Britons could be denied boarding due to passport issue as easyJet gives warning - what you need to do

UK passport / Man stressed out at airport

Britons may find they are turned away at airports if their passport does not meet requirements

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Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 16/04/2024

- 17:33

Holidaymakers must ensure their passports are not damaged before they head to the airport

Britons heading abroad have been warned that their passports should be intact if they wish to board a plane.

After a recent instance where a holidaymaker was not able to catch her flight because her passport was damaged, easyJet cautioned travellers.


A spokesperson said: "At easyJet, we work closely with the authorities and comply with their guidance to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and staff.

"As such, we cannot allow any passenger to travel on their planned flight with documentation damaged to such a degree that its authenticity is brought into question.

UK passport

'If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it'

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"It is the passenger’s responsibility to have suitable documentation for travel," they told The Standard.

Britons intending to fly should ensure that their passports are undamaged. The UK Government has guidance on how Britons can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport.

GOV.UK stated: "If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must cancel it before applying for a replacement.

"If your passport is damaged you must replace it. You may not be able to travel with it."


HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

  • You cannot read any of your details
  • Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
  • There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
  • The cover is coming away
  • There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
EasyJet plane

EasyJet said: 'It is the passenger’s responsibility to have suitable documentation for travel'

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And according to data from the Home Office, this could leave 32,000 people vulnerable.

Consequently, Simon Calder told Britons they should make two important checks to ensure they will be allowed to fly.

Firstly, your passport "can't have had its 10th birthday on the day you want to leave for the European Union".

Secondly, "on the day you plan to come back from the European Union, it has to have at least three months before the expiry date".

In other travel news, Britons have been warned that Spain holidays could get more expensive as the Canary Islands consider a tourist tax.

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