Spring has arrived and with milder temperatures on the horizon, you may have begun contemplating your next trip away. If you're organising a break, it's sensible to get to grips with the border requirements of your destination.

Fresh European Union travel regulations, such as the entry/exit system, require additional information from you and may result in hold-ups. Beyond this, it's imperative to thoroughly examine your passport and make certain it meets the necessary standards.

Travel specialist Jamie Fraser from Wild Packs revealed there are several pitfalls that can trip up British holidaymakers - and one could leave you £150 lighter in the wallet, reports the Express.

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If you've got a trip on the cards, and unexpectedly discover that your passport has expired, it can be tempting to depend on a fast-track service. However, Jamie warned this can prove to be a costly error.

He explained: "They're not always guaranteed and appointments can be limited during peak travel periods, like the summer holidays.

"They're also significantly more expensive than renewing in advance, and could cost you over £150 depending on the service used.

" If you can, it's always worth checking your passport in advance of your travel plans to ensure you don't have to pay extra."

When you're examining your passport, don't merely check the expiry date - the issue date is equally crucial.

When travelling to most European countries, your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years of the day you arrive.

Jamie explained: "Before Brexit, UK citizens could carry up to nine months from an old passport to a new one, but now that no longer meets EU requirements.

"This means a passport that expires in 2027 might be unusable for travel in 2026 if it was issued too long ago."

For frequent flyers, it's probable that your passport is looking somewhat battered.

A bit of wear is typically acceptable - but caution is needed - anything that renders it even slightly difficult to read could render it invalid.

Jamie noted: "Torn pages, water damage, detached covers, and anything that makes personal details hard to read can mean your passport is no longer valid.

"Even minor wear and tear can cause issues at automated scanners or border checkpoints. If your passport has been through years of beach trips and backpacks, it's worth checking that it's good to go before travelling."