Passport

You need to make sure you check before leaving

His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) has issued a crucial message to British citizens planning a winter trip abroad. Prospective holidaymakers are urged to make an important check before jetting off, as it could save them a lot of hassle.

In a post to X, formerly Twitter, HMPO said: “Jetting off this winter? Don’t let your passport hold you back! Check your passport’s expiry date today. If you need to renew, it’s not too late to use our urgent services.”

Even if your passport appears in date, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements of your holiday destination to confirm its validity. For travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must be issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after your planned date of return.

Australia, China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates also require that your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date. Advice issued by the Post Office earlier this year explains: “Different countries have their own rules about passport validity. 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.”

The most affordable way to obtain a passport is online through the Government’s website, costing £12.50 less than postal applications. Usually, the passport arrives within three weeks, although it may take longer if additional information or an interview is required.

In emergencies, travellers also have the option to apply for an urgent passport using the Government’s one-day premium service or one-week fast track scheme. Both schemes are subject to different criteria and cost more than the standard service.

The one-day premium option is for adults renewing an existing passport. Online applicants pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. Following each application, an appointment will be scheduled, with the earliest booking available two days later.

The Government explains: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment.”

The one-week fast track option is similarly available to anyone looking to renew their passport, as well as in these specific circumstances:

• You need to get a child’s passport
• You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)

The fast track option is more economical, priced at £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) and £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). You can schedule an appointment as soon as the day after you submit your application. Typically, the passport arrives about a week later.

However, you are ineligible to apply for either service if you are outside the UK or applying for your first adult passport. The Government also adds: “If you’ve already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport.

“You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application.”

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Luton Airport says you might be turned away even if your passport is in date and perfect condition

An airport has issued a warning to travellers hoping to jet away over the next few weeks. With Christmas on the horizon along with school holidays, December can be a busy time.

But Luton Airport is urging people to make a key check or risk not being allowed to fly. For even if their passport is in date and in pristine condition, if they miss one thing, it could put a halt to their trip.

It posted on x, formerly twitter: “Is your passport over 10 years old? If you’re travelling to an EU country, you will need to renew your passport before you travel. Check your passport here.

It goes further on its website telling people: “If you’re travelling in the EU, please check your passport is valid for the dates you are travelling. You will need to renew your passport if:

• There’s less than three months left on your passport while you’re travelling
• Your passport is 10 years old or more on the day you enter an EU country”

According to the Post Office different countries have varying passport requirements. It says: “Different countries have specific entry requirements. If your passport isn’t valid, it could wreak havoc with your travel plans.”

It says: “Different countries have their own rules about passport validity. 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.”

Europe

“Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ by EU and Schengen countries. This means the entry rules have changed. And many UK holidaymakers are still being caught out by them.

“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 be:

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

“And remember, you can now only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Before Brexit, you could stay as long as you wanted.”

NEW British passports designs are being rolled out today – but can you spot what’s changed?

The current front cover,  Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms will be replaced by King Charles’ updated version.

Alongside the update to the exterior the inside pages have had a makeover too.

Natural landscapes from all four UK nations from Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway depicted in watercolour will decorate the inside pages.

But, the pages won’t just look better, they will also be better protected against forgery or tampering.

By using holographs and translucent features within the designs the document is now more secure than ever.

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Similar to the old design the photograph page is made from an ultra-thin polycarbonate, which is pretty hard-wearing, meaning it stays easily protected.

Also there is now a unique passport number built into each one using laser marking.

Thanks to all the new features the UK government claim this makes it the “most secure British passport ever made”.

Migration and citizenship minister Mike Tapp said the redesign is “a new era in the history of the British passport”.

He added: “It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

Some people may have started receiving their flashy new passport as anyone who applied for a new passport in the last month will be getting the updated version.

Don’t panic as passports featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms will still be valid until their expiry date, the government said.

Since 2023, newly issued passports have been in the King’s name, but the coat of arms hasn’t been changed.

Up until today the last redesign of the British passport was in 2020 when EU burgundy colour was replaced with a navy blue cover after Brexit.

Millions of Brits still have dark red passports which are permitted for use until they expire.

Since Brexit, any additional months on top of the 10 year validity of passports are no longer accepted.

For more on passport rules – check out the common mistakes people make that put their holidays in jeopardy.

Plus, everything you need to know about the new European entry rules next month – and how it will affect your holiday.