Brits have been urged to check their passports carefully before booking trips away post-Brexit.
The experts at ABTA - The Travel Association have helpfully issued a checklist for those looking to head off abroad this year, warning that "one of the most important things you need to check is if your passport will be valid for your travel dates".
The organisation is looking to offer some clarity in the post-Brexit travel market, now that people travelling out of the UK are subject to a series of new passport rules.
In recent months countless people have fallen foul of the changes to travel document legislation, leaving them stuck at airport, furious and massively out of pocket.
Shirelle Quinn and her son Freddy, who were due to fly to Alicante from Newcastle Airport on Saturday morning, are recent victims of the law change.
They were told by TUI check-in staff they wouldn't be able to fly because the mum's passport was issued more than ten years ago.
Meanwhile one family were left £2k out of pocket when one of their party, named Meg, was unable to travel due to her passport not being valid for a Portugal holiday.
Meg, who believes passport rule changes haven't been made clear to British travellers, added: "We were completely unaware of it. I asked how I got through check-in over two hours ago without it being noticed, plus I entered my passport details when I purchased the flights. They couldn’t answer."
To make sure you don't also get caught out, make sure you go through the following information before heading off on holiday.
Checking passport validity
ABTA recommends you check your passport's validity by looking at both its issue and expiry date.
Some countries require you to have a minimum amount of time left on your passport, which usually between three to six months but this can vary.
Have you had a holiday ruined because of new passport rules? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
Travel to Europe post-Brexit
ABTA has helped to clarify some of the new rules following the UK leaving the EU.
They explain: "Your passport cannot be more than 10 years old when entering the country – so check when your passport was issued and when it is due to expire.
"Most places in Europe will require you to have a least three months left on your passport on the date of departure from your destination – check the Foreign Office advice for the passport rules for your destination.
"So, when checking if your passport will be valid for the dates of your trip, you need to check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport."
They add: "If you renewed your current passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date and this could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old."
Applying for or renewing your passport
ABTA warns: "Her Majesty's Passport Office (HMPO) is currently advising that it may take up to 10 weeks for applications to be processed when applying from the UK, so make sure you apply in good time."
You can find out more on abta.com.
