Checking the blank pages of your passport before you fly can save you from airport misery, according to one travel expert.
Checking that your passport is in your bag or your pocket (and then checking again) is an anxiety-inducing ritual that many of us have been through.
As well as making sure that it's there, it is also important to inspect your travel documents to make sure they're valid - especially with new EU rules in force.
Cody Candee, CEO, and founder of luggage storage and travel company Bounce, says that few people are aware of a rule relating to blank passport pages.
"If you run out of blank passport pages you will have to renew your passport sooner than your renewal date," he said.
"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."
Another problem some people encounter is being caught out by fake websites.
"There are a variety of websites that imitate official Government websites for passport applications," Cody continued.
"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."
However, one of the arguably most important checks to make is your passport's validity.
"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," Cody said. "This remains true, even if you’re visiting for a day."
Rules around UK passports for travel into the EU changed since the country left the bloc.
Passports should be valid for at least three months after the day travellers plan to leave, and must also have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country.
Cody says it is important to renew your passport as soon as you can if it doesn't meet these requirements.
"With the cost of fast-tracking a new passport significantly more expensive than standard applications, we recommend renewing your passport well in advance," he continued.
"If you have less than six months validity, we recommend applying 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."
You can find out more on usebounce.com.
