Tuesday, July 8, 2025
The British travellers planning a summer trip to popular EU destinations such as Spain, Greece, and France have to ensure their passports carefully as new Brexit rules have been implemented. These new rules are important mainly for UK citizens as they would encounter new rules compared to earlier periods while going on a trip to EU countries.
London Luton Airport has made a very important announcement to its passengers, urging them to ensure their passports meet new requirements before boarding. If these requirements are not followed, passengers can be turned away by airline staff during check-in.
Key Passport Requirements for UK Travellers
The new passport rules apply to all UK citizens travelling to the EU, and they stipulate two key conditions:
- Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least three months of validity remaining from your planned date of arrival in the EU. This means that if your passport is close to expiring, you’ll need to renew it well before your travel date.
- Age of the Passport: If your passport is 10 years old or more, it may be considered invalid for travel to the EU. This applies even if your passport still has a few months of validity left. In this case, it’s essential to renew your passport before planning any trips abroad.
These requirements are important to note as they apply universally to all UK passport holders, regardless of departure points, so make sure you double-check your passport before travelling.
Passport Renewal Process and Timeline
It is recommended that all travellers verify their passport details well in advance of their planned trips to avoid the risk of being caught in a last-minute rush. HM Passport Office advises that the process for obtaining a new or replacement passport typically takes about three weeks. However, this timeframe can extend further if additional information or an interview is required. In such instances, the Passport Office will reach out to applicants directly.
This extended timeline means that any last-minute applications for a passport could be delayed, potentially causing disruption to travel plans. It’s essential to start the renewal process as early as possible, especially if you’re planning to travel during the busy summer months.
Passport Fees and Urgent Service Options
As of April 10, 2025, the fees for obtaining a new or replacement adult passport (for individuals aged 16 and over) are:
- £94.50 for online applications
- £107 for paper submissions
For children’s passports, the fees are:
- £61.50 for online applications
- £74 for paper submissions
In situations where you need a passport urgently, HM Passport Office offers a Premium Service that allows you to obtain a passport on the same day. This service costs £222 for an adult passport and £189 for a child’s passport.
While this service ensures you receive your passport quickly, it is essential to note that the Premium Service is only available for individuals who need their passport urgently. For those planning well in advance, the standard processing time and fees will apply.
Why These New Rules Are Important Post-Brexit for UK Citizens
Since the UK’s departure from the European Union (Brexit), new rules have been established to ensure that UK passport holders comply with the EU’s entry requirements. Before Brexit, UK citizens could travel freely to EU countries without worrying about strict passport validity checks. However, now that the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK citizens are subject to additional travel conditions, including the passport validity requirements and age limitations outlined above.
This change is part of broader efforts to regulate cross-border travel post-Brexit, ensuring that UK travellers have the necessary documentation and meet the EU’s border security standards.
Consequences of Failing to Meet the New Passport Requirements
If your passport does not meet the required three months validity or is older than 10 years when entering an EU country, you risk being denied boarding by airline staff. This could significantly disrupt your travel plans, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Airlines are enforcing these new passport rules strictly, and passengers who fail to meet the necessary criteria will not be allowed to board their flights. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check your passport details before arriving at the airport to avoid any travel issues.
Recommendations for UK Travellers
To ensure a smooth travel experience to Spain, Greece, France, or any other EU destination, here are some important recommendations for UK travellers:
- Check your passport’s expiry date: Ensure that your passport has at least three months of validity remaining after your intended date of arrival in the EU.
- Verify the age of your passport: If your passport is more than 10 years old, consider renewing it even if it still has some time left.
- Plan ahead for passport renewal: If you need to renew your passport, start the process well in advance of your travel date, as the process may take up to three weeks.
- Consider using the Premium Service: If you need a passport urgently, you can use the Premium Service, but be aware of the associated fees for this expedited service.
- Ensure correct documentation: Always verify your passport and any other required documents before heading to the airport to avoid disruptions.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared for Smooth Travel
Before organizing their vacations to EU countries, British vacationers would be wise to familiarize themselves with new regulations on passport validity in order to avoid potential difficulties at airports. These are part of Brexit-mandated rules for all British passport holders when entering the EU.
It is a good idea to take your time out to check your passport details well in advance and renew your passport if necessary to ensure that your vacation is not hampered and you have a smooth trip to Spain, Greece, France, or any other European Union nation.
