TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A damaged passport could lead to long delays or you may be refused entry (Image: Ethan Wilkinson\/Pexels) <\/p>\n
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. [Learn more<\/strong><\/a>] <\/p>\n Nobody wants a last minute hitch<\/a> when they’re heading on holiday. You’ve arrived at the airport in good time and your luggage has been carefully packed, weighed and measured \u2013 but is your passport valid?<\/p>\n Recent years have seen a number of additional factors for British travellers to consider when travelling to Europe. Plus, the introduction of the EU\u2019s Entry\/Exit System (EES)<\/a>, which replaces passport stamps with facial and fingerprint scans, means long queues at security are already a possibility.<\/p>\n “Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it\u2019s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements<\/a> before jetting off to Europe,” said travel insurance expert, Ian Wilson. In addition, it’s important to make sure passports are in good physical condition, as damage could lead to delays or even refusal at the border.<\/p>\n OFF ON HOLIDAY?<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you,” adds Ian. The team at tiger.co.uk<\/a> have highlighted seven essential passport checks to carry out well in advance of your departure date:<\/p>\n 1. Blank passport pages: <\/strong>While the EES will eventually replace passport stamps, <\/strong>you must have at least two blank passport pages<\/a> or the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages.<\/p>\n 2. Expiry date: <\/strong>Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival. In Europe, passports must be valid for at least three months<\/a> beyond the date of departure and must have been issued less than 10 years ago.<\/p>\n 3. Child passport: <\/strong>Passports for children under 16 are only valid for five years. They often expire before parents realise so should be checked and, if necessary, renewed in good time to avoid delays or travel disruption<\/a>.<\/p>\n 4. Water damage: <\/strong>If your passport has sustained water damage, you’re unlikely to be able to use it as a valid travel document. While minor exposure to water such as slightly crinkled page edges shouldn\u2019t be an issue, smudged ink or discolouration<\/a> can lead to delays or refusals at passport control.<\/p>\n STYLISH SUITCASES \ud83e\uddf3 <\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Elements Olive Green Suitcase<\/a> from Dunelm costs from \u00a328 and comes in a rainbow of colours including ochre, aqua and fuschia.<\/p>\n The Flymax Lightweight Spinner<\/a> starts at \u00a334.99 on Amazon. The hard shell cases come in four sizes and eight colours, including red, pink and purple.<\/p>\n Tripp’s Rose Pink Chic Suitcase<\/a> costs from \u00a349.50 at Next. The lightweight four-wheeled polypropylene luggage comes in three sizes. <\/p>\n