Hundreds of holidays ruined due to common passport mistake
Two hundred people have had to miss out on holidays due to overlooking passport rules. And new Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the Passport Office reveals that more than a million UK passports are set to expire between now and the end of 2025.
With many of us preparing for summer getaways, or planning overseas trips later in the year, the findings indicate that many are cutting it close. If your passport is invalid, you simply won't be able to travel.
Several countries, including the US, require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended departure date for eligibility to travel there. For journeys to the EU Schengen Area, passports must be valid for at least three months following the day of departure, and have been issued less than 10 years before the date you plan to enter.
Co-op Insurance said that 10% (some 200) of 2000 UK adults surveyed said they've been forced to miss a holiday due to failing to renew their passport. FOI data further disclosed that nearly a quarter of a million passports were reported as either lost or stolen last year.
The Passport Office shared that Hong Kong and Spain were the top locations where passports were most frequently reported missing. Losing a passport can cause significant stress, especially considering the £94.50 replacement cost, or £222 if you need it within a day.
As well as this, the insurance firm said almost one in six Brits (15%) admitted to consistently holidaying without travel insurance. Considering the average medical expenses claim has been just over £2,500 so far in 2025, those lacking coverage are putting themselves at significant financial risk, the company warns.
It strongly advises to make sure their passport is up-to-date and they they have suitable travel insurance before heading to the airport.
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