UK travellers who still hold the pre-Brexit burgundy passports need to check one vital detail before planning any trips to European Union countries, a travel expert has warned
Travellers have been given an urgent warning if they are still carrying the pre-Brexit burgundy passports.
Anyone heading overseas this year is urged to double check their passport’s expiry date before booking any plans. Although no longer issued since the UK officially left the European Union in 2020, the brown passports are still currently valid for travel in 2025 provided they are in date.
Many countries however require at least six months’ validity left before entering. Alvaro Iturmendi, Confused.com travel insurance expert said: “Booking your holidays can be very exciting, and a welcome distraction to the beginning of the year blues.
“But no matter how far in advance you’re planning, it’s never too early to check your passport’s validity, so you don’t get caught out last minute.” Many Brits venturing to EU countries such as Spain or the Netherlands may be unaware that your passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 before the departure date, Birmingham Live reports.
“Our research found that less than half (43 per cent) of travellers knew that if you’re heading to the EU, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before their departure date,” Alvaro added. “And if your passport doesn’t meet this regulation, it could mean you’re denied entry into the country, or may not even be allowed on the flight in the first place.
“Either way, it’s likely to lead to a lot of disruption to your holiday plans.” Since Brexit, the UK now issues blue passports, although most UK citizens are already required to update their every 10 years.
“An emergency passport could cost up to £207 depending on its urgency,” Alvaro added. “And if you leave it to the last minute, having to take time off work and travel to visit a passport office could become costly and time consuming. This is especially true if you need to visit an office far from home. Unfortunately, travel insurance will not cover the cost of last minute travel for an emergency passport, nor for any missed flights or holidays.
“It’s important to always double-check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning your trip, and leave yourself ample time to renew it if needed. By using our passport checker, you can save a great deal of time, money, and stress.”
If your passport needs to be renewed, you can apply for a new one either by post or online.
