The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) and Travel Association ABTA have warned travellers to ensure that they have at least six months remaining on their passports before taking off on holiday.
Demand for foreign travel is currently at an all time high as people rush to take advantage of the extra royal wedding bank holiday – IPS has reported that 25 per cent of people have already booked Easter or summer holidays this month.
Many foreign countries require passports to have at least six months left on them, so if your passport is about to run out, it is wise to put plans for a new passport into place well before travelling, as the process can take up to six weeks to complete.
Chief executive of Abta, Mark Tanzer, said, “Renewing or getting a new passport now will help you avoid unnecessary worry and expense, even if you still have up to six months validity left as this will be added to your new passport.
“Don’t run the even worse risk of losing your holiday – apply now to also avoid the last-minute summer rush for passports,” he added.
