Brits have been urged to check their passports for one important detail to avoid missing out on holidays this summer. Failing to do so could see them being turned away from flights or refused entry after landing.
An expert has reminded people that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months after entry.
In EU countries the rule is three months, while other locations impose a six-month rule.
Mike Harvey, managing director at 1st Move International, said: « Post-Brexit passport rules have caught many travellers off guard, especially those who only check their expiry date.
« If you’re relocating or travelling long-term, it’s crucial to double-check passport validity to avoid being denied boarding or entry. »
So what passport rules do we need to be aware of? A major one is ensuring your passport is valid for long enough, as mentioned above.
“If you’re planning to travel long term, ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay,” Mike explained. “Many countries enforce a ‘six-month rule,’ meaning your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.”
According to the Post Office, countries that require at least six months left on your passport include:
- Australia
- China
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates, including Dubai
- Indonesia
- India.
If you are unsure on the rules for a country you are due to travel to, you should check on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website. Mike issued an additional warning for travellling to EU countries.
He continued: “For travel to most EU countries post-Brexit, British passports must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least three months of validity left. This means that even if your passport hasn’t expired, it could still be rejected if it was issued more than a decade ago.
“Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years, but those issued before September 2018 may have had extra months added, making them valid for up to 10 years and nine months. For example, a passport expiring in August 2025 but issued in November 2014 would no longer be valid under the new rules.”
He clarified that this applies “to all 27 EU countries except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein (part of the European Economic Area), and Switzerland.” For renewing your passport he offered the following advice.
Mike said: “When renewing your passport, ensure it was issued less than 10 years before your planned EU entry. Also, check that it has at least three months of validity beyond your departure date. It’s recommended to aim for six months’ validity, as some countries require more.
“Currently, UK passport applications are taking around three weeks. While you can fast-track the process for an extra fee, it’s best to renew well in advance to avoid delays.”
If your passport expires while abroad, it is possible to get an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). But it’s important to note that ETDs are valid for a single or return journey only, allowing you to travel through a maximum of five countries.
Mike added: “Some countries may require visas, and others, like Myanmar and Laos, won’t accept an ETD. Over 22,000 ETD applications were made in 2023, so it’s always best to ensure your passport is valid before you travel.”
Before travelling, the Government advises you to:
- Visit foreign travel advice for the country you are visiting to find out what the entry requirements are
- Check everyone’s passports to make sure that they are valid for entry
- Find out from the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting if a visa is required
- Apply for a replacement passport as soon as possible.
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