Don’t Let a Simple Passport Mistake Ruin Your Dream Holiday
Are you planning a trip abroad this summer? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Brits are gearing up for their summer holidays, but before you jet off, there’s something crucial you need to check: your passport.
The Two Crucial Passport Checks You Need to Make
According to Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, there are two key passport checks you need to make before heading abroad. Firstly, you need to check when your passport expires. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to ensure your passport is still valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If you’re heading to the EU, you’ll need at least three months’ validity.
Check your passport expiration date to avoid any issues
However, there’s another crucial check you might not be aware of: the age of your passport. Many countries won’t let you in if your passport is older than 10 years. This is a common mistake that can lead to serious consequences, including being sent back home.
The Consequences of Not Checking Your Passport
If you don’t check your passport, you could end up wasting thousands of pounds on a holiday you can’t even go on. Martin Lewis warns that people get sent back and can’t travel due to invalid passports. To avoid this, you need to check the specific rules of the country you’re visiting and ensure your passport is up to date.
Check the age of your passport to avoid any issues
Renewing Your Passport: What You Need to Know
If you need to renew your passport, it’s essential to do it as soon as possible. The UK passport office recommends allowing up to 10 weeks to get a new passport, but Martin Lewis has heard that it can take longer. You can pay extra for a faster service, but it’s crucial to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.
Other Essential Tips for Holidaymakers
In addition to checking your passport, Martin Lewis has some other essential tips for holidaymakers. Did you know that you can save money by checking if your hotel or car hire is cheaper than when you booked? If you have free cancellation, you can swap to a better deal. Martin recommends using comparison sites like SkyScanner, TripAdvisor, Trivago, and Kayak.
Check for better hotel deals before your trip
One holidaymaker even managed to save over £1,000 by re-booking a different hotel. It’s always worth checking for better deals, especially if you have free cancellation.
Conclusion
Before you head off on your summer holiday, make sure you’ve checked your passport. It’s a simple mistake that can have serious consequences, but by following Martin Lewis’s advice, you can avoid any issues and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Enjoy your summer holiday with peace of mind
