GMB's Martin Lewis issues warning to holidaymakers who could risk losing thousands

Martin Lewis has warned holidaymakers they could lose thousands if they don't check their passports. The MoneySavingExpert appeared on Good Morning Britain today where he spoke with co-host Susanna Reid about holidays.

The presenter was quizzed by one caller about their passport and if it was valid. They asked: "Do I have enough time to travel to Europe on my current passport?", with Martin issuing a warning to viewers: "Everybody should be checking your passport now if you're planning to go away. The first thing you want to check for is how long will your passport still be valid for on the date you arrive in the country. How long will it still be valid for.

"In the European Union it needs to be three months or more. For other countries it needs to be six months or more - maybe not but if its less than six months then go and check the rules for the country."

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He then added: "But the other crucial factor is your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day of arrival. This is the one people have been sent back for," and warned viewers to check their documents.

There are very strict rules regarding passports. If you are travelling in the European Union then you need to make sure your passport has more than three months left on it. You must also make sure that your passport is less than 10 years old. Other countries can require you to have up to six months left or more on your passport or you risk being turned away from your flight.

Most passports have a maximum lifespan of 10 years, but any of those issued before September 2018, holidaymakers should check as the passport office used to add anything up to nine months on a passport at a time.

If a passport is more than 10 years old, it is invalid for travel to all European Union countries with the exception of Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland. Other countries may hold similar rules and it is best to check your documents and your holiday destination's particular requirements before you book and travel there.

Since April of this year, a new or replacement adult passport (that is, someone aged 16 or above) costs £94.50 when applying online, or £107 if using the paper form. For children these prices are £61.50 or £74, respectively.

If you need a passport urgently, you can use the Premium Service (one day) but this will set you back £222 for an adult passport, or £189 for a child's so it is important to check your document as soon as possible.

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