THOUSANDS of people across the North East and North Yorkshire could be at risk of putting their summer holiday plans in jeopardy if they do not check their passports.

That is because the gap between passport renewal times and the start of the summer holidays is now at the stage where further delays could lead to missed holidays.

Due to changes to passport requirements, those travelling to most EU countries must be less than ten years old and be valid for at least three months after their return date.

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Those whose passports do not meet those requirements at the point of departure will be refused travel, potentially losing thousands of pounds in holiday costs.

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

This week, Brits were warned this week marks ten weeks to the day the summer term will begin for the majority of children across the country.

This date coincides with the current processing times being provided by the Home Office for standard passport applications, which states they can take up to ten weeks. 

The Home Office has previously advised Brits not to book a holiday until they have a valid passport, while saying it is working to process applications as fast as it can.

Earlier this week, bosses at travel firm Co-Op urged holidaymakers across the region to check their passport details and renew no later than this week to prevent any issues.

This mainly applied to those who were hoping to get away for a summer break at the end of July.

'There can’t be a more heart-breaking scenario'

Graham Ward-Lush, head of travel at Co-op Insurance, said: “Many of us won’t have had a proper summer holiday since 2019 and we know that millions of Brits all over the country are eagerly anticipating this year’s getaway, particularly as most travel restrictions have now been lifted.

“But with many passports having been lying in a drawer for the past two years, we’re urging travellers to check the expiration date on their own passports and also any family member’s today."

Mr Ward-Lush said that for those hoping to get away by the end of July, the ideal date had been May 9 to ensure they have room for the maximum processing time given by the Passport Office.

However, renewals between now, May 11 and May 12 should still see an application processed in time for July 21.

He said: “There can’t be a more heart-breaking scenario than unearthing a passport the night before travel, only to realise that it is out of date.

"We want to help ensure that people all over the UK manage to have their dream holiday this summer and aren’t stranded at home due to invalid travel documentation."

Passport renewals currently cost £75.50 online or £85 by post, and they can be done digitally using the Government’s online service or through the Post Office’s check and send service.

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