British travellers are being urged to check crucial passport details before heading abroad, as post-Brexit rules continue to catch many off guard.
Travel experts warn that simply checking your expiry date is no longer enough, with specific validity requirements now in place for EU travel. They shared a warning about new rules as passport prices are set to increase next week.
Relocation specialists at 1st Move International have highlighted the importance of understanding these rules to avoid being denied boarding or entry at airports.
Managing director at 1st Move International Mike Harvey explained: "Post-Brexit passport rules have caught many travellers off guard, especially those who only check their expiry date.
With passport renewal prices set to increase by seven per cent on April 10, checking documents well in advance has never been more important. For EU travel, British passports must now meet two key requirements that weren't applicable before Brexit.
"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," explains Harvey.
This means even if your passport hasn't expired, it could be rejected if issued more than a decade ago. The rule particularly affects passports issued before September 2018, which may have had extra months added.
The expert warned: "A passport expiring in August 2025 but issued in November 2014 would no longer be valid under the new rules."
Many travellers have been caught out by these technical requirements despite having seemingly valid documents.
These rules apply to all 27 EU countries except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. When renewing your passport, it's essential to check both the issue date and expiry date.
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."
He recommended aiming for six months' validity as some countries require more. UK passport applications currently take around three weeks to process.
While fast-track options are available for an additional fee, experts recommend renewing well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
With passport renewal prices set to increase by seven per cent, travellers are being encouraged to check their documents now to avoid paying more. The price hike will affect all passport applications, making early renewal even more financially sensible.
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For those planning trips in the coming months, renewing before the increase could save money and prevent travel disruptions.
The three-week standard processing time could be longer during peak travel seasons, making early renewal essential for summer holidaymakers. Travellers face significant complications if their passport expires while abroad.
Mike continued: "If your passport expires while abroad, you'll need an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)." These documents come with serious limitations, being valid only for a single or return journey.
ETDs allow travel through a maximum of five countries, and some nations require additional visas. Certain countries, including Myanmar and Laos, won't accept ETDs at all.
Over 22,000 ETD applications were made in 2023 alone, highlighting how common this issue is.
Find Out More...
Travel experts warn that simply checking your expiry date is no longer enough, with specific validity requirements now in place for EU travel. They shared a warning about new rules as passport prices are set to increase next week.
Relocation specialists at 1st Move International have highlighted the importance of understanding these rules to avoid being denied boarding or entry at airports.
Managing director at 1st Move International Mike Harvey explained: "Post-Brexit passport rules have caught many travellers off guard, especially those who only check their expiry date.
With passport renewal prices set to increase by seven per cent on April 10, checking documents well in advance has never been more important. For EU travel, British passports must now meet two key requirements that weren't applicable before Brexit.
"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," explains Harvey.
This means even if your passport hasn't expired, it could be rejected if issued more than a decade ago. The rule particularly affects passports issued before September 2018, which may have had extra months added.
The expert warned: "A passport expiring in August 2025 but issued in November 2014 would no longer be valid under the new rules."
Many travellers have been caught out by these technical requirements despite having seemingly valid documents.
These rules apply to all 27 EU countries except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. When renewing your passport, it's essential to check both the issue date and expiry date.
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."
He recommended aiming for six months' validity as some countries require more. UK passport applications currently take around three weeks to process.
While fast-track options are available for an additional fee, experts recommend renewing well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
With passport renewal prices set to increase by seven per cent, travellers are being encouraged to check their documents now to avoid paying more. The price hike will affect all passport applications, making early renewal even more financially sensible.
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For those planning trips in the coming months, renewing before the increase could save money and prevent travel disruptions.
The three-week standard processing time could be longer during peak travel seasons, making early renewal essential for summer holidaymakers. Travellers face significant complications if their passport expires while abroad.
Mike continued: "If your passport expires while abroad, you'll need an Emergency Travel Document (ETD)." These documents come with serious limitations, being valid only for a single or return journey.
ETDs allow travel through a maximum of five countries, and some nations require additional visas. Certain countries, including Myanmar and Laos, won't accept ETDs at all.
Over 22,000 ETD applications were made in 2023 alone, highlighting how common this issue is.
Find Out More...