One in 10 admit they have missed a holiday due to failing to renew their passport.
Millions of British citizens could be at risk of missing a holiday this year if they fail to renew their passport.
Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance has revealed that over 4 million British passports are set to expire in 2025.
Despite 72% of people in the UK planning to book a holiday this year, an estimated 10 million currently have expired passports.
Co-op’s survey showed that the number of Brits missing a holiday due to failing to renew their passport in time increases to approximately 1 in 4 (23%) for those under the age of twenty-five, highlighting the importance of staying on top of these crucial travel documents.
The Co-op’s research also found that a quarter (25%) of 25 to 34-year-olds had gone on holiday without travel insurance, while three in 10 (28%) 16–24-year-olds have had a serious accident or illness abroad, compared to less than 1 in 10 (8%) of 55+ year-olds
Those who travel uninsured put themselves at great financial risk, as Co-op Insurance data reveals that the highest paid claim in 2024 was almost £21,000, an amount that would have had to be paid by the individual had they been uninsured.
Graham Ward Lush, head of Travel at Co-op Insurance at Co-op Insurance, said: “Keeping your passport up to date is a crucial step that many of us neglect, which could result in disappointment and financial loss should it mean that you are unable to travel abroad as planned.
“Some countries require at least three to six months of validity remaining on your passport before travelling, and it can take up to three weeks (or sometimes more) to renew UK passports, so it is always best not to leave it too late.”
He continued: “Those travelling abroad should also seek sufficient insurance cover to have peace of mind that they are protected from incidents that may result in high medical expenses or loss of possessions.
“If you are unsure of your passport expiry date or the best insurance for you on your next trip, I advise you to look into your options without delay.”
At the end of last year, Brits who are still in permission of the old red EU passports were issued an urgent warning by airlines.
For those of us old enough to remember, the classic burgundy passport was all many of us ever knew and was synonymous with growing up pre-Brexit.
Post-Brexit, the old red variant has been becoming increasingly rare and any still left in circulation are nearing their expiry dates.
This led to a warning being issued last November to many holders who may have been unaware that their passport could be invalid.
Jet2, Ryanair, British Airways and easyJet all issued warnings for Brits to check their passports before they travel.
Many countries have rules around the required amount of time remaining on them before expiration, with some requiring three months, others six.
And, when you think about it, it makes sense too.
If you, for whatever reason, get stuck or held up in a country for a period of time that exceeds your passport’s validity, then it makes it very hard to get home while also causing a headache for that nation’s bureaucrats.
In all Schengen Area countries, the requirement is at least three months remaining validity on a traveller’s passport from the planned departure date.
For most other countries outside of Europe this period extends to six months from the date of departure.
