Holidaymakers warned to act now over passport warning that could cost hundreds

People gearing up for their summer holidays have been given a passport warning - or face a hefty bill. Experts have warned summer sun-lovers to double-check the expiry date on their passports.

A common oversight is neglecting to check the expiration date on a passport before jetting off, with many assuming they can travel as long as their passport hasn't expired. However, it's crucial to ensure that the expiry date is more than three to six months away, as passports nearing their expiry date could prevent travellers from entering certain countries.

This lesser-known travel rule, introduced post-Brexit, continues to trip up Brits abroad. Those travelling to any EU country, or Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland should make sure their passports were issued less than 10 years before the date they plan to enter the EU nation, reports GB News.

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Entering or exiting these countries with outdated documents could result in travellers having to fork out for new travel documents. According to Gov. UK, the cost for a new passport is £207.50, adding: "The earliest you can get an appointment is two days after you apply.

"You will get your new passport at your appointment. You can only use this service to renew an adult passport."

Travel documents should also be valid for at least three months beyond the day the traveller intends to depart ("date of expiry"). Gemma Brown, who is in charge of commercial activities and also an expert in travel at Travel Republic, issued a new warning.

She emphasised: "If travellers make it all the way to their boarding gate without checking, airlines can refuse those holding passports that were issued over 10 years ago. In this instance, passengers should aware that denied boarding is reasonable due to inadequate travel documentation.

"The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would cover any costs associated with invalid or expired passports, as it's down to the traveller to triple check their documentation is correct."

Gemma further added: "Our advice would be to ensure that your passport is within the 10-year issue date and is valid for at least six months from the date of departure to ensure you will be accepted into most countries."

To minimise such inconvenience, documents must be verified ahead of booking any holidays.