The EU’s new border control system makes it even more important for passports to be in good condition
The new Entry/Exist System rollout could see delays and queues at passport control(Image: GETTY)
In October, the EU is planning to rollout its new digital border control known as the Entry/Exit System or EES. It will replace the manual stamping of passports with a machine travellers walk through that logs their passport and entry and exit times electronically. More information on the rollout can be found here.
During the rollout this may cause longer queues than travellers are expecting, with travel experts urging Brits to account for the extra time it might take to get to their gate. The new system also makes it more crucial for passports to be in good condition.
Travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk shared seven checks Brits should carry out on their passport before heading to the airport in order to avoid delays and potential issues when going through the EES. Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk also highlighted that if you’re denied access to your flight for issues with your passport, your travel insurance may not protect you.
Water damage
If your passport has water damage you might not be able to use it as a valid travel document anymore. Minor exposure like lightly crinkled page edges may be okay but any smudged ink or discolouration can cause delays or even entry refusals at the border check.
Tears or rips
If any passport pages are torn, ripped or missing this is then considered a damaged passport that won’t be accepted at the border. Particularly if the damage affects any writing on the personal details page or any visa stamps.
Laminate peeling
Passports have a laminate layer over the personal details page and if this is lifting or peeling it could be viewed as a suspicious passport as it may have been tampered with. Even if the information is still readable, it may still be flagged or rejected according to the experts.
Expiry dates
Many countries require passports to be valid for a certain length of time beyond the date you arrive. Usually this is at least six months but in Europe it can be around three months beyond date of departure but the passport must also have been issued within the last 10 years to be valid.
Child passports
Unlike adult passports which are usually valid for 10 years, children’s passports are usually only valid for five years. Parents need to be aware of these expiry dates and renew the passports in good time to avoid disrupting their family getaways.
Blank pages
While the EES is meant to replace manual passport stamping, the system is still new and travellers are advised to keep empty pages in their passports in case stamps are needed. Travellers must have at least two blank passport pages when travelling or their document could be seen as invalid according to the experts.
Visa
As the effects of Brexit continue to rollout, the experts urged travellers to keep up to date with visa requirements of the country they’re going to. Currently, when travelling to Europe, you don’t need a visa if you’re going for a shorter trip of up to 90 days.
Wilson added: “We urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport. Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.
“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.”