have been previous injuries. Many patients also experience muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light, and distinctive skin rashes. While most people recover fully within 1 to 2 weeks, the joint pain can persist for months or even years in some cases, with up to 12% of patients still experiencing discomfort 3 years after infection.

Serious complications are rare, occurring in approximately one in every 1,000 cases. However, certain groups face higher risks, including young babies, elderly people, and adults with underlying health conditions. Occasional complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been reported.”

For more information from the UKHSA click here.

KATIE Price reportedly had a phone call with her husband Lee Andrews’ ex before tying the knot with the Dubai businessman.

Alana Percival, who was with Lee for nine months, has claimed that the former glamour model, 47, had “reservations” and was told by Alana to “run for the hills”, but ignored the warnings.

“Katie reached out to me via a friend. We spoke on the phone. She was saying, ‘I don’t know what to believe’ and I told her it’s black and white,” Alana told MailOnline.

She added: “I told her I would show her everything; I said I was happy to meet her. I told her he was going to break her down and ruin her. 

“I told her he doesn’t have money, he has scammed loads of people, I said to her, ‘Come and sit with me for an afternoon’.”

However, Alana says Lee has painted her as a “crazy ex” and convinced Katie she is lying.

‘I’m not stupid’

Katie Price insists hubby Lee’s NOT a conman & she’s seen proof of wealth

family fury

Katie Price says family were ‘p***ed off & angry’ at her for whirlwind marriage

Alana was with Lee last year and says she got engaged to him in September in a proposal identical to the one he used on Katie in January,

Last month, Lee was exposed by The Sun as a fantasist businessman who faked celebrity links using AI-generated photos and recently talked about marrying two other women.

However, in her first interview since the shock romance and wedding, Katie assured she has seen proof of his fortune.

The star, who refused to get a pre-nup before marrying Lee, told The Sun: “So yes, I can reassure everyone at home that I haven’t gone for a con man.

“I haven’t gone for a scammer. There was no love bombing.

“I’ve gone for a beautiful human being who genuinely makes me happy, who I’m so in love with.”

Katie declared “I’m not stupid” – and said that Lee has shown her documents attesting to his wealth.

During the interview, she even showed The Sun his passport, Dubai residency card and, incredibly, what appears to be a real estate proof of purchase for his new property worth an astonishing £36mn – paid in cash.

Following Katie and Lee’s wedding, Alana told The Sun that Katie should “run”

She said: “Katie should run for the hills. Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think he’s a manipulator. 

“Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. 

“Lee doesn’t know what’s fact and what’s fiction. 

“It’s worrying because I think he believes his own lies.” 

Who is Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews?

KATIE Price tied the knot with Lee Andrews in January 2026. Yet who is he?

• Katie Price has married businessman fiancé Lee Andrews in a whirlwind wedding
• It is the fourth time Katie, 47, has been a bride. She has also been married to Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler
• Katie and Lee met just after being introduced on social media
• Lee claimed he is a billionaire in a failed clip from his acting career
• He now claims to be a Dubai-based businessman
• Yet The Sun has unmasked him as a fantasist who faked celebrity links using AI-generated photos and recently talked about marrying two other women
• Failed actor is just another title to add to Lee’s questionable CV, after he claimed to have once worked as the Director of Philanthropy at The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust)
• Lee also shared images – since proven to be AI – of him working with Elon Musk and Kim Kardashian
• It’s been revealed shameless Lee told former girlfriends that he had studied at Cambridge University, and has a PhD in biotechnology science
• But The Sun has seen a response from the university explaining it could not find a record of Lee being registered as a student with a date of birth they had provided
• His LinkedIn profile says Lee has been a Member of the Board of Advisors to the Labour Party since 2015
• Lee was also mocked for repeating the exact same wedding proposal on Katie – that he did for another woman just four months ago.

IMPATIENT passengers who unfasten seatbelts before their plane has come to a complete stop at the gate could get hit with $37,000 fines.

There’s one key reason for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to penalize unruly flyers racing to be the first to disembark flights.

It’s a violation of federal law to ignore illuminated safety signs such as an aircraft’s “fasten seatbelt” sign.

But that doesn’t stop people from opening their safety restraints and reaching for their cabin bags in overhead luggage compartments.

The rule applies during the taxi, takeoff, and landing stages – until the aircraft has safely reached the gate and the sign has been turned off.

Passengers must remain buckled in while the seatbelt sign is illuminated, the FAA has warned.

Snubbing these safety instructions can result in a hefty civil penalty of up $37,000.

The regulation dates back to the 1970s, and was imposed for safety reasons.

After a plane lands, passengers are at risk of falling or other injuries if they stand and attempt to move while the aircraft taxis to the gate.

Seatbelts restrain the body movement when excessive force is applied, for example in a crash, explained Skybrary.

Keeping them fastened helps passengers survive by preventing flyers from being thrown around the aircraft and against hard objects or other people.

It also “prevents people being thrown out of the aircraft in case of a hull breach,” the website added.

There have been fatalities as a result of a failure to comply with the rule.

For example, in July 2013, a Boeing passenger flight operated by Asiana Airlines from Seoul Incheon, South Korea, to San Francisco crashed within the airport’s perimeter shortly before completing a landing.

The aircraft had hit the sea wall situated prior to the runway and the tail had detached.

Two people were found dead outside the plane, after being ejected at impact.

The dead girls were both 16-year-old students, Wang Linjia and Ye Mengyuan.

More than a decade ago, a passenger on board a Southwest Airlines flight appealed an FAA penalty after he left his seat and approached the front of the aircraft while the safety sign was on.

He was slapped with a $3,300 civil penalty.

In 2013 an appeal heard that the man, Brian Wallaesa, believed he should not be held accountable for his behavior in 2009 because he was having a medical emergency.

But his appeal was denied as he “failed to prove that he had a medical emergency that caused him to lose control of his actions on that flight,” according to the decision.

“About an hour outside of Las Vegas, the captain turned on the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign and informed the flight attendants that he wanted them to sit down and wear their seat belts because he expected the flight to experience turbulence.

“Not long afterwards, while the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign was lit, Wallaesa stood up and walked quickly toward the front of the airplane,” the filings added.

When flight attendants asked him to return to his seat, “he refused.”

The FAA had originally sought a $5,500 civil penalty, but he was given a $3,300 fine after his appeal was denied.

In 2021, the FAA proposed a $14,000 civil fine for an Endeavor Airlines passenger who allegedly unfastened her seat belt while the warning sign was illuminated.

The passenger had also refused to wear a mask properly despite repeated instructions from flight attendants.

“I can’t tell you how many times on a domestic flight, 10, 15, 20, 30 people would get up before we were parked at the gate,” ex-American Airlines flight attendant Steve Burman told the New York Times last May.

He saw a woman being injured after a bag toppled on top of her when an overhead bin was opened too soon.

The FAA has recently implemented a “zero-tolerance policy” of issuing fines.

This is due to skyrocketing cases of problem passengers risking the safety of crew and fellow flyers.

Unruly passengers can face fines of up to $37,000 per incident – as well as criminal prosecution, the agency confirmed last year.

Previously, the maximum civil penalty per violation was $25,000.

The $37,000 fine per violation for passengers also applies to flyers who assault, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with airline crew members, said World of Aviation.

Some cases also lead to FBI referrals.

A penalty also now applies to commercial flights to Turkey, with fines set at about $70 for flyers who move before the seatbelt sign turns off.

THIS is the moment Katie Price’s marriage to Lee Andrews was finally legalised – after weeks of rumours.

The new couple got hitched again in a secret ceremony just five days ago.

Katie and Lee could be seen holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes as they repeated their wedding vows.

Towards the end of the ceremony, instead of sealing the marriage with a kiss Lee leaned and embraced the mum-of-five.

It seems it was a very casual second ceremony with the pair opting to wear jeans, jumpers and trainers.

Katie and Lee faced have faced concerns about the legitimacy of their wedding last month, but The Sun can now reveal Katie and her fourth husband’s real marriage certificate.

I DO… AGAIN

Katie Price’s marriage made legal FIVE days ago in 2nd ceremony despite fears

BABY BUZZ

Katie Price’s husband says he’s ‘blessed’ as he places hand on her stomach

The 47-year-old officially said “I do” again inside Abu Dhabi’s judicial department despite her family and friends voicing their fears over Lee.

Self-proclaimed businessman Lee, 41, and former glamour model Katie signed on the dotted line to formally register their marriage on February 17.

Katie’s whirlwind marriage to the Dubai-based Lee marks the fourth time she has walked down the aisle after her marriages to Peter Andre, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler.

In the exclusive snaps obtained by The Sun, Katie and Lee appear to be the only ones present for the ceremony – no one attended their first wedding either.

It’s believed that podcaster Katie wanted the official marriage documents ahead of her return to the UK for a shock third ceremony.

Reality TV star Katie married Lee in a quickie ceremony last month after shocking the world with her unexpected engagement that came just weeks after she split from her long-term boyfriend JJ Slater.

Katie been spending time in the UAE on honeymoon following a brief return to the UK since their wedding – despite warnings from her pals.

And it’s been far from smooth sailing for the ex-glamour model.

After meeting up with close pal Kerry Katona and her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione in Dubai, the day descended into chaos following a row.

It led to Lee punching Paolo in a shock bust-up.

Katie was then seen slurring in a video hours after claiming she’s having Lee’s baby .

It triggered a reaction from her sister Sophie Price who shared an emotional post about “pain” and “coming to your senses” amid Katie’s out of the blue marriage.

The video dived into the complexities of family relationships, following claims their once close relationship is strained.

After the dramatic Dubai trip, which saw Kerry and Paolo leave early, Katie and Kerry’s friendship is also said to be on thin ice.

Katie’s pals say they are deeply worried for the mother of five who launched a verbal attack on Lee’s ex-fiancee Alana Percival in a damning Instagram statement.

In the aftermath, Katie’s partnership with domestic abuse charity Woman’s Trust was terminated – despite those close to her insisting she did not write it.

Another of Lee’s exes, Crystal Janke, claimed he took £123,000 from her as an investment, but had failed to give her any money back.

He said he denied all the claims made by the women.

Travel experts reveal the three types of items you should avoid packing in your cabin bag when flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet

Travellers who choose to fly with budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet can take advantage of remarkably low fares if they travel with hand luggage only. However, these airlines, like numerous other low-cost operators, require passengers to pay additional fees for larger cabin bags or checked luggage.

Should you turn up at the airport with more than your permitted luggage allowance, you could be stung with substantial excess charges. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, recommends that one of the most effective ways to maximise your luggage allowance and sidestep extra costs is to pack cleverly.

He said: “Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers.”

In recent years, numerous airlines have tightened restrictions on the amount of hand luggage passengers can bring aboard. For example, Ryanair now only permits passengers to bring one small item of luggage per person free of charge.

Matthew said: “One of the main downsides of travelling with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings.

“Whilst this may seem like a deal-breaker, there are some simple ways to maximise the space in your hand luggage.”

According to the specialist, this means leaving certain everyday essentials behind that could be taking up considerable space or adding unnecessary weight.

Travel guru Matthew has some shrewd advice to banish your packing headaches for good. He suggests: “Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation – such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you’ll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible.”

Before you start packing those bulky bottles of shampoo or a hefty hairdryer, check with your hotel first; there’s a good chance they’ve got you covered. And let’s face it, you can pick up toiletries at your destination if needed.

Heading somewhere chilly? Matthew’s tip: wear your coat and chunky knits on the plane instead of cramming them into your bags.

Walk through departures in your winter wear, he says, because after all, you can throw your coat over your arm if you warm up. Plus, it won’t count against your cabin baggage allowance and you’ll avoid the shivers mid-flight.

He added: “It’s best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them. This frees up space and ensures you don’t get cold during the flight.”