The Importance of Managing Your UK Passport Pages
Pre-Brexit, the idea of running out of pages in your passport was quite unusual; however, since the UK officially left the EU in January 2020, travelers have found themselves needing to be more vigilant about their passport pages.
UK passport holders must now have their passports stamped every time they enter and leave the EU. Consequently, frequent travelers might worry about the longevity of their passports. Here’s what to understand regarding the implications of running out of passport pages.
What Happens If I Run Out of Pages in My Passport?
Running out of blank pages is a genuine concern for regular travelers. Therefore, we recommend considering a ‘jumbo’ passport that accommodates more travel possibilities throughout its 10-year validity. The jumbo passport is priced at £100.50 for online applications, or £112 for paper applications, which is slightly higher than the standard passport fee of £88.50 online and £100 by paper.
If you exhaust all blank pages for stamps, your only recourse is to obtain a new passport. It is crucial to have at least two blank pages available to validate your passport during travels; otherwise, you risk making your passport invalid.
How Many Pages Does a British Passport Have?
In 2015, the standard British passport was expanded from 32 pages to 34 pages, while the jumbo passports now consist of 54 pages. The typical passport contains 26 blank pages intended for stamps as you enter new countries beyond the Common Travel Area, which includes parts of the UK and Crown Dependencies.
How Many Free Pages Do You Need in Your Passport to Travel?
Travelers should ensure they have a minimum of two blank pages to accommodate entry and exit stamps effectively.
Can You Get Extra Pages Added to a UK Passport?
No, it is not possible to add more pages to an existing UK passport. If additional pages are required, applying for a new passport is necessary.
Can I Get a Second Passport?
An often-overlooked option is that it is feasible to hold two British passports at the same time. This scenario typically applies to individuals who:
- Need to secure visas for travel
- Travel to countries with conflicting political relations
- Are frequent travelers with full passports
Applying for an additional passport involves completing a specified application form online and awaiting its arrival, so it is wise to plan ahead if your current passport is filling up.
