As the school holidays draw to a close and you’re planning that last summer getaway, remember to check your passport! Since Brexit, new rules have come into effect for British travelers heading to Europe, and many are unaware of the implications. Research by the Post Office revealed that a significant percentage of UK passport holders are oblivious to their passport expiry date, and almost half book holidays without checking its validity.
With the UK’s exit from the European Union, traveling to Europe and the Schengen Zone now has additional requirements. UK passport holders are now considered ‘third-party nationals’, making your passport’s issue date just as crucial as the expiry date. Here’s what you need to know:
New Passport Rules:
*
Issue Date:
Your passport must have been issued less than ten years before your arrival date in the EU country.*
Expiry Date:
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the country.Example:
If you’re traveling to Spain on August 5th, 2024, your passport must have been issued after August 5th, 2014, and expire no earlier than November 5th, 2024.Failing to comply with these rules could result in being turned away at the airport, which is already happening to some British travelers.
Where do these rules apply?
These rules apply to all EU member states, except Ireland. They also apply to countries in Europe’s Schengen area, including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Monaco.
How to Check Your Passport Validity:
1.
Issue Date:
Check your passport’s date of issue. Is it within ten years of your arrival date?2.
Expiry Date:
Add three months to your departure date. Does your passport expire after that date?If the answer to both questions is ‘yes,’ your passport is valid. If not, you’ll need to either apply for a passport renewal or obtain an emergency travel document (especially if your travel date is imminent or you’re denied boarding).
Passport Renewal:
You can renew your passport through the HM Passport Office online or by post.
Online Renewal:
* Cost: £88.50
* Requirements: Digital photo, credit/debit card, old passport, passports from other countries
Renewal by Post:
* Cost: £100
* Requirements: Completed application form, two passport photos, payment (cheque or debit/credit card)
Child Passport Renewal:
* Online: £57.50
* Post: £69
What Makes a Passport Invalid?
Beyond the issue and expiry dates, a passport can become invalid due to physical damage. Examples include:
* Indecipherable details
* Laminate lifting
* Discoloration of the bio-data page
* Chemical or ink spillage
* Missing or detached pages
* Damaged chip or antenna
Damaged Passport & Urgent Travel:
If your passport is damaged and you have an overseas trip booked within a month, you’ll need to use the Fast Track service. This involves booking an appointment at a Passport Office (Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport, or Peterborough). You’ll need a completed application form, two passport photos, and supporting documents. You’re guaranteed to receive your new passport within seven days, but appointments fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Invalid Passport at the Airport:
If your passport is deemed invalid at the airport, you can contact the Consular Section at the British High Commission for assistance. They can process an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for a fee of £100, which is usually issued within 24 hours. However, some countries that offer visa-free entry on a regular passport might require a visa for an ETD.
Additional Travel Rules:
British travelers to European and Schengen countries are now limited to a maximum stay of 90 days within a six-month period. This was previously longer.
