Some countries require a completely blank visa page for valid entry
UK travelers are being urged to check their passport blank pages before they head off in 2023 – or risk missing out on their holiday.
Since the UK left the EU, it is now more important than ever to check your passport before you travel, as everyone with a British passport must follow the Schengen area requirements for travel to any country in EU, except Ireland.
However, a travel expert has warned that there is a rule related to blank passport pages that few people are aware of.
Cody Candee, CEO and founder of travel and luggage storage company Bounce, told the Mirror: “If you run out of blank passport pages, you will need to renew your passport sooner than the renewal date.
“Some countries, such as Italy, require a completely blank visa page for valid entry, while others, such as South Africa, require at least two.
“Make sure you check your chosen destination’s requirements before you travel so you don’t get caught out.”
Candee also warns that fake government passport renewal sites are a big problem for travelers.
He explained: “These websites try to charge users £20 – £100 on top of the official passport fee by offering additional ‘validation’ services.
“When applying for a new passport, be wary of these types of websites and make sure you only use trusted sources.”
Under the new Schengen area requirements, passports must be valid for at least three months before travel – but the date of issue of your passport is also affected by the rules.
To travel, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country you intend to travel to.
