Holidaymakers in Spain, Lanzarote (Image: Getty Images)Holiday planning is an exciting time for many, whether you are going alone, with family or on a romantic trip away. Holidays are often known for being stress free but sometimes, this isn’t the case.
We all want to fly through airport security without any unwanted issues but there are instances when people are not aware of rules and summer getaways can be ruined before they’ve even started.
This week, His Majesty’s Passport Office (HM Passport Office) shared an important passport alert to anybody going on holiday. HM Passport Office is the issuer of UK passports and responsible for civil registration services through the General Register Office.
In a warning shared on Facebook, the government department urged people to make a “check”. A statement said: “Did you know that some countries require your passport to be valid for several months after your scheduled return date?”
The statement continued: “Check your passport expiry date today!” To find your passport expiry date, you’ll need to look at the document’s data page, which also includes a photo of you, your date of birth, and passport number.
We have rounded up three popular holiday destinations for UK holidaymakers. The latest entry requirements provided by the Foreign Office for Spain, Turkey and Cyprus are below.
Spain
The Foreign Office has provided information for people travelling on a full British citizen passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, you should contact the Spanish Embassy in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
Spain follows Schengen area rules. This means your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive. If you renewed your passport before October 1, 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
Your passport must also 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).
The Foreign Office warns that you “will be denied entry” if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can travel to Spain for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period. This is if you visit as a tourist, to visit family and friends, attend business meetings or cultural events.
The Foreign Office says: “If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.”
People sunbathe at Levante Beach, Spain(Image: 2015 Getty Images)Turkey
Passport validity requirements
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an expiry date at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least one blank page. If you live in Turkey, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
The Foreign Office warns: “You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.” You should make sure officials stamp and date your passport at border crossing, if you enter at a land border.
Visa requirements
Holidaymakers can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, if it’s for business or tourism. A short term residence permit will be required if you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkey, among the goods prohibited are controlled drugs and firearms. Other items are can be found here.
Turkey is a popular tourist destination(Image: Getty Images)Cy
The authorities in Cyprus set and enforce entry rules. The Foreign Office has shared entry rules for people visiting the country. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cyprus’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
Passport validity requirements
According to the Foreign Office, to enter Cyprus, your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive. If you renewed your passport before October 1, 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
You must also ensure your passport has an expiry date at least three months after the day you plan to leave Cyprus. At least one blank page is required on the passport – for stamping.
Beautiful landscape near of Nissi beach and Cavo Greco in Ayia Napa, Cyprus(Image: Getty Images)You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area, this means visits to the country do not count towards your 90 day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
The Republic of Cyprus authorities will count time in the north of Cyprus towards the 90-day visa-free total. You can use any crossing point to move between the north and south of the island.