‘Check’ numbers on passport now as yours could be void

What you need to know about UK passports and travel rules

Brits planning a holiday abroad are advised to check a particular detail on their passport or risk being denied boarding at the airport. Overlooking this vital step could potentially derail your travel plans.

There are many things to remember when preparing for a journey. From packing clothes and toiletries to arranging travel insurance and visas, it can seem like an overwhelming list of tasks to complete.

This is due to the fact that different nations have distinct rules regarding passport validity. The Post Office advises on its website: “Some countries might ask that your passport’s valid for your whole time away and even a bit longer, sometimes up to six months.

“If you don’t check these rules, you could run into problems, like not being able to board your flight or being denied entry when you land.” To err on the side of caution, ensure your passport has at least an additional six months remaining from the date of your holiday – as many destinations demand at least half a year’s buffer.

To locate your passport expiry date, you’ll need to refer to the document’s data page, which also includes your photograph, date of birth, and passport number.

Passport validity rules

Before embarking on your journey, verify the requirements for the destination you’re visiting. Here are some examples of the rules in different countries:

• For those planning to travel to the United States, it’s crucial that your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay, although having an extra six months’ validity is advised to avoid potential complications
• If you’re bound for Australia, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country
• For travel to New Zealand, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date

Europe

In most European countries, the requirement is for three months of passport validity. However, additional regulations apply to British citizens visiting EU and Schengen countries, which specify that your passport cannot be older than 10 years.

The Post Office explains: “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.” To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must meet the following conditions:

• Issued less than 10 years before your departure date
• Valid for at least three months after your planned return date

All the relevant information for travel to the EU and Schengen countries can be found on the GOV.UK website.

If your passport is approaching its expiry date

You should apply for a new passport at GOV.UK if your passport has expired or is not valid for the amount of time you need. It costs £94.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online or £107 if you fill in a paper form.

It typically takes two weeks for a new passport to arrive, although there are express options available at a higher cost.

If your passport is considered damaged it will also need replacing. HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:

• You cannot read any of your details
• Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
• There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
• The cover is coming away
• There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)

For more information, visit GOV.UK here.