This rule could affect those with passports issued before a certain date
A lesser-known rule could mean your passport is not valid for use(Image: Getty)
Brits planning overseas holidays have been warned about an obscure passport regulation that could potentially “wreak havoc” with their travel arrangements. Travellers with passports issued before a particular date may discover they’re barred from entering certain parts of Europe.
The stipulation, known as the 10-year rule, stipulates that UK visitors’ passports must not exceed 10 years in age when crossing into EU or Schengen area nations. People carrying passports issued prior to September 2018 may be impacted by this requirement.
This originates from the previous passport office practice of transferring up to nine months of remaining validity from an expired passport to its replacement, a system that ceased in 2020, following Brexit. The Post Office has provided advice regarding the 10-year rule, stating: “Different countries have specific entry requirements.
“If your passport isn’t valid, it could wreak havoc with your travel plans.” Their website further clarified: “Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ by EU and Schengen countries.”
The Schengen area encompasses 29 European states that have eliminated border controls at their mutual frontiers. This covers four nations beyond the EU – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The Post Office added: “This means the entry rules have changed. And many UK holidaymakers are still being caught out by them.”
Explaining how the dates function, it stated: “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.
For journeys to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years prior to your departure date(Image: Getty)
“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.”
For journeys to Europe and Schengen nations, your passport must satisfy the following criteria:
- Issued less than 10 years prior to your departure date
- Valid for a minimum of three months beyond your intended return date
However, the 10-year rule does not apply to Brits travelling to Ireland. It’s also crucial to remember that UK citizens can now only stay in Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.
To verify all the details about travelling to the EU and Schengen area, visit the Government website here.
Getting a new passport or replacing your existing one
The cost to renew or replace your passport online is £94.50, or £107 if you opt for a paper application. You must be aged 16 or over (or turning 16 in the next three weeks) to obtain an adult passport.
The procedure to secure a passport for a child is different. If you’re abroad, there are alternative methods to renew or replace your passport.
For further details, please visit the Government website here.