ISLE of Man residents planning to travel off-Island over Christmas are being urged to check the validity of their passports.

The reminder has been issued by the Isle of Man Passport and Immigration Office which handles all passport applications and renewals.

Due to the way public holidays fall this year the office will be closed from 3.30pm on Friday, December 24, until 9am on Thursday, December 30, and again from 3.30pm on Friday, December 31, until 9am on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

Anyone who discovers their passport is out of date can take advantage of a same-day service, subject to certain conditions being met.