Travellers are being urged to carry out four essential passport checks if they are planning to go on holiday this year.
The warning comes as more than 1,000 Passport Office workers prepare to go on strike for five weeks from April 3 until May 5. Holidaymakers are being warned of a "significant impact" on passport delivery as summer looms.
As a result of the strikes, many people with expiring travel documents are faced with a difficult decision - risk applying for a new one during the strikes, or hold on until after a holiday, reports The Mirror. Here, Cody Candee, CEO, and founder of Bounce, has provided a four-point checklist for travellers.
Read More: Passport warning issued to Brits and how strikes will impact holidays
1. Check that your passport is valid
It may sound obvious, but if you’re traveling abroad you must make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip. Not only should your passport be valid for your departure date, but many countries require your passport to be in date for at least six months after your arrival. This remains true, even if you’re visiting for a day.
2. Renew your passport early
With the cost of fast-tracking a new passport significantly more expensive than standard applications, Cody recommends renewing your passport well in advance. If you have less than six months validity, apply for a new passport immediately.
Not only are processing times currently around ten weeks, but as travel is back on the cards for many following the pandemic, the Home Office is predicting another massive year for renewals.
3. Check your blank pages
If you run out of blank passport pages you will have to renew your passport sooner than your renewal date. Some countries, such as Italy, require a fully blank visa page for valid entry, while others, such as South Africa require at least two.
Be sure to check the requirements of your chosen destination before traveling so that you don’t get caught out.
4. Beware of copycat websites
There are a variety of websites that imitate official Government websites for passport applications. These websites attempt to charge users £20 - £100 on top of the official passport fee, by offering additional ‘validation’ services.
When applying for a new passport, be cautious of these types of websites, and be sure only to use trusted sources. For example, the Post Office's Check & Send Service offers in-depth passport application guidance, from specially trained Postmasters.
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