Warning issued to all Brits with a red passport as new rules come into force

A warning has been issued to Brits who still use a red passport with new rules set to come into place this week.

Thanks to a certain referendum that saw the UK leave the EU, as well as the rising geopolitical tensions, travelling has seemingly never come with so many obstacles.

Not only do we have to navigate the significantly longer queues at the airport, we also have to ensure we have the right documents when travelling abroad, and also seemingly have to avoid certain colours of suitcases just to avoid having our luggage stolen.

Checking your passport validity and date of expiry will avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport (Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Although if the rumours are true (they are), then some UK airports might not even require you to get your passports out at scanners any more, with high-tech scanners simply matching your face to a database before deciding whether or not to let you in the country.

One thing you really need to double check if you haven't already upgraded to one of Boris Johnson's fancy blue passports is just how long you've had that burgundy passport in your top drawer.

If you have one that is over 10 years old or expires in the next six months, then you won't be able to travel, but that's not the only reason to 'upgrade' to a new one as soon as you can.

From April 10, the price of an online passport application made from the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children.

What colour is your passport? (Getty Stock Images)

A government spokesperson said: "The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.

"The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

"The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders."

Premium Service (one day) applications made from within in the UK will also rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children, which is another reason why it's definitely best not to leave it until the very last minute.

So, if you've less than a year left on your passport and want to save yourself an extra few quid, then it may well be worth putting through that passport renewal in the next few days.