If you’re planning a lengthy trip abroad, there is a little known rule which could catch you out
Planning a summer getaway? It’s time to brush up on some travel rules that might trip you up.
While most people remember to check their passport’s expiry date before travelling, an extended vacation demands a bit more care. Specifically, you need to ensure your passport remains valid for the entirety of your trip.
A hidden yet pivotal ‘six-month rule’ is enforced by numerous nations, which mandates your passport to remain valid for at least six months past your planned return date
Mike Harvey, from 1st Move International, warned: “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.”
The six-month clause is standard across all 27 member states of the EU, excluding Ireland, as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein (which is part of the European Economic Area), and Switzerland, reports the Express.
Harvey adds a crucial piece of information for post-Brexit adventurers from Britain: “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.”
As we speak, processing UK passport applications takes roughly three weeks, so savvy travellers should apply sooner rather than later to evade any vexing hold-ups.
Should your passport expire while you’re overseas, keep calm – you’re not out of options.
An Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is required, which is only valid for single or return journeys and allows travel to a maximum of five countries. However, some countries such as Myanmar and Laos do not accept ETDs, so it’s always best to double-check.
In 2023, there were over 22,000 applications for ETDs, so it’s crucial to check your passport before booking to avoid adding to that statistic.