A little-known passport rule could “wreak havoc” with British holidaymakers’ plans to travel to Europe this summer.
Brits planning to jet off abroad this summer are being cautioned about a lesser-known passport regulation that could potentially “wreak havoc” with their vacation arrangements. Travellers with passports issued before a certain date might discover they’re not valid for travel across much of Europe.
The stipulation, known as the 10-year rule, dictates that UK holidaymakers’ passports must not exceed a 10-year validity period when entering EU or Schengen area nations. Those with passports issued pre-September 2018 may be caught out by this rule.
This is due to the previous practice of the passport office adding up to nine months of residual validity from an old passport to a new one, a policy that ceased in 2020 post-Brexit, but remains a detail easily missed. The Post Office has provided insights on the 10-year rule, stating: “Different countries have specific entry requirements. If your passport isn’t valid, it could wreak havoc with your travel plans.”
It continued: “Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ by EU and Schengen countries.” The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries that have eliminated border controls at their mutual frontiers.”
It encompasses four non-EU states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The Post Office added: “This means the entry rules have changed. And many UK holidaymakers are still being caught out by them.”
Explaining how the dates function, it stated: “Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months.
“This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one. This means some people have passports that haven’t officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide. The exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than 10 years old.”
For journeys to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must adhere to the following criteria:
- Issued less than 10 years prior to your departure date
- Valid for a minimum of three months beyond your intended return date
However, the 10-year rule does not apply to Brits travelling to Ireland. It’s also crucial to note that UK citizens can now only reside in Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month span.
To verify all the specifics about travelling to the EU and Schengen area, visit gov.uk/travel-to-eu-schengen-area.
Renewing or replacing your passport
The cost to renew or replace your passport online is £94.50, or £107 if you opt for a paper application. You must be aged 16 or over (or turning 16 in the next three weeks) to obtain an adult passport.
The procedure to obtain a passport for a child differs. If you’re abroad, there are alternative methods to renew or replace your passport.
For further details, visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport.
