IF you’re jetting off to any beautiful Red Sea resorts this summer check your passport before travelling.
Unlike countries in the EU, Egypt requires more time left on your passport and it’s catching Brits out with some missing out on their holidays altogether.
There are two very important requirements to get into Egypt for Brits.
The first is that your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the date you arrive.
The second is that it must have at least one blank page to be stamped.
Most countries only require three months left on a passport after the date of arrival, so it’s not surprising that some Brits are being caught out.
One woman recently missed out on a £6,500 holiday to Egypt.
Victoria Vigors was headed on a two-week ‘holiday of a lifetime’ with her family but was stopped before boarding.
Her nine-year-old daughter Roxie’s passport was being scanned and is was then they discovered Roxie’s passport did not have the required period of validity remaining for travel to Egypt.
Roxie’s passport technically expired on January 4, 2027, but with Egypt requiring at least six months left on them, it meant it wasn’t valid.
Talking to creatorzine.com, Victoria said: “I wasn’t aware of the rules. For people like me who don’t always travel and it’s the first time with my children, I didn’t know.
“I would have thought when I put her passport details in to check in that would tell me it wasn’t valid.”
Victoria added: “That would be a simple system to install so save this agony and heartbreak.”
The family are now trying to get an emergency passport to try and enjoy the last few days of the trip they’ve paid for, as they were unable to get a refund.
Also check visa requirements into the country as they vary depending on the location.
For example if you are staying for less than 15 days at a resort in Sharm El Sheikh, you don’t need a visa.
However, if you’re heading to Hurghada you’ll need a visa which you can apply for online or on arrival.
If you apply online, e-visa applications must be submitted a minimum of seven days.
Another country to be aware of the entry rules is Turkey which needs at least 150 days left on passports from the date of arrival.
If you find your passport is technically out of date shortly before your holidays, then you can look at getting a fast-track renewal.
Before travelling this summer, here are all the new rules you need to be aware of, from eGates and passports to visas and power banks.