Have YOU checked the expiry date on your passport? Holidaymakers warned the amount of time allowed left on visa is VERY different between countries

• Experts are urging Brits to check their passports before heading off abroad
• The documents must have been issued within the last 10 years to travel overseas
• But some countries may stop you from entering months before the expiry date

British holidaymakers are being warned about a little-known passport rule that could scupper their hopes of jetting off abroad this summer. 

With UK passports lasting 10 years after issue, it is perhaps easy to believe you’re all set for your dream holiday – however this isn’t always the case. 

Experts at Airport Parking and Hotels are urging people to check the latest passport expiry regulations before heading on their trip. 

All passports must have been issued within the last 10 years to travel overseas, but even if you are within the time frame, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. 

Some holiday-goers have been caught out by thinking they had enough time left on their passports – but have completely forgotten to factor in the expiry date. 

Could you be blocked at the border? The amount of time before your passport expires differs considerably between countries 

Experts have urged passengers to check the latest passport expiry regulations, before heading on your trip – as it could prevent you from jetting off abroad

For most countries in the EU and Schengen area, you must have at-least three months before the expiry date to travel. 

And the rules are even stricter in countries such as Thailand, Turkey and Egypt, where you’ll need at least six months to visit. 

Travelling to Australia, Canada and the USA is generally more lax and,as long as you have enough time left until the end of your trip, you’re okay to visit. 

If you’re running short of time on your passport, you can always order a new one. 

But, be warned, you should allow around three months for the process to be completed. 

Once you have completed the application and the passport office has received your expired passport, your new documents should arrive within 10 weeks. 

You can book an appointment up to three weeks in advance and no sooner than two days in advance. 

The cost of a standard adult passport in the UK is £82.50 if done online, or £93 if completed on paper. 

For children (16 and under) a standard passport price is £53.50 or £64 for a paper application. 

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If you’ve requested a 50-page ‘frequent traveller’ passport, this will amount to slightly extra at £93.50 or £104. 

During high-demand periods, you should allow as much time as possible to request your new passport as it could take longer to arrive than usual. 

However, the passport office offers a one week fast tracked service where new passports should be delivered within seven working days.

Yet, they require an in-person appointment with a completed paper application and two photographs – this will amount £155 for an adult and £126 for a child.

It is possible to receive the passport the same day via an in-person appointment, if you’re willing to pay the price and they have the availability. 

The passport office advises passengers not to travel until they obtain a valid passport, as the new passport will not have the same number as the expired one.  

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