UK holidaymakers could face rejection at check-in over simple rules

UK holidaymakers may face being rejected at check-in over simple travel rules. A recent YouGov survey has highlighted that nearly 40 per cent of Brits are oblivious to some crucial travel regulations which could leave your holidays hanging in the balance. GoCompare warns that an estimated 9.6 million UK tourists might possess invalid passports without realising it.

Passports must be undamaged as even rips or tears could leave them needing a replacement, YorkshireLive reports.

Rhys Jones, the travel insurance specialist at GoCompare, commented: “Unfortunately, you likely won’t be covered under your travel insurance for any costs incurred from passport problems preventing your departure.”

READ MORE: Traffic cop reveals the one thing motorists do which ‘always makes them laugh’

READ MORE: Lancs business closes after three years of roadworks ‘decimates’ sales

He further advised: “That’s why it’s so important to know the rules for any destination you plan to visit and to check your passport well before you travel.”

Jones also suggested: “You can check passport validity requirements for different countries on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page. If you’re not sure if your passport will be in date, it’s better to be on the safe side and renew it before you attempt to travel.”

The cost of renewing or replacing a passport online stands at £94.50, while opting for a paper application will set you back £107. To get an adult passport, you must be 16 or over or turning 16 within the next three weeks.

Children’s passports are different and there are alternative procedures for renewing or replacing them outside the UK. Gov.uk issues a cautionary reminder for prospective travellers: “Check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply.

“If you need a passport urgently, you can find out more about the Online Premium or 1 week Fast Track services.”

The government site also advises against arranging travel prior to passport receipt, noting: “Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.”

Once you’ve applied for a new passport, you can keep track of your request by employing your application reference number. Once issued, the new passport is dispatched via courier service or Royal Mail.

In instances where recipients are absent, delivery personnel may slide the passport through the letterbox or leave a notification card or letter detailing collection options (omitting mention that the package contains a passport).

Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox