Travel experts are warning Brits to check their passports now
Holidaymakers planning getaways to Spain, among other destinations, are being urged to check their passports now. This is because of a lesser-known travel rule introduced after Brexit, which has been known to catch some people out.
All UK residents require a valid passport for international travel. British passports can be obtained by British citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British overseas citizens, British subjects, British nationals (overseas), or British protected persons, according to HM Passport Office.
And with the final weeks of summer holidays approaching, travel specialists at Confused.com are warning travellers to check their documents now. Expert Alvaro Iturmendi said: “Nothing ruins the end-of-summer buzz faster than being turned away at the airport because your passport is not valid.
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“It is easier to get caught out than you might think. Our research found that less than half (43%) holidaygoers, know that if you are heading to the EU, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure date.”
As Mr Iturmendi clarified, UK passport holders visiting the Schengen zone – including Spain, France, Greece and many other European counties – must ensure their passport’s “date of issue” falls within 10 years of their arrival date. Additionally, the passport’s “expiry date” must extend at least three months beyond their intended departure from the Schengen zone.
If your passport fails to meet entry requirements, you’ll probably be turned away at your departure airport. So it’s definitely worth double-checking yours right now.
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And if you’re after a speedy replacement passport, it could set you back as much as £222 for the one-day premium service. The current estimated waiting period is a maximum of three weeks, though government officials warn it can occasionally drag on longer “if we need more information, or we need to interview you”.
Those affected will be contacted during the three-week timeframe. A standard adult passport for anyone aged 16 and above costs £94.50 when you apply online, or £107 if you use the paper application form.