If your passport is more than ten years old or it has less than three months to run, you will not be able to travel to the EU. The rules came into effect after Brexit, with Ireland (in the Common Travel Area) being the only exception.
Before Brexit, UK travellers were able to carry up to nine months of unexpired time from an old passport to a new one, but EU countries no longer accept passports issued more than ten years ago.
The UK Passport Office stopped this practice in September 2018 — all passports issued after this date are valid for the required ten years. However, Home Office data obtained by the BBC suggests 32 million people had applied for passports between March 2014 and September 2018 that, if approved, have a validity period of more than ten years.
If you are planning a trip to the EU, here’s what you need to know.
What is the ten-year passport rule?
EU rules prohibit travellers from entering the zone if their passport was issued more than 10 years ago. Your passport must also be valid for three months the day after you leave.
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Before Brexit, UK travellers were able to carry up to nine months from an old passport to a new one. However, post-Brexit regulations mean that EU countries — including popular holiday destinations Spain, France and Greece — will not accept passports issued more than ten years ago, even with months left before the expiration date.
Travellers with a passport issued before September 2018 should double check its issue date to avoid problems at the airport.
The rule applies across the EU, but British citizens do not need a passport to enter Ireland, which only requires travellers to bring proof of identification. You should still take your passport with you.
What documents do I need to travel from the UK?
A valid passport is essential for travelling outside the UK. For travel to the EU and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), it needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave. The only exception is if you are travelling to Ireland — which is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK — where you can travel up to the day your passport expires.
Depending on where you are travelling to, for what purpose and for how long, you may also need to get a visa. After Brexit, UK nationals are only permitted to stay in EU countries for a maximum of 90 days out of 180, after which a visa or other entry permit may be needed. You will need to check the entry requirements for each individual country you are visiting.
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If you are planning to drive or hire a car, you will need to take your driving licence. Those taking their own cars across the border will also need relevant insurance and vehicle registration details as well as a UK sticker on the vehicle.
When travelling to EU countries, you may also want to apply for and take your UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC). This free benefit replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK nationals after Brexit. It entitles you to the same access to public medical care as residents, which will either be free or heavily subsidised. In some cases, having the card with you is a requisite of ensuring your travel insurance is valid.
Can you travel to Europe without a passport from the UK?
In most cases, you will need your passport to travel to Europe. Ireland is the only exception, although the government still advises taking your passport with you, and airlines will typically insist on it.
What if I lose my passport?
If you have lost your passport, or you do not have time to get a new one before you travel, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document. These cost £100 and you will need to attend a British embassy in person after you have applied online. The document contains your exact itinerary, and if you decide to change your plans at the last minute you will need a new document.
Can you travel with an expired passport within Europe?
In theory, yes, because land borders within the Schengen area are open and ID checks are only carried out in exceptional circumstances. For example, the Spanish government has said that its citizens may enter the country on an expired passport or ID after its authenticity has been checked; however, a valid travel document is still required to leave the country. In the case of the UK, your passport will be checked at all border controls and you will need to make sure it’s valid for travel.
How long do you need on your passport to travel to Spain?
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Like most countries in the EU, Spain requires those travelling on a British passport to have at least three months remaining after the day you plan to leave. You also need to check that it is less than ten years old when you enter Spain.
How long do you need on your passport to travel to Greece?
For Greece, the usual EU passport validity rules apply. This means it needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave.
How long do you need on your passport to travel to Portugal?
EU passport validity rules also apply in Portugal. So your passport needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave.
How long do you need on your passport to travel to the US?
For entry into the US, your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay although it doesn’t need to have any additional validity on it. However, you may need an Esta or visa for entry.
How long do you need on your passport to travel to Turkey?
Turkey requires UK passport holders to have at least six months remaining on their passports from the day they arrive. It also needs to have a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
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