If you’re planning a lengthy summer holiday then there is a little known rule which could catch you out and ruin your travels. Although everyone knows it’s crucial to check your passport is in date before travelling, if you’re planning a long trip then you need to make sure your passport will stay in date for the entire duration of your stay.
Many countries enforce a ‘six-month rule,’ meaning your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. 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.”
These rules apply to all 27 EU countries except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein (part of the European Economic Area), and Switzerland.
Harvey said: “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.”
At the moment, UK passport applications are taking around three weeks to process, so it’s recommended to get in early to avoid delays.
If your passport expires when you’re overseas, try not to panic – there are solutions.
You’ll need to get an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) which is valid for single or return journeys only, with a maximum travel allowance of five countries. Some countries, like Myanmar and Laos will not accept ETDs so always double check.
In 2023, more than 22,000 ETD applications were filed, so it’s always best to check your passport before you book and avoid becoming one of that number.
