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When going on holiday, there are not many items more important than a passport.
And while it is crucial to ensure it is in date and good condition, it is also vital that you have two blank pages.
Experts have urged holidaymakers to ensure their passport has this beforehand and warned that they could be refused entry if not.
What are blank pages in a passport for?
A standard British passport has 34 blank pages, which are required for immigration officials to place entry/exit stamps when coming and leaving a country.
Blank pages are also used for affixing visa stickers that are required by many countries.
If you travel regularly, these can get filled up quickly, and most countries require two, sometimes more, empty pages.
Experts have warned Brits of the consequences if passports do not have enough space.
Brits urged to check passports for blank pages before travel
Laura Evans-Fisk is the head of digital and engagement at foreign exchange company Eurochange.
She said: “It’s common knowledge that you need to check the date on your passport before travelling, but a lot of people don’t realise you also need to check how many blank pages are left.
“In fact, some countries require travellers to have two to four blank visa or stamp pages in their passports before travelling.
From 25 February 2026 most visitors (except British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals) wishing to travel to the UK will need either an eVisa or an ETA.
Check what you need to apply for at https://t.co/y1p166Dbom pic.twitter.com/KUDY4V88lX
— UK Visas & Immigration Official (@UKVIgovuk) January 28, 2026
“African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, Asian countries, including Indonesia, India and Thailand, and European/Schengen countries all require at least 2 blank pages. In Namibia, it is required to have up to six blank pages.
“It’s really important to check the number of pages a few months before you travel. If you leave it until you arrive at immigration, you can be denied entry into the country and airlines may refuse boarding if you don’t meet the entry destination’s requirements.”
Travel expert Gavin Lapidus, Director of eShores, described blank pages as often being “overlooked” but said they are “just as important as expiry dates or passport damage”.
He added: “A passport is your gateway to the world, and even small issues such as too few blank pages or minor damage can result in complications at airport check-in desks.
“Even when a traveller might technically be admitted on arrival, airlines can still refuse boarding if the passport doesn’t meet the stated requirements.”
What to do if your passport doesn’t have enough blank pages
If you are due to travel and do not have enough blank pages needed, the experts have given some advice.
Ms Evans-Fisk said: “If you travel frequently, consider getting a new passport well before it becomes completely full.
“If you are travelling within two to three weeks and don’t have enough blank pages, you can use government-sanctioned fast-track services to get a new passport quickly.
“If you’re already abroad and realise you’re out of pages, contact your nearest embassy to request an emergency travel document.”
Sarah Rodrigues, a travel expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, said that another option is considering a jumbo passport, or, for some, getting two passports.
She said: “For frequent holidaymakers, it’s worth considering the UK jumbo passport.
“With 54 pages, it offers significantly more space over the standard 10-year validity period.
“While it costs £13 more than the standard passport, the application process is exactly the same.
“Another lesser-known option for UK citizens is that they can legally hold two passports at the same time, if they meet certain criteria.
“This is typically granted to frequent travellers or for those needing multiple visas.
“If your passport is filling up, plan ahead and apply early to help you avoid last-minute travel disruptions.”
Are passports still being stamped with the new EU Entry/Exit system?
The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital, automated system that launched last October and replaces manual passport stamping.
It requires biometric registration (fingerprints and photo) at kiosks upon entry, with full operation expected by April this year.
However, experts warn that ensuring you have blank pages when travelling across other parts of the world remains crucial.
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Mr Lapidus said: “The EU’s new digital EES will start replacing physical passport stamping across Europe, reducing page use within the EU.
“However, this does not affect requirements in the rest of the world, where paper stamps and visa stickers remain standard.
“Airlines and border officials continue to check page availability as part of normal entry procedures.”
How many different countries have you visited in recent years? Let us know in the comments.
As the Alton Towers security guards approached her, Michelle Stokes’ heart began to sink…. just like the boat beneath her.
The mother-of-four, 40, was in the CBeebies Land area of the Staffordshire theme park when her 23st 11.4lbs (334lb/151kg) bulk quite literally derailed the family’s happy day out.
She said: ‘It was a hot day and I was struggling to walk.
‘I knew I was over the weight limit but they let me onto the ride.
‘As we were going around, the back of the boat was sinking and struggling to get back on the ramps and carry on going around.
‘The ride operators had to stop it and help me get off.
‘I cried all the way home – I tried not to in front of the kids but it’s difficult not show emotion in front of them.’
A week later, she joined Slimming World and has gone on to shed 12st 4.5lbs and shrink down to a svelte 11st 7lbs and now fits into a size 12.
Michelle Stokes weighed 23st 11.4lbs at her heaviest
She went on to lose 12st 4.5lbs after joining her local Slimming World group
Ms Stokes, an occupational therapist, from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, had struggled with her weight from her late teens onwards, and found keeping on top of her health near impossible once she became a mother.
She said: ‘I became a mum in my mid-twenties and I’ve got four children so when I became a busy mum finding the time and space to focus on my own health and wellbeing was even harder, and the weight continued to pile on.
‘I couldn’t stand to look at myself in the mirror or have any photos taken of me.
‘I wanted to be a positive role model for my children and I didn’t want them to grow up with the same unhealthy relationship with food I had. ‘
Ms Stokes tried fad diets throughout her twenties and after becoming a mum to four – Imogen, 14, Archie, 12, Isaac, eight, and Marnie, seven – she found focusing on her own health harder and the pounds piled on.
She ensured her kids ate healthy meals, but ‘self-neglect’ mean she would skip meals completely and ‘end up binge eating’ as a result, making trips to the local petrol station after the school run or on the way to work to pick up sweets and pastries, and order takeaways for dinner.
The week after her Alton Towers humiliation, Ms Stokes – who was forced to wear size 30 clothes – joined Slimming World.
But being told she was too hefty for the ride wasn’t the only reason she turned to the weekly diet club for support in losing weight, and she recalls both collapsing while out shopping with her daughter, and being drawn as a ‘blob’ by her son.
Ms Stokes pictured at Alton Towers the day she knew she needed to address her weight
She said: ‘I collapsed because my blood sugars weren’t an even level because of the binge eating and not looking after myself.
‘I turned to my GP and they told me I had a risk of cardiovascular disease and that I needed to think about my health and do something about this.
‘I was pre-diabetic as well.
‘Just seeing the sheer horror and look on my daughter’s face was the one thing that made me realise I need to be here for the children and I was basically digging an early grave for myself if I kept abusing and neglecting my body in this way.
‘Not so long before Alton Towers my son was in nursery and he came home with a picture of the family.
‘I said to him “what’s this?”
‘He said, “this is daddy, this is Imogen” naming his siblings and then there was a big massive round blob with arms and legs and I said, “what’s that?”
‘He said, “that’s you”. He was little and didn’t know but I was so hurt by the picture and how my son saw me.’
Michelle Stokes used to wear size 30 clothes (left); now she fits into a size 12
In August 2019, Ms Stokes joined Slimming World, bringing along her husband Dan, 39, and their children along as her ‘cheerleaders’.
Slimming World isn’t a calorie-counting or points-based plan. Instead, it focuses on ‘Free Foods’ – things such as lean proteins, pasta, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, which members can eat freely without weighing or measuring – and measured daily allowances of ‘Healthy Extras’ such as cereals, wholemeal bread, or dairy.
There’s also a small allowance of treats, which can be used for the occasional chocolate or alcohol.
Ms Stokes said: ‘With Slimming World, my uncle Pete, 63, who lives down south has been following it and has done so well.
‘He had lost over 10st at that point and inspired me to join.
‘I find the plan really good and the fact it’s really realistic and rooted in healthy habits is great.
‘I’ve dropped nine dress sizes, halved my BMI and lost 50 per cent of my starting weight which is really fantastic.
‘Now I’ve got a brand new wardrobe full of clothes and I’m spoilt for choice.
Losing weight has filled her with a new sense of confidence
‘I’ll have overnight oats for breakfast.
‘In the summer it’s lovely to go out in a vest top and shorts and not worry what people are thinking about me.
‘Now I prepare meals the night before or as a family the night before.
‘Lunch at the work canteen I’ll have a jacket potato but I bring my own reduced fat cheese with beans and a side salad to go with it.
‘For tea, spaghetti Bolognese is one of the kids’ favourites.’
Ms Stokes has also embraced an active lifestyle, recently running the Race For Life 5k for Cancer Research with husband Dan, who has also lost nearly 4st on Slimming World.
She swims up to four times a week and regularly takes the family dog Bonnie for hour long walks before or after work.
Ms Stokes attended Slimming World’s head office in October 2025 after making it to the final 10 in the Woman of the Year awards.
She said: ‘Now I no longer hide from photos and don’t avoid social situations like I would have done – I believe in myself like I never did before.
‘Losing 12st 4.5lbs has shown me I’m capable of hard things and that belief spills into every part of my life’.
If your loved one with dementia seems more anxious, restless, or confused in the late afternoon or early evening, you’re not alone. This is known as sundowning and while it can be tough to deal with, there are things you can try to help.
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning is when someone with dementia becomes more unsettled as the day draws to a close. They might pace, get confused, or even become irritable. It often happens just when you’re hoping for a bit of quiet after a long day.
Why does sundowning occur?
No one knows for sure, but it could be due to changes in the body’s internal clock. People with dementia may also struggle to tell day from night, which can lead to sleep issues and nighttime wandering. Here are some things you can try to reduce the risk of sundowning occurring…
Keep the person active during the day
A short walk, visiting a memory group, or simply doing things together can make a big difference. People with dementia often need someone to join in with them, not just be given something to do.
Let there be light
As it gets darker outside, switch on lights early and close the curtains. Shadows and gloom can be unsettling. Consider trying daylight-style bulbs – they brighten up a room and may lift their mood (and yours!).
Use gentle distractions
Music, a favourite TV show (avoid distressing news), or sharing a meal can be soothing and help shift focus from anxious feelings.
Think about lighting long-term
Some care homes have seen good results just by using brighter, full-spectrum lighting. Try it at home – it might help reduce evening agitation and boost overall mood.
Know that dementia can cause anger
Aggression is usually due to frustration when the person feels there is no other way to express their feelings. It can be very hard to cope with, but try not to take it personally. Leave the room for a while if it’s safe to do so.
More information
Thanks to writer and dementia expert Mary Jordan for her input and expertise for this article. Mary is the author of The Essential Carer’s Guide To Dementia and The Essential Guide To Avoid Dementia (both available on Amazon). She runs her own business, Adaptdementia, supporting people living with dementia and their carers.
Billy Steinberg, who has died at the age of 75, co-wrote Madonna’s 1984 chart-topper Like a Virgin.
One man received £150,000 after checking his direct debits following Martin Lewis’ advice and discovering he had an unclaimed critical illness insurance policy
One man shared the remarkable sum of money he received after acting on a straightforward tip from money saving expert Martin Lewis.
Danny said: “I just wanted to share my good fortune thanks to Martin. His advice was to check your Direct Debits to make sure you need what you’re paying for.
“I reviewed a Scottish widows critical illness policy and found it covered me for a heart attack I’d had 10 years earlier.
“I phoned up and they were surprised how long it’d taken me to claim – I received a payment of £150k, including backdated interest. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the prompt.”, reports the Express.
Danny acted upon Martin’s straightforward guidance, which starts with examining what you’re being charged for.
By accessing your online banking portal or application, you should be able to view your standing orders or direct debits (DDs) displayed, according to Martin Lewis.
Nevertheless, certain payments won’t appear in this category and will merely be recurring transactions. This demands slightly more investigation.
While some banks including Monzo, Revolut, Halifax, Lloyds and HSBC feature a section labelled ‘subscriptions’ or ‘scheduled payments’ – not every bank offers this. Similarly, even if your bank provides one of these sections, some transactions can still go unnoticed.
The most effective approach is to carefully examine your transaction history. Here are some typical companies that frequently use recurring payments – AA, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Audible, AutoAid, David Lloyd, Disney+, Dropbox, Giffgaff, HelloFresh, iD Mobile, Klarna, Microsoft Office, Mubi, Netflix, Now, PureGym, RAC, Spotify, Virgin Active.
If you’re paying for something you don’t require – now is the moment to cancel it. Question whether it’s worthwhile, whether you can afford it and whether you’ll actually use it.
However, before taking action, always verify you’re out of contract and there’s no cancellation charge. The most reliable way to do this is to contact the company directly.
Utilise comparison websites or tools such as Martin Lewis’ Cheap Broadband Finder, Cheap Mobile Finder, Cheap Energy Club and 0% credit card eligibility to determine if you can reduce your expenses.
You can straightforwardly cancel direct debits and standing orders through your bank – however with recurring payments it’s often simpler to cancel through the company itself. Nevertheless, you have a legal right to stop the payments through your bank if you’re experiencing difficulties.
With this in mind, you can occasionally find yourself in a situation like Danny’s and recover substantial amounts of cash. But sometimes smaller sums can come your way too.
It’s more likely to be insurance for white goods and mobile bills you’ve forgotten about.
Avoiding paying these is always preferable, but if you do discover you’ve been paying for something you shouldn’t have, you can politely request your money back.
One man, Joshua, explained: “My partner recently moved in and I helped her review her bills and subscriptions. I noted an odd £19/mth recurring payment since 2020, which she didn’t know what it was for.
“My partner’s dyslexic and didn’t realise she’d signed up to a cashback site subscription from a pop-up. I read your article on their ban (see Complete Savings ads banned) and politely contacted the customer service team. I explained the circumstances, and they agreed to refund all payments back to 2020 – over £850 refunded. Thanks.”
The exception applies to regulated financial products such as insurance, where there’s an argument that firms have a responsibility to offer regular suitability checks.
If a company hasn’t done so, it has a ‘Consumer Duty’ to refund. Should the firm disagree, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Financial Ombudsman.
Emergency services are at the scene of the crash
Alzheimer Scotland have been working collaboratively with our Higher Education Institutions in Scotland to support a “practice ready” allied health professions workforce to be skilled and informed about dementia on graduation. One way we have been supporting this aspiration is to invite some of the AHP students to join us at our Alzheimer Scotland annual conference and then write a blog to share their learning experience. This blog shares the reflections from four AHP students from Edinburgh Napier University.
Orla O’Connell, Occupational Therapy Student
- One thing I liked…
I really enjoyed hearing the guest speakers share their personal experiences of dementia at the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference. Their stories were honest, moving, and incredibly insightful, offering a deeper understanding of the realities of living with dementia. Listening to their perspectives helped highlight the importance of empathy, awareness, and continued support for those affected.
- One thing I learned….
One important thing I learned was how varied each person’s experience of dementia can be, and how vital it is to listen to individuals’ own stories rather than rely on assumptions. Hearing directly from people living with dementia helped me understand the importance of person-centred support and the impact that small changes in communication and environment can have on their daily lives.
Niamh Cahalan, Occupational Therapy Student
- One thing I liked…
What I liked most about the Alzheimer’s Scotland conference was hearing from speakers with lived experience. Their voices brought a powerful authenticity that grounded the discussions in real life rather than theory. Dementia is not something that affects only the individual, it reaches across the whole family and wider support network. Listening to people who are living with dementia, and those who care or cared for them, highlighted the emotional, practical, and social realities that professionals don’t always see. Their insights reminded me how essential it is for services, policy, and research to be shaped by the people directly impacted.
- One thing I learned…
The most valuable insights often come directly from people with lived experience. Hearing their stories deepened my understanding of dementia beyond clinical knowledge, showing how it affects identity, relationships, and daily life which are areas that are central to occupational therapy. As a future occupational therapist, this perspective reinforces the importance of seeing the person first, understanding what truly matters to them, and supporting meaningful occupations. It highlights why person-centred, strengths-based approaches are essential in dementia care and why involving individuals and their families in decision-making leads to more effective, holistic interventions.
Alicia Le Bars, Physiotherapy Student
- One thing I liked…
One aspect of the Alzheimer Scotland conference that I particularly enjoyed was the discussion on brain health. I found it really interesting to learn about how brain health is being prioritised in the workplace by encouraging certain behaviours such as mindful walking and other small, sustainable lifestyle changes. This made me more aware of the importance of incorporating small protective habits into daily routines. It was also interesting to learn more about what predispositions there are for Alzheimer’s disease, both in terms of modifiable and non-modifiable factors. It made me more aware of how certain environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors may influence cognitive outcomes.
- One thing I learned…
Another thing that I learned was about the charity, Playlist for Life. I was not previously aware of this, but I enjoyed learning about how personalised music playlists can support people who are living with dementia. This highlighted how important person-centred care is for individuals even if it is not strictly medical.
Katie Drummond, Physiotherapy Student
- One thing I liked…
As an MSc Physiotherapy student currently on placement in a care home, one aspect of the conference that I particularly appreciated was the strong emphasis on person-centred care. Despite the growing attention around disease-modifying drugs, the speakers reinforced that current research shows that high-quality, person-centred support remains just as important, if not more so, for people living with dementia.
I regularly interact with residents with a diagnosis of dementia whose needs are complex and varied, and this focus really resonated with me and reinforced the value of the therapeutic relationships we build as part of rehab and daily care.
- One thing I learned…
A key thing I learned was: the significance of brain-health awareness and risk-reduction messaging across the lifespan. The discussion about the modifiable factors influencing brain health, alongside the message that it is “never too early, never too late,” highlighted the importance of proactive, preventative approaches.
This broadened my perspective beyond supporting individuals diagnosed with dementia to also understanding the role physios can play in promoting lifestyle changes, physical activity, and education to reduce risk and support healthier ageing.
CARDINALS
Masquerade (So Young)
After a year of touring and steadily building their reputation, Cork indie band Cardinals’ debut album encapsulates the energy of the October live show I caught in Cardiff. Masquerade is an album full of fluctuating intensity, bringing both the calm and the storm.
Opener She Makes Me Real is a national anthem-like introduction, led by bold brass instrumentation and quickly accelerating into a classic indie rock ballad. St. Agnes’ upbeat chords are contrasted against dramatic, passionate vocals: the song plays with dynamics brilliantly, typifying an album of emotional highs and lows. The title track is relaxed at first, though still delivering its share of distorted guitar, and when it threatens to sink too deeply into melancholy, an unexpected accordion outro lifts the mood.
The accordion proves to be a standout feature of Cardinals’ music: on Over At Last, its eerie droning notes fill the silence in quiet vocal focused sections before the compelling, booming choruses. Lonely, tender lyrics accompany its romantic tone, hopefulness steeped in longing, and lead singer Euan Manning’s vocals carry a feeling of raw desperation.
The mid-album Anhedonia injects fresh energy and a Fontaines D.C.-esque edge, racing, repetitive instrumentation alongside storytelling lyrics. The intensity peaks with Burning Of Cork, a nod to the band’s hometown and Masquerade’s heaviest moment. Six-minute album closer As I Breathe brings things back down to earth, feeling like a moment of contemplation before speeding up and swelling in volume.
Blending indie rock energy with moments of vulnerability and bold, distinctive instrumental touches, Masquerade captures a band fully stepping into their own sound. Cardinals are a name worth remembering.
words CEIRIOS BEBB
They said their three-bed apartment was less than half what they paid in the UK
A couple have ditched the “miserable” weather and skyrocketing rent in the UK for 28C winters in Egypt and say their rent is now less than half the price. Kelsey O’Mahoney, 26, and her partner, Russell Edwards, 41, a taxi driver, decided to move to the popular tourist destination of Hurghada in January 2025, after enjoying a few blissful holidays there.
The duo, originally from Cannock, Staffordshire, swapped their £820 a month rent for a two-bed flat for a swish three-bedroom apartment that costs just £300 and now spend their days relaxing in the sun and exploring their surroundings. Kelsey, who previously worked as a PA back in the UK, is now aiming to build a career as a full-time content creator by sharing insights into her new life of leisure.
The pair, who have been together for five years, said they were desperate to escape the “depressing weather” and “expensive rent” in the UK and decided to relocate 2,600 miles away for a new life in the sunshine.
Kelsey said: “We’d been on holiday to Egypt a few times and Russ’ parents have lived there for over seven years, so we thought we’d make a go of it ourselves. We fancied a change, a challenge and a new life.
“It was hard saying goodbye to family, as we’re all so close, but I’ve said they can visit anytime, it’s only a flight away. Every day here is so busy.
“We love the heat, the views, the clear blue skies, we don’t miss the depressing UK weather. I think people think in January and February it will be cold, but today has been 28C.
“Renting was so expensive in the UK, we were paying £820 a month; our new apartment is £300. Food is so cheap too, a punnet of fresh strawberries at the market is 40p and a two-course meal costs less than £10.
“The people here are so welcoming, Egyptians are amazing people. Our aim is to become content creators and promote Egypt worldwide.”
Kelsey and Russell fell in love with Egypt after holidaying there when visiting Russell’s parents, who have lived in the North African nation for seven years. Attracted by the hot weather, friendly locals and low price of renting, they packed their bags in January 2025 and headed to Hurghada, a city along the Red Sea coast.
Saying goodbye to friends and family was hard for the couple, but they promised their relatives they could come and stay with them anytime. The pair were paying £820 a month in rent back in the UK, but are now living in a plush two-bed apartment for just £300 a month.
Kelsey and Russell aren’t currently working in Egypt, but have been using their social media platforms to promote the country and to help tourists book onto excursions, with the aim of becoming full-time content creators.
“We’re trying to create content with local people to get the word out on how cheap things are, and to encourage people to come on holiday,” she said.
They also spend just £20 a month on household bills, including wifi, electricity and water, compared to the £380 a month they were paying back home. Their favourite thing about the country is the people, who they say are so welcoming and kind.
Despite a few language barriers, the couple haven’t had any struggles so far and are hoping to live in Egypt long term. They share their story on @kelsinegypt and @edhertz.
Kelsey and Russell’s costs in the UK and Egypt
Rent in UK: £820
Rent in Egypt: £300
Bills in UK: £380
Bills in Egypt: £20
Weekly food shop in UK: £80
Weekly food shop in Egypt: £40
Meal out in UK: £70
Meal out in Egypt: £10
