The peak summer season is here and Britons are already jetting off in their droves. It is estimated that around 64 percent of the nation will travel overseas this summer.
But, before you head to the airport, there are some important passport checks you must make.
A travel expert has warned that missing some key details could result in you being denied your holiday and sent home.
“A passport is your gateway to the world, and even a little damage can result in complications at airport check-in desks,” warns Gavin Lapidus, director of eShores. While a few small marks or smudges might not be an issue, a battered passport could be rejected by border control staff – even if you’ve already landed in your holiday destination.
If authorities are concerned about the validity of your passport, you may even be held at the airport for further questioning.
“Most passports last ten years, during which they can expect some wear and tear,” said Gavin.
“When travelling, your passport is checked for damage, tampering, and validity, with damaged documents facing rejection, putting an end to your holiday.”
Rips and tears are one of the biggest culprits for passports being rejected, according to Gavin, as they are often overlooked.
“A common misconception is that as long as all the information on your passport is present, visible and legible, it is acceptable for travel,” he said.
“However, this isn’t always the case. Lifted laminate on the personal details page can cause rejections, even if the photograph and information can be easily viewed, as can torn or defaced pages.
“Holes and cuts are usually used to cancel old passports, so they’re unacceptable in a current passport. Keep in mind that if the chip on the passport can be seen from the back cover, this can also lead to rejection.”
You should also make sure the covers of your passport aren’t loose or detached. “When getting a new passport, it’s sensible to protect it with an external passport cover to limit the chance of damage to the cover or pages from rips, wear and tear, stains or other types of damage,” said Gavin. However, you may be required to remove an external passport cover or case at passport control.