An acclaimed travel expert has warned Brits to check their passports before heading to the airport this summer, after swathes of travellers are still being caught out by a little-known rule
Brits heading on holiday this year have been issued a stark passport warning, even if their document is still technically ‘in date’. Swathes of passengers are still being caught out by a little-known rule that came into effect after the UK left the European Union (EU) which could leave you being denied boarding.
Simon Calder, The Independent’s travel expert, recently issued a warning ahead of the ‘peak holiday season’ – stating: “A number of people will be turning up to airports across the UK with their passport and very sadly finding out that they are not allowed onboard because they have inadvertently breached the passport validity tiles.”
The ace explained that the UK negotiated for Brits to be classed as ‘third country nationals’ following Brexit, ‘just like people from Venezuela’. “British passports can be issued for more than 10 years,” Simon added. “But, if you’re trying to get into the EU and wider Schengen area you cannot get into those countries after your passport is 10 years old.”
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So, if you’re jetting off to the likes of Spain or Greece this summer, make sure your passport hasn’t passed its ’10th birthday’. You’ll also need to ensure your passport has at least three months remaining from the day you intend to return from the EU (aka the last day of your holiday).
If you’re travelling to the Schengen zone, which consists of 29 countries including Sweden, Luxembourg, Finland, Czech Republic, and Denmark – the rules are even tighter. Earlier this year, a British artist was denied boarding by Norwegian airline as her passport was issued ‘more than nine years and nine months ago’.
As previously reported, her passport’s date of issue was June 13, 2015 – and it is due to expire in August – meaning she meets both criteria laid out by the EU. However, after trying to check-in at the airport, she was directed to a staff member who stated the passport was invalid as the Schengen does not recognise ‘extensions of 10-year passports’.
The anonymous artist claims she lost around £700, and was forced to spend hundreds of pounds on an emergency passport renewal and replacement flight. According to the Guardian, the Copenhagen police department stood by its decision – and confirmed that once a passport is nine years and nine months old from the date of issue – it is invalid.
How much is a new passport?
If you’re worried your passport will be invalid by the time you fly, it might be worth renewing the document. On April 10, the fee for a standard online application made from within the UK increased from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications also increased from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.
If you’re in a rush, you can pay for a Premium Service (one day) application. If this is made in the UK, it will now cost you £222 for adults and £189 for children. Overseas standard paper applications have also increased from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.
“The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation,” the government said. “The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.”
You can renew or replace your passport here.
Have you been stung by the post-Brexit passport rules? Email [email protected] for a chance to share your story.