easyJet states that post-Brexit, Brits travelling to the EU will need to ensure their travel documents meet certain requirements – specifically when it comes to their passport’s validity
If you are one of the many sun-seeking Brits preparing for a European holiday, there are some rules that you should know.
easyJet has shared its guidance for those travelling to certain countries in the EU to ensure all passengers have a smooth flight. Under the ‘travel documents and information’ section of its website, easyJet states that passengers “need to have some form of identification on both domestic and international flights”. Below are the specific guidelines for travel to Spain, Portugal, Greece and France.
Spain
Under post-Brexit regulations, easyJet confirms UK passport holders travelling to the EU (except Ireland), or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City or Switzerland need to meet certain passport criteria.
UK passport holders travelling to Spain must have a passport that is valid for “at least three months after the day you plan to depart from the EU or above countries”. Additionally, passports “must be no more than 10 years’ old on the date of travel to the EU or above countries”.
According to the UK government’s latest guidance, those with a full British citizen passport from the UK can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
READ MORE: Brits warned as popular holiday country slashes visa-free stays for tourists
Portugal
easyJet passengers flying to Portugal are also reminded that entry is permitted for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
Portugal follows Schengen area rules as well, meaning your passport’s validity must fall within the prescribed 10-year and three-month rules. Your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue).
easyJet also states that extra documents are required for children entering or leaving Portugal without a parent or guardian. According to the airline: “Children aged 17 and under, must carry written authorization to be able to travel to and from Portugal if they are travelling without their parent or legal guardian.”
easyJet’s guidance continues: “The letter must include the details of the adult who will be responsible for them during their stay in Portugal. For full information about the requirements please see the web pages of the Government of Portugal and the Government of the United Kingdom .
Greece
Given that Greece is also part of the Schengen area, easyJet passengers that are UK passport holders are subject to the same passport and visa regulations as those travelling to Spain and Portugal.
Meaning that those with a full British passport will also be able to travel without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Additionally, the UK government website advises that even if you are visiting multiple countries “your total stay in the Schengen area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days.
“It does not matter how many countries you visit. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’,” the website confirms. Additionally, if you are considering adding on a trip to Cyprus on your Greece journey, remember that Cyprus is not in the Schengen area.
That said, the UK government confirms that British passport holders can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period in Cyprus without a visa. More importantly, any time you spend in the Schengen area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus.
France
France, also being part of the Schengen region, does not require British passport holders to travel with a visa for stays under 90 days. Non-EU passport holders travelling to the Schengen area are once again obliged to ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months from the date of their departure from the Schengen member country, according to the UK government website.
Though this requirement does not apply to holders of a Schengen issued residence permit or long-term visas.