Five key passport checks for Easter holidaymakers to avoid missing flight

Five key passport checks for Easter holidaymakers to avoid missing flightPeople travelling on the long weekend could be risking their return with even minor damageCommentsLifestyleSamantha Leathers Senior Money & Lifestyle writer12:52, 05 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesBritish passport holders need to check their passports aren't damaged before travelling(Image: GETTY)Easter travellers could risk missing their flights if they aren’t checking the condition of their passports, even during their holiday. A number of passport and travel rules have changed over the last few years, most recently with the Entry/Exit System being rolled out across the EU.‌To pass through the automated machines, travellers need to ensure their passport is in good condition or they may risk missing their flights. This can mean even seemingly minor damage, that can happen during your getaway too, can prevent the machines from reading your passport correctly and cause havoc for your travel plans.‌Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, noted that alongside the expiration date checks people should do before heading abroad, there are six signs of damage that can make their passport invalid as well.‌View 3 ImagesEven minor damage can cause issues at the airport(Image: GETTY)Water damageIf your passport is water-damaged, it may no longer be accepted as a legitimate travel document. Minimal water exposure, like slightly wrinkled page corners, may be accepted.If the ink is smeared or the colours change on the pages, this could lead to delays or even refusal of entry at border control, as it can be seen as a potential case of tampering. Stains on any pages are also generally not accepted.‌TearsIf passport pages are torn, ripped or absent, the document will be considered damaged and unacceptable at border control. If the damage also affects any text, visa stamps or the biographical page in your passport, this can be an even bigger issue.Laminate peelingSome passports ha...