Plan ahead to avoid being turned away at the airport

Holidaymakers are being urged to check how many pages are left in their passport, else risk being turned away at the airport. 

Post-Brexit, running out of space in a passport is a real possibility for keen travellers and those heading abroad for work who need entry and exit stamps in their passport when travelling through the EU. 

All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid.

The little-known passport rule is essential to ensure no chance of being held up or turned away at the airport.

Standard passports have 34 pages, but jumbo passports have more space for keen holidaymakers and those who travel for work, with 54 pages.

It is also important to note, that some countries will require travellers to have two additional visa pages in their passport.

Travellers and holidaymakers should also remember to check the expiry date on their passport.  While many countries require passports just to be valid for the length of a traveller’s stay, other countries such as China, Thailand and Turkey need at least six months longer. 

HM Passport Office recommends that for most European countries, the passport expiry date should be at least three months after the intended day of departure from the EU.  However, those heading abroad are always advised to check the specific entry requirements of their destination and indeed their airline, to avoid any hiccups. 

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert from Quotezone.co.uk said: “Filling up the pages in your passport may have felt like an unlikely task years ago, but since Brexit, many are finding their passport pages becoming fuller as new rules mean UK passport holders must have their passport stamped each time they enter and leave the EU.

“If you do run out of pages in your passport, you will have to renew your passport sooner than its expiry date, so make sure to keep a keen eye on the remaining empty pages. 

“If you are buying a new passport, make sure to use trusted sources only. Don’t be tempted by websites offering express shipping or cheaper prices as you could be caught out and end up spending even more to get your hands on a compliant UK passport. 

“Being turned away at the airport for a non-compliant passport would be devastating, which is why we are urging everyone heading off this summer to be aware of how the rules could affect them. 

“You may also be refused entry to your destination country if your passport is due to expire. This is something travellers often overlook, as many will only use their passports a couple of times a year.  It’s also worth checking the requirements for your particular airline as some can vary on their passport specifications.

“Many countries require time allowance on passports in order to let you in, including popular travel destinations Turkey and Thailand which actually require your passport to be valid for up to six months after your trip.

“Make sure to always check the entry requirements for your chosen destination, and plan ahead with jumbo passports if you are an avid traveller or someone required to go overseas often for work. 

“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you.”

The European Union is set to launch an entry-exit system (EES) due to start in November 2024 that will replace physical stamping with biometric fingerprint and facial scanning but it’s sensible for travellers to ensure their passport has plenty of blank pages until these plans are firmly in place.