Passport warning as simple mistake could stop you from travelling

BRITS with a new blue passport are being warned to check it before travelling, due to new rules in place.

Since last year, the previous burgundy passports have been phased out in favour of the navy versions, which no longer have the European Union wording on it.

AlamyBrits have been warned to check their passports[/caption]

However, the new passports require the holder to sign the document themselves, rather than have an electronic signature.

This can be found on the photo ID page, with a blank space underneath the photograph.

This must be done with a black ballpoint pen, according to the government website.

They warn: “Sign your new passport as soon as you get it. You can’t use it until you do.

“Sign on the ‘holder’s signature’ line using black ballpoint pen.”

If you forget to sign it, or do it in the incorrect pen, you could end up having problems at the border, and even being stopped from flying.

Burgundy passports, which were first introduced in 1988, are still valid until their expiry date, but are no longer being issued.

This isn’t the only thing Brits should check about their passports before travelling.

Travellers are also being warned to check they have an exit stamp when leaving the EU.

Since the UK left the EU, UK holidaymakers now receive stamps when entering or exiting any country in the Schengen Area.

This is due to the new rules which only allow Brits to stay for 90 days in an 180-day period.

Last month, a woman was stopped from entering Spain due to an issue with the stamps in her passport.

Linda, who was travelling from Gibraltar to Spain, was banned from entering the country due to her passport not having a Spanish exit stamp from a previous trip, suggesting she overstayed during her visit.

Passengers have also been stopped from boarding due to confusion over their passport expiry dates.

A mum was banned from her flight after she was told her passport was out of date – even though it wasn’t.

Clarice Easson was flying to Cyprus with her husband Alan when she was told she needed at least six months left on her passport.

However, this is contrary to the EU rules, which only require an additional three months.

The confusion is due to the other new rules regarding the length of passport allowed – with Brits no longer able to have passports which have more than 10 years left on them.

Previously, Brits were able to roll over nine months from their previous passport, taking them to 10 years and 9 months – but the new rules no longer allow the additional months.

Here is everything you need to know about getting a new passport.

GettyThe blue passports now replace the burgundy versions[/caption]