As the sixth anniversary of Brexit approaches, many British travellers feel they have adapted to the new realities of international travel. The iconic blue passport is now a familiar sight, with countless sun-seekers planning to use theirs for a summer escape.
The Hidden Rule That's Ruining Holidays
Despite this adjustment, one specific passport regulation continues to cause significant disruption. Every summer, stories surface of devastated holidaymakers turned away at the airport gate, their trips delayed or cancelled outright. The problem often isn't a simple case of an expired passport; it's a more nuanced rule that many still overlook.
Experts urge travellers to check their passports immediately, well ahead of the summer rush. This proactive step can prevent a frantic, last-minute dash to the passport office and provide ample time to resolve any issues before your departure date.
Understanding the 10-Year Rule
Before the UK left the European Union, a beneficial quirk in the renewal system allowed up to nine months of unused validity from an old passport to be added to a new one. This meant some adults held passports valid for ten years and nine months, which could be used for their full duration when travelling to the EU.
The post-Brexit landscape is different. A critical rule now stipulates that for entry into EU countries, a British passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry. Furthermore, it must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of return. Many non-EU destinations require six months of validity.
This creates a trap: an older passport might still show a future expiry date but could breach the 10-year issue rule, leading to denied boarding. It's vital to check both dates carefully, basing your calculation on your intended return to the UK, not your departure.
Act Now to Save Time and Money
Checking your passport now is particularly wise as processing times are currently faster. The Twitter account @passportwaiting, which monitors application times, currently reports that an adult passport renewal takes just under nine days on average. This is a stark contrast to the severe delays seen in 2022, when post-COVID demand caused waits of up to 10 weeks.
Financially, acting early makes clear sense. The standard fee for an online adult passport renewal is £94.50. This cost escalates sharply if you need it urgently: £178 for the one-week fast-track service, and a premium £222 for the one-day service.
By verifying your passport's status today, you can secure your summer travel plans, avoid unnecessary stress, and potentially save a considerable amount of money. Don't let a technicality be the reason your holiday never gets off the ground.
