British travellers planning a trip to France could be in for a nasty surprise at the border due to strict post-Brexit passport rules. Many UK holidaymakers remain unaware of the changes, risking being turned away upon arrival.
What’s Changed for UK Travellers?
Since Brexit, UK passports must meet two critical requirements for entry into France and other Schengen Zone countries:
- The passport must be issued within the last 10 years
- It must have at least three months validity remaining beyond your planned departure date from France
These rules catch out many travellers who assume their passport is valid simply because it hasn’t expired.
Why Are So Many Brits Unprepared?
Research shows alarming numbers of UK tourists remain unaware of these post-Brexit changes. The confusion stems from:
- Different rules applying to EU and non-EU travel
- The complex validity period calculations
- Lack of prominent warnings when booking trips
Travel experts warn that families could face ruined holidays and significant financial losses if they don’t check their documents carefully.
How to Avoid Travel Disruption
To ensure smooth entry into France, travellers should:
- Check both the issue date and expiry date of their passport
- Allow extra validity time beyond the minimum requirements
- Renew passports well in advance of travel if needed
The government recommends renewing your passport if it has less than six months validity remaining before your trip.
