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As if the recent passport application backlog hasn't scuppered more than a few summer holidays this year, more than half of Britons apparently don't know when their passports actually expire.

The majority of British passport holders questioned, when asked if they would be able to accurately state when their passport was due to expire to the nearest year, admitted 'no, I'd have no idea'.

A slightly less worrying 37 per cent said that they had a 'rough idea', while just 10 per cent said they 'definitely knew'.

What do you mean yours is out of date darling? 53 per cent of Britons don't know when their passport expires

When asked if they had already booked a forthcoming holiday abroad for 2014, 57 per cent of the people taking part said 'yes', despite 23 per cent of these also admitting they were unsure when their passport was due to expire.

Online travel agency sunshine.co.uk conducted the poll following news of the passport application backlog, which has allegedly affected as many as half a million holidaymakers, and found that over half of travellers couldn't say how long was left on their current passport without checking their documents.

Nearly 2,000 adults from around the UK took part in the poll, answering questions about their holiday plans and passports. 

Oh. Dear. Checking expiry before booking a holiday might be a good plan

In addition, 9 per cent said they had to rush to get a new passport after realising their existing one's expiry date was due to conflict with a trip.

Incredibly, almost a fifth (17 per cent) admitted that they had at some point in the past forgotten their passport and hadn't realised until they arrived at the airport, port or train station.

The poll also revealed that 12 per cent of Britons don't think the picture on their passport looks like them, due to changes in their appearance since the photo was taken.

Chris Clarkson, managing director of sunshine.co.uk, said,

'Considering everything that's happening with the passport scandal lately and the backlog of applications and renewals, it's so important for holidaymakers to be aware of when their passport runs out.

'Sometimes you'll have time to rush home and grab your passport, but if you turn up to discover your passport has expired then there's nothing you can do.

'Make sure you're really organised when you first make your booking and ensure everything is in place for your holiday, or you will risk the disappointment of not being able to go.'