Experts are warning travellers of three must-do checks before their holiday this summer to avoid costly fast-track passport application fees.
Google searches for "express passport" have surged by a staggering 323%, revealing just how many people are scrambling to get holiday-ready at the last opportunity.
According to a recent Post Office survey 25% of Brits admit they never check the validity of their passport when booking a trip.
This oversight can lead to denied boarding, trip cancellations, or being turned away at border control, often at a significant personal cost.
To avoid stress or disappointment, last-minute holiday provider Travel Republic has revealed three key checks every traveller should make before heading on a last-minute holiday this summer.
1. Check when your passport was issued
More importantly, check it's less than 10 years before your departure date.
Those travelling to any country in the EU, or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland should ensure their passports were issued less than 10 years before their departure dates.
For example, if you are flying on July 10 2025, your passport must have been issued after July 10 2015. This rule applies regardless of the passport’s expiry date.
🌍 Did you know that some countries require your passport to be valid for several months after your scheduled return date? Check your passport expiry date today!
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 12, 2025
Visit https://t.co/DC28P4w6kf for more information #GetTravelReady pic.twitter.com/AYruQzlnma
2. Make sure you have at least 3 months' validity from your return date
Your passport must also be valid for at least three months after your intended return date when travelling to Europe or the Schengen area.
For example, if you return home on 1 August 2025, your passport must be valid until at least 1 November 2025.
3. Make sure your passport is undamaged and readable
A passport must be in good physical condition to be accepted. Even minor damage, particularly if it means personal details page unreadable, can cause issues at check-in or border control.
Gemma Brown, Head of Ground Product & Partnerships at Travel Republic, says: “The likelihood is that travel insurance providers would not cover any costs associated with invalid or expired passports, as it’s down to the traveller to triple-check their documentation is correct.
Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right!
— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025
Before submitting your application check:
- your photo meets all requirements
- all personal details are correct
- supporting documents are ready
- payment details are accurate pic.twitter.com/mkzLHN5ZpY
“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.
"Regardless of passport rules, it’s important for all travellers to research the country they plan to visit and ensure they know what travel documentation is required upon entering and leaving. You can find foreign travel advice on the government website to make sure you have everything covered.”
Recommended reading:
- Easy phone mistakes on holiday could cost you hundreds
- Martin Lewis says 'don't pay to pay' on holiday
- Travel insurance warning about certain types of policy
Renew your passport early to avoid disruptions
With thousands of UK travellers experiencing airport heartbreak over the last year due to non-compliant passports, checking your documents ahead of summer travel plans is essential.
If your passport doesn’t meet the updated rules and outlined conditions, renewing early could be the key to a seamless getaway instead of missing out on your long-awaited trip.
Over half a million UK adults paid for express passports for their summer holiday
Getting a deal on a last-minute holiday is all well and good, but so is making sure your passport is up-to-date. The average cost of a 1-week fast track and 1-day premium passport application is £194.25, and according to data from HM Passport Office, over half a million applications were made in 2023, which would total an £111 million spend.
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