Passport Rules Post-Brexit: What You Need to Know

Strategic Insights -

Travelers jetting off to Europe this summer must ensure their passport is valid, as a post-Brexit rule could turn them away at the gate - even if it's still technically in-date. Swathes of disillusioned passengers are being caught out by unclear rules, with some Brits facing denial of boarding due to their passport's age. The European Union requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date and issued within the last 10 years. However, some airports are enforcing a 9-year and 9-month rule, which may lead to travel disruptions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date from the EU and issued within the last 10 years.
  • Passports must be valid until the end of the stay, plus an additional 3 months.
  • Some British travelers have been denied boarding due to their passport's age, despite meeting both criteria laid out by the EU.
  • Prior to October 2018, Brits could add up to 9 extra months to their passport's expiry date, but this is no longer the case post-Brexit.
  • EU countries have started rejecting passports issued more than 10 years ago, even if they still have a valid 9-year and 9-month period.
  • Brits who need to travel urgently can apply for a Premium Service, one-day passport application, which costs £222 for adults and £189 for children.
  • Standard online application fees have increased from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children.

Statistics:

  • Around half a dozen Brits were being turned away every day at one UK airport due to the passport rules.
  • The new passport fees include a £94.50 online application fees for adults and £61.50 for children, a £107 increase from the previous postal application fee.
  • The Premium Service one-day application costs £222 for adults and £189 for children.
  • The British artist who was denied boarding lost around £700 and had to spend hundreds of pounds on an emergency passport renewal.

Sources:

  • European Union, "Visa and residence permits for non-EU nationals"
  • The Guardian, "Copenhagen police stand by decision to reject Brit's passport"
  • GOV UK, "Passport fees increases effective from 10 April 2023"
  • Anonymous British artist, "Refused boarding due to passport age"