Martin Lewis says make 3 'crucial' checks - these passport rules might catch you out
Martin Lewis has advised Brits to perform three essential checks before going on holiday abroad this summer. The 53-year-old financial expert emphasised that it is important to check the dates on your passport and ensure you possess the appropriate documents prior to departure.
Talking on an episode of ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show, he said: "Now, I need to say something very important to everybody. Border control and flight checks are getting more stringent.
"There is an immigration issue going on around the world, and that means countries are getting stricter on who they let in. So, you need to be more diligent with your checks."
First and foremost, Martin emphasised that travellers should verify the expiration dates on their passports. Having less than six months of validity can lead to significant issues.
For several countries, such as Australia, China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Moreover, tourists visiting European and Schengen countries must ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended return date.
Nevertheless, even with a passport valid for seven months or more, entry might still be denied if another crucial rule isn't fulfilled. In numerous countries, including those in Europe, passports must have been issued within the last 10 years before the holiday departure date.
Martin continued: "If your passport is over 10 years old, many countries won't let you in. Now, how can it be over 10 years old? Because it used to be that when you renewed, if you had any spare time on your old passport, they could add that on top.
"So, you might have... 10 years, 10 months, and that can bar you too. So, you need to do both of those checks. Now, if you have done those checks, if there is a 'yes' to either of those, then the safest thing is to renew before you go."
The cheapest method to get a passport is online via the Government's website, which costs £12.50 less than postal applications. The passport generally arrives in about three weeks, although it may take longer if further information or an interview is necessary.
In emergencies, UK citizens can apply for an urgent passport through the Government's one-day premium service or the one-week fast track option. Each scheme has specific criteria and is priced higher than the standard service.
With this in mind, Martin continued: "If I was seven, eight or nine months away and the rule was six months, I'd probably play safe and get a new passport first anyway, so that I've got more on it, because it's been so tricky.
"And it's very similar if you are travelling to the USA or passing through the USA, you need to sort your ESTA now. There is heightened border security in the States. If you don't have, this is your sort of online visa if you like, without one people are being denied entry. You need to be careful."
Where can I get a new passport urgently?
Option 1: One-day premium
The one-day premium service is available for adults renewing their current passports. Online applicants can choose to pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. After each application, an appointment will be set up, with the earliest available slot being two days later.
The Government explains: "You'll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment."
Option 2: One-week fast track
This alternative choice is accessible to anyone needing to renew their passport, in addition to the following specific situations:
You need to get a child's passport
You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)
The fast track option offers better value, costing £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) and £145 for a child passport (£158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). You can book an appointment as early as the day after submitting your application, and generally, the passport is received about a week later.
You cannot apply for either service if you are currently outside the UK or applying for your first adult passport. The Government also adds, "If you've already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport.
"You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application."
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