passports

WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Trump to remove transgender markers from new passports and to require applicants to designate they were male or female at birth.

By a 6-3 vote, the justices granted another emergency appeal from Trump’s lawyers and put on hold a Boston judge’s order that prevented the president’s new passport policy from taking effect.

“Displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal protection principles than displaying their country of birth,” the court said in an unsigned order. “In both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson filed a dissent, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.

She said there was no emergency, and the change in the passport policy would pose a danger for transgender travelers.

“The current record demonstrates that transgender people who use gender-incongruent passports are exposed to increased violence, harassment, and discrimination,” she wrote. “Airport checkpoints are stressful and invasive for travelers under typical circumstances—even without the added friction of being forced to present government-issued identification documents that do not reflect one’s identity.

“Thus, by preventing transgender Americans from obtaining gender-congruent passports, the Government is doing more than just making a statement about its belief that transgender identity is ‘false.’ The Passport Policy also invites the probing, and at times humiliating, additional scrutiny these plaintiffs have experienced.”

Upon taking office in January, Trump ordered the military to remove transgender troops from its ranks and told agencies to remove references to “gender identity” or transgender persons from government documents, including passports.

The Supreme Court has put both policies into effect by setting aside orders from judges who temporarily blocked the changes as discriminatory and unconstitutional.

U.S. passports did not have sex markers until the 1970s. For most of time since then, passport holders have had two choices: “M” for male and “F” for female. Beginning in 1992, the State Department allowed applicants to designate a sex marker that differed from their sex at birth.

In 2021, the Biden administration added an “X” marker as an option for transgender and non-binary persons.

Trump sought a return to the earlier era. He issued an executive order on “gender ideology extremism” and said his administration would “recognize two sexes, male and female.” He required “government-issued identification documents, including passports” to “accurately reflect the holder’s sex” assigned at birth.

The ACLU sued on behalf of transgender individuals who would be affected by the new policy. They won a ruling in June from U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick who blocked the new policy from taking effect.

The transgender plaintiffs “seek the same thing millions of Americans take for granted: passports that allow them to travel without fear of misidentification, harassment, or violence,” the ACLU attorneys said in an appeal to Supreme Court last month.

They said the administration’s new policy would undercut the usefulness of passports for identification.

“By classifying people based on sex assigned at birth and exclusively issuing sex markers on passports based on that sex classification, the State Department deprives plaintiffs of a usable identification document and the ability to travel safely…{It} undermines the very purpose of passports as identity documents that officials check against the bearer’s appearance,” they wrote.

But Solicitor Gen. D. John Sauer argued the plaintiffs had no authority over official documents. He said the justices should set aside the judge’s order and allow the new policy to take effect.

“Private citizens cannot force the government to use inaccurate sex designations on identification documents that fail to reflect the person’s biological sex — especially not on identification documents that are government property and an exercise of the President’s constitutional and statutory power to communicate with foreign governments,” he wrote.

THE strongest passports in the world have been revealed and it is bad news for Brits.

According to the Henley Passport Index, the UK passport has dropped to eighth place – it’s lowest in a decade.

The study analyses 199 different passports, looking at how many destinations they can travel to without needing a visa.

Coming out on top is Singapore, with visa-free access to 193 countries.

This was followed by South Korea (190), and Japan (189).

Germany was the highest ranked European country, with 188 countries open to travel.

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The UK (184 countries) joined other European countries in eighth place such as Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia, as well as the UAE.

Most of Europe including France, Spain and Portugal all ranked higher than the UK.

It is also the first time the US has dropped out of the top 10, now in 12th place.

The UK was once in first place back in 2015, tying with Germany.

However, the strength of the British passport has since dropped over the years.

The weakest passports include Afghanistan which has access to just 24 countries, followed by Syria (26) and Iraq (29).

The design of the UK passport is also changing later this year.

From December, as new coat of arms will appear on the front, designed by Prince Charles.

The British passport already changed back in 2020 from burgundy to blue, as well as to be signed in His Majesty’s name after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Burgundy passports and old blue design passports are still valid for use until they expire.

Just make sure to check the start date as a number of people have been caught out by confusing rules introduced post-Brexit.

Here is everything you need to know about your passport dates.

A RYANAIR flight was diverted after a passenger allegedly “ate his passport” and another tried to flush theirs down the toilet.

The passenger jet set off from Milan for Stansted before the two men began acting strangely around 15 minutes into the flight, it is claimed.

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Hong Kong’s Security Bureau announces measures over activists’ alleged role in unofficial parliament overseas.

Hong Kong authorities have cancelled the passports of 12 activists based overseas in their latest crackdown on activities that they claim pose threats to national security.

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau announced the measures on Monday after a local court issued arrest warrants last month for the 12 activists and seven other pro-democracy campaigners over their alleged roles in establishing an unofficial parliament overseas.

The bureau said it had also banned individuals from providing financial support or leasing property to 16 of the “absconders,” and entering into joint ventures or partnerships with them.

The wanted activists include Chongyi Feng, an Australian citizen and professor at the University of Technology Sydney, and Sasha Gong, a United States citizen and journalist who previously worked for Voice of America.

Hong Kong authorities allege that the 19 activists’ participation in the “Hong Kong Parliament” advocacy group constitutes subversion under the Chinese-ruled city’s sweeping national security law.

A Hong Kong government spokesperson said the activists had continued to “blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security” while hiding in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

The Hong Kong parliament condemned last month’s announcement of arrest warrants and bounties for the campaigners as a “blatant abuse of legal instruments to pursue political persecution”.

“These actions represent a clear escalation of Beijing’s transnational repression, extending its coercive reach beyond China’s borders and infringing upon the sovereignty of democratic nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union,” the group said.

Once known for its spirited political opposition and media, Hong Kong has radically curtailed the space for dissent since the introduction of a sweeping Beijing-decreed national security law in 2020 in response to violent anti-government protests.

Opposition parties have been effectively eliminated from the city’s legislature, and public commemorations of sensitive events, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, essentially outlawed.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said last month that 332 individuals had been arrested for national offences since 2020.

Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials have defended the law, and additional national security legislation introduced in 2024, as necessary to restore stability to the city after the turmoil caused by the mass protests.

PEOPLE smugglers who advertise Channel Crossings or try to flog fake passports online face up to five years in prison, under a new crackdown.

The Home Office is scrambling to beef up their laws after a record 25,000 illegal migrants landed on Britain’s beaches so far this year.

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The grim milestone piles massive pressure on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper – who has vowed to “smash the gangs” and stop the boats.

But the Government has been accused of woefully failing to restore control to UK borders.

Ministers will introduce a new criminal offence under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill already going through Parliament.

This will make it a crime to publish material which promotes breaking immigration laws – like flogging small boat crossings, dodgy passports and visas or promising black market work.

These things are already illegal, but ministers say the new law will help beef up the power of the cops and prosecutors.

Anyone caught flouting the law faces five years behind bars or a massive fine.

Ms Cooper said: “Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.

“These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate.

“We have to stay one step ahead of the ever-evolving tactics of people-smuggling gangs.”

A staggering 80 per cent of migrants arriving on small boats used social media sites like TikTok to plan their journey, according to the Home Office.

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Many countries in the EU and the rest of the world have strict entry requirements, many of which are related to the dates on your passport – here are two essential checks to make

Holidaymakers could stand to lose thousands of pounds and even miss out on their holiday if they neglect to perform crucial checks on their passport.

Numerous countries in the EU and beyond enforce stringent entry requirements, many of which are tied to the dates on your passport. In the UK, a standard adult passport is valid for 10 years, while child passports for anyone under 16 are only valid for five years.

There are no automatic renewals or reminders for when your passport is due to expire, so it’s always the responsibility of the traveller to ensure their passport meets the necessary requirements for entry into their chosen country when booking their holiday.

Six-month date on passport

It’s generally recommended that British passports have at least six months remaining until their expiry date before travelling abroad. However, some countries may have more lenient rules, particularly within the EU.

For instance, Spain only requires travellers to have an expiry date at least three months after the day they plan to depart the Schengen area.

10-year expiry limit

Moreover, many holidaymakers should consider renewing their passports if they have less than three months until their expiry date, or if the passport is 10 years old or more from the day it was first issued. However, it’s crucial to allow ample time for passport renewal as the process can take several weeks, particularly with the expected increase in people jetting off abroad during the summer.

For those in need of a quick passport renewal, a fast-track application is available, though this comes with an extra fee.

Potential of losing thousands of pounds

If you’ve splashed out thousands of pounds on your holiday that you can’t actually enjoy because you neglected essential passport checks, you may find that you will be unable to recoup the cash. If you’ve taken out travel insurance, the insurance provider will not typically reimburse you for the costs of an emergency passport or the cost of a missed flight.

If you are unsure whether your passport is valid for a holiday you plan on going on this summer, you can use the Post Office’s passport validity checker for a wide array of popular travel destination.

As many of us look at jetting away for some sunshine on our summer holidays, it’s important to check our passports have the necessary time left on them before we travel

Holidaymakers planning a trip abroad are being urged to check a specific detail on their passports or risk being turned away at the airport. Neglecting this crucial step could potentially throw a huge spanner in their travel plans.

There are many things to keep in mind when gearing up for a trip. From packing clothes and toiletries to sorting out travel insurance and visas, it can feel like a daunting checklist of tasks to tick off.

In addition, it’s important to note that different countries have unique 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.”

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To play it safe, make sure your passport has at least an extra six months left from the date of your holiday, as many destinations require at least half a year’s leeway, the Daily Record reports.

To find your passport expiry date, look at the document’s data page, which also includes your photo, date of birth, and passport number.

Passport validity rules

Before setting off on your journey, confirm the requirements for the destination you’re heading to. 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, your passport must be valid for at least three months. But for British citizens visiting the EU and Schengen countries, there’s an extra rule: your passport mustn’t be more than 10 years old.

The Post Office clarifies: “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 nearing its expiry date

Head over to GOV.UK to apply for a new passport if yours has run out or won’t last as long as you need it to. Renewing or replacing your passport online will cost £94.50, or £107 if you opt for the paper form route.

Usually, you’ll have your new passport within two weeks, but if you’re in a rush, faster services are available for an additional fee.

If your passport is deemed damaged, it will also require replacement. The HM Passport Office will classify your passport as 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 further details, visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport

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Brits heading on holidays to the likes of France, Spain, Portugal and Greece need to check their passports including blank pages before heading to the airport

Before heading on holidays abroad, most people will check their passports are still in date and damage-free, but travel insiders are warning UK travellers to also cast their eyes over blank pages in their documents.

That’s because one simple mistake could mean your holiday is over before it even starts, as you could be denied boarding at the airport, or turned away at border control.

The travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have warned: “With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who travel for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages.”

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It’s not just how many blank pages you have left; you’ll also want to check for any damage. The experts added: “If any of your passport pages are torn or missing, your passport is considered damaged and will likely not be accepted at the border, especially if it affects the personal details page or any visa stamps.”

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to check two key dates on your document; the date of issue and the expiry date. That’s because following Brexit, passport requirements have changed for Brits heading to the EU. Your passport now needs to have been issued less than 10 years ago, and must be valid at least three months beyond the date of departure.

These easy errors could also be costly, as if you’re turned away because you don’t have a valid passport, then it’s unlikely that your travel insurance would cover the costs, leaving you out of pocket.

Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director, added: “With passport fees increasing and queues likely getting longer this summer due to the introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System, we urge holidaymakers to carry out essential passport checks now to avoid last-minute hassle and potentially being turned away at the airport.

“Post-Brexit travel changes are still confusing for many of us, so it’s important for Brits to familiarise themselves with the validity requirements before jetting off to Europe.

“Travellers also need to ensure their passports are in good physical condition, as things like damage from water or ink, rips in pages and laminate peeling from the personal details page can mean that your passport may not be accepted as a valid travel document.

“If you’re denied access to your flight for issues such as an invalid passport, your travel insurance is unlikely to protect you. That’s why it’s so important to double-check these things well in advance of your departure date.”

You can find out more on tiger.co.uk.

Have you been caught out by the recent changes to passport rules? Email us at [email protected]