You need to check at least two weeks in advance to ensure you are not turned away from your flight
Brits planning a holiday abroad are reminded to check a specific number on their passport or risk being turned away at the airport. Failing to inspect this in advance could see your travel plans ruined.
When preparing for a trip there are lots of things to remember. From clothes and toiletries to travel insurance and visas, it can seem like a lot to do.
The Post Office has warned that among this checklist should be ensuring your passport is valid. This means looking at its expiry date to not only check it is in date but is valid for the amount of time required by the country you are visiting.
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This is because different countries have their own rules about passport validity. On its website, the Post Office says: “Some countries might ask that your passport’s valid for your whole time away and even a bit longer, sometimes up to six months.
“If you don’t check these rules, you could run into problems, like not being able to board your flight or being denied entry when you land.” To be safe you should ensure your passport has at least an extra six months left from the date of your holiday – as many destinations require at least half a year’s leeway.
To find your passport expiry date you need to check the document’s data page, which also includes a photo of you, your date of birth, and passport number.
Passport validity rules
Prior to travelling, you should check the requirements for where you are visiting. Some examples of the rules in certain countries include:
- United States – Your passport must be valid for your entire stay, but having six months’ extra validity is a good idea to help avoid any issues
- Australia – Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country
- New Zealand – Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date
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Passport validity in Europe
Most European countries require three months of passport validity. But there is an extra rule for Brits travelling in the EU and Schengen countries. This means that your passport can’t be older than 10 years.
The Post Office explains: “Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months.
“This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one. This means some people have passports that haven’t officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide.
“The exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than 10 years old.”
To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before your departure date
- Valid for at least three months after your planned return date
You can check all the rules about travelling to the EU and Schengen countries on the GOV.UK website.
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If your passport is about to expire
You should apply for a new passport at GOV.UK if your passport has expired or is not valid for the amount of time you need. It costs £94.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online or £107 if you fill in a paper form.
It typically takes two weeks for a new passport to arrive, although there are express options available at a higher cost. If your passport is considered damaged it will also need replacing.
HM Passport Office will consider your passport damaged if:
- You cannot read any of your details
- Any of the pages are ripped, cut or missing
- There are holes, cuts or rips in the cover
- The cover is coming away
- There are stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
For more information, visit gov.uk/renew-adult-passport.
