Some British holidaymakers have been turned away at the airport because their passports are not valid for EU travel.
The rules for UK passport holders travelling to Europe changed after Brexit.
Can I travel in the EU on my passport and what is the 10-year rule?
UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months left on an old passport over to a new one.
This meant that a passport could be valid for more than 10 years.
This did not matter when the UK was a member of the European Union (EU).
But the rules changed after Brexit, and the majority of EU countries no longer accept British passports which were issued more than 10 years before the date of travel.
This is known as the “10-year rule”.
To enter those countries now, your UK passport must:
- have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country (ie the “date of issue”)
- be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (ie the “date of expiry”)
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be refused entry.
British passports must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country
The rules apply in all 27 EU countries, except Ireland, which has its own separate travel arrangements with the UK.
When should I renew my passport?
You must renew your passport before you travel if either:
- your passport has expired
- your date of issue was more than ten years ago (if travelling to countries with the ten-year rule)
- your passport does not have enough time left before it expires
How much time you need on your passport depends where you are going.
You can check entry requirements for individual countries on the UK government’s website.
How do my I renew my passport?
You can renew online at HM Passport Office or by filling in a paper application from certain Post Offices.
You’ll need your old passport and any valid passports you hold from a different country.
Image source, PA Media
UK passports are now in the King’s name
For online applications, you’ll also need a digital photo which meets specific requirements. For paper applications, you need two identical printed photos.
The rules are different if you are renewing a passport for a child, your passport has been lost, stolen or damaged, or you need to change your name or personal details.
How long does it take to renew a passport?
It should take up to three weeks to renew a passport in the UK, but it can take longer during periods of high demand, such as before school holidays.
To get a passport issued urgently in the UK, you can book an appointment at your nearest passport office, subject to availability. It then takes up to a week to be issued.
You can get more information on the Passport Office website or you can call the helpline on 0300 222 0000. The line is open 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 17:30 on Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays.
How much does it cost to renew my passport?
It currently costs £82.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online and £93 if you fill in a paper form. A child’s passport costs £53.50 if you apply online, or £64 if you apply by post.
It costs more if you apply from abroad, or if you require a passport urgently. Passports are free for people born on or before 2 September 1929.
A standard online application for an adult will cost £88.50, or £57.50 for a child. Postal applications will cost £100 for adults or £69 for children.
The increased fees apply to both new passport applications and renewals.
