Are you absolutely sure that your passport is valid for your next trip?

So, you’ve checked the expiry date of your passport and you have plenty of time left on it; so all is well! That may appear to be the case, but are you absolutely sure that your passport is valid for your next trip? I want to highlight something some people can get caught out by; the number of pages left in your passport. This surprised me when I first heard about it, so I thought I’d share it with you.

There are two main UK passport sizes. The first is the standard passport, which has 34 pages, and the second is the jumbo passport, which has 54 pages. If you travel frequently, you may want to consider getting the jumbo size for more space.

So how do you decide how many pages you need?

It depends on your own particular circumstances. For example, the standard 34 pages should be sufficient if you do not travel regularly. However, if you travel frequently or plan to travel to multiple countries quickly, you may want to consider getting the jumbo size. You don’t want to find that you run out of space before the passport itself expires, because you are not permitted to travel on a British passport that does not have any remaining pages and sadly it is not possible to have extra pages added to a passport.

But even if you do have a couple of blank pages, is it enough? Did you know that not having enough empty pages for stamps could also render it invalid in some countries.

Most countries simply stamp your passport in an area less than 1/6 of a page, but some countries have elaborate entry visas, which may require 1–2 empty pages.

For example, you will need two blank visa pages in your passport if you are travelling to Brazil, Indonesia and some other countries; one for the visa and another at least for the entry and exit stamps. Without the required number of blank pages, you may be denied entry into the country. So, it is really important that you plan ahead when it comes to numbers of pages by checking with the embassies of the countries you plan to visit as to how many pages you will need in your passport for each of them.

How to renew your passport

You can apply for a new passport online if needed before your upcoming trip. Make sure that you leave enough time too; clearly coming up to the summer holiday season is going to be busy for passport offices. The application process is straightforward, and you can find all the information you need on the Passport Office website.

• Start by clicking here.
• Complete the online application form and submit it. You will be asked to select either a standard 34-page passport size or the larger 54-page option.
• Make a secure payment using your debit or credit card.
• Your new UK passport will be delivered directly to your doorstep.

So, a quick check of your passport for expiry date and also blank pages could save you a whole lot of trouble, anxiety and cancelled journeys. Do it now and then contact me if you would like any help with planning your next holiday.