Martin lewis urges brits to check passports before it's too late

THE FINANCIAL EXPERT EXPLAINED ON ITV'S MARTIN LEWIS MONEY SHOW HOW HOLIDAYMAKERS COULD BE CAUGHT OUT BY A LITTLE-KNOWN PASSPORT RULE LAUREN HAUGHEY Lifestyle and Money Reporter 15:27,

22 May 2025 Martin Lewis has issued a travel alert to British holidayers gearing up for an overseas break this summer. The Money Saving Expert, aged 53, has underscored the importance of

passport validity and the necessity for appropriate documentation before jetting off. 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." READ MORE: Turkey travel warning after UK tourists dieREAD MORE: Summer holidays could be

'ruined' if this airport rule isn't followed Highlighting the first step, Martin urged travellers to double-check their passport's expiry date. He said that having less

than six months remaining can create significant difficulties. For entry into several countries like Australia, China, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, passports need to remain valid

for a minimum of six months past the date of entry. Holidaymakers venturing into European and Schengen areas must ensure their passports are valid for at least three months beyond their

intended return date. He warned that even holders of passports valid for seven months or more could face entry refusal if they fail to meet another critical condition. In many countries,

especially European ones, passports should have been issued within the last 10 years from the date of departure for the holiday. Article continues below 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 most affordable way to obtain a passport is to apply online through the

Government's website, which is £12.50 cheaper than applying by post. Typically, the passport is delivered in around three weeks, though delays may occur if additional information or an

interview is required. READ MORE: Turkey passport rule that could see you turned away at borderREAD MORE: easyJet and Ryanair 'hack' to get 'best seats' without paying

extra For urgent situations, UK citizens can request an urgent passport using the Government's one-day premium service or the one-week fast track option. Both services have particular

criteria and cost more than the standard application process. 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." HOW DO I GET A PASSPORT URGENTLY? OPTION 1: ONE-DAY PREMIUM SERVICE Adults renewing their passports can opt for the one-day premium service, which

costs £222 for a standard passport or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. Once you've applied online, you'll be given an appointment, with the earliest slot available

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 SERVICE This option is available for renewing adult passports, as well as the following 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 provides 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 soon as the day after submitting your application, and typically, the passport is received about a week later. Article continues below 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."