Brits issued 10-year passport warning

Brits have been urged to check their passports as more get caught out by a little-known post-Brexit travel rule. The 10-year expiry rule means that Brits’ passports need to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry into most EU countries.

Travellers should be aware that a passport may not be valid for entry, even if it has not expired, if it was issued more than 10 years ago. While some people are aware of this rule, those who are not risk disappointment when they are turned away at the airport. Brits have been advised to visit the GOV.UK website for specific entry requirements when in doubt.

The rule means that travellers can no longer rely on the extra months that were previously added to a renewed passport when visiting European and Schengen countries.

Brits with passports issued after September 2018 will not be affected by the rule, as their documents are usually valid for exactly 10 years.

Those with passports issued before this date should check their validity before heading on any trips abroad.

Additionally, when returning from an EU or Schengen area country, travellers should ensure their passports have at least three months' validity remaining from the date they plan to travel back home.

The GOV.UK website includes information about specific entry requirements, which is useful to check in any case, as outside of the EU, rules vary by country.

Social worker, Bolaji Omisade, is just one of many who have been caught out by the rule.

Arriving at London Gatwick Airport for a family holiday to Greece, the 35-year-old was informed she would not be allowed to board because her passport had been issued over 10 years earlier and did not meet EU entry requirements.

The 35-year-old told creatorzine.com: “'Until that moment, I had absolutely no idea this rule existed.”

As a result, her husband boarded the flight with their two older sons, while Bolaji returned home with their youngest son.

The UK Government’s foreign travel advice and warnings, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks and legal differences for each country, can be found here.