Brits are being cautioned about a frequent passport error that could result in being refused boarding at the airport.

Thousands of holidaymakers will be hoping to travel overseas during the Easter half-term, whether seeking a sun-soaked coastal retreat or an enchanting city break. Airports will experience higher footfall than normal during this busy travel period, making it vital that Brits ensure they're thoroughly prepared before packing their luggage.

Amongst the most common errors made by travellers is failing to properly verify their passports before arranging a holiday or heading to the airport. This can result in being denied entry at the airport, forfeiting their trip entirely, and finding themselves unable to secure a refund.

Have you had travel disrupted because of a damaged passport? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

In an effort to help holidaymakers prevent any passport complications, travel expert Jamie Fraser at Wild Packs has issued a warning about passport damage. He revealed that travellers are "turned away from the airport every year because their passport is physically damaged".

This can include torn pages, water damage, detached covers, or anything else that can make the personal details on the passport hard to read. Should this be the situation, Jamie cautioned that the passport may no longer be valid, leaving the traveller unable to fly.

The deterioration can be relatively small. Standard wear and tear may present problems when trying to pass through automated scanners or border control points at airports.

Passports can quickly become worn after years of being crammed into rucksacks, processed at airports, and accompanying you on numerous journeys. Therefore, if you have a trip on the horizon, whether for the Easter break or later in the year, it's advisable to examine your passport's state before departure.

Jamie also cautioned that holidaymakers must verify both the expiry date AND issue date of their passports. This stems from a post-Brexit regulation for travel to most European nations, which stipulates that UK passports must have been issued within the 10 years preceding the date of arrival.

Another crucial verification is to confirm there is a blank page at the rear of the passport for any necessary stamps or visas. The expert highlighted that if you're a regular traveller with a passport containing numerous stamps from past excursions, it could create complications at the border if insufficient blank pages remain.

Should you encounter any problems with your passport, you can renew or replace it via the government website. Nevertheless, ensure you do so well ahead of your flight departure, as Jamie cautioned that the UK's fast-track passport services are not "always guaranteed and appointments can be limited during peak travel periods".

Significantly, they are also pricier compared to renewing the passport ahead of time. To renew or replace your passport online, it will cost £94.50, or £107 when applied for with a paper form.

It typically takes around three weeks, but it can take longer, so it's best to get it done as soon as possible to avoid any travel mishaps.