Seven passport mistakes to check you’re not making before your holiday this summer

Thinking of travelling but haven't a clue if you’re up to date with the crucial passport rules? Don’t worry about it because we’ve got the seven most common issues that typically trip up passengers, so you can be prepared without stressing about it.

It’s never easy planning a getaway, and with an already tough time juggling schedules, packing, making sure you’ve not missed anything before travelling...you don’t need the added headache of turning up to the airport only to be turned away.

On TikTok, @blissfulescapesuk revealed the most common problems people face before boarding, and how to avoid them.

So, we’ve compiled it into writing for an easy read.

Not having enough validity left

It explained that ‘many countries require 3 to 6 months’ validity from the date you leave their country, not the date you arrive’.

You need to have a valid passport within its expiry (Getty Stock Images)

Damaged passport

Whether it’s water damage, a tear, crumpling, stains or stickiness – a lot of airports can refuse to accept your passport as being a valid document if it is damaged.

It can even stop you from being able to board. So, it’s best to make sure it’s in the best shape possible prior to flying.

The 10-year rule

If you didn’t know, there is a 10-year rule when it comes to passports, and this can get a lot of people tripped up.

It needs to be less than 10 years old (Getty Stock Images)

Essentially, those travelling to and from the EU and Schengen area need to have a passport that is less than 10 years old, whilst still falling into the three-month of validity rule.

If not, again, this could be seen as an invalid document.

Now, even though the Schengen area is now adhering to the Exit and Entry System, which is a digital interface with your passporting information on it, you’ll still need your physical passport with you.

The biometric data is used to log your stay, but not validate your identity for travel.

Flying with the wrong name

It doesn’t matter if it’s one letter, or an entire word that’s wrong – if your details are the exact same on your booking ticket and your passport, you can’t fly.

This is because it would invalidate your identification.

Are your details correct? (Getty Stock Images)

It’d be like using your ID to by booze, but the date is partially rubbed off so they can’t legally clarify that you’re old enough to purchase.

The same applies here...but, you know, when it comes to flying.

A soon-to-expire child’s passport

Unlike adult passports which last 10 years, children’s are only valid for five years and will need to be replaced when the time is up.

Sometimes, parents forget this and turn up to the airport, only to be told their kid can’t board.

They do this for obvious reasons – because kids look a lot different from the ages of 10 to 15.

So, make sure you replace them accordingly.

Have you changed? (Getty Stock Images)

You don’t look the same

Similarly, if you have drastically changed (whether it’s weight-related, surgery or hair) and no longer look like your passport photo, you’ll need to take a new one.

This is so that you won’t be misidentified at security, and the officials will be able to clearly see you are who you are purporting to be.

Not taking care of your passport on holiday

Like the above section which talks about damage to your passport, it’s not just going on holiday which can have you refused entry.

Keep your passport safe (Getty Stock Images)

In fact, you can be refused to go home if you damage your passport whilst out of the country.

So, as a precaution, always make sure it’s safe and in good condition.

Otherwise, you could be in trouble if you’re on a Visa or have nowhere to stay.