As the summer holiday season approaches, a critical post-Brexit passport regulation is still causing major headaches for British travellers, with many at risk of being turned away at the airport.
The Hidden 10-Year Rule
While most holidaymakers know to check their passport's expiry date, a less obvious rule is the real culprit. Since Brexit, UK passports must have been issued less than 10 years ago on the day you enter an EU country. This catches out those with older passports that may still have months of validity left.
Before the UK's departure from the EU, up to nine months of leftover validity could be added to a new passport, creating documents valid for over a decade. Now, that extra time could push you over the strict 10-year limit, leading to denied boarding.
Validity and Renewal Timings
You must also ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned return date from the EU, with some non-EU destinations requiring six months. Experts urge checking based on your return to the UK, not your departure.
Renewing now is far quicker and cheaper. According to data from X account @passportwaiting, the current average processing time for an adult passport renewal is just under nine days. This contrasts sharply with the peak summer period and past delays, like in 2022 when waits hit 10 weeks.
Cost of Leaving It Too Late
An online adult passport renewal costs £94.50, or £107 for a paper form. However, last-minute panic leads to much higher fees: £178 for a one-week fast-track service or £222 for the premium one-day option.
The clear advice from travel experts is to check your passport's issue and expiry dates immediately. A simple check now can prevent holiday heartbreak and save you a significant amount of money, ensuring your summer getaway goes smoothly.
