HM Passport Office has issued a warning to holidaymakers ahead of the peak travel season, urging Brits to check their passports now to avoid being turned away at the airport. With Easter half-term and summer getaways approaching, travellers are advised to verify two key dates on their passport: the expiry date and the issue date.
Post-Brexit regulations for travel to the European Union or Schengen countries require that UK passports were issued less than 10 years before departure and are valid for at least three months after the return date. For destinations such as Australia, China, Thailand, the UAE, Indonesia, and India, at least six months of passport validity from the date of arrival is needed.
Additionally, passports must not be physically damaged—ripped pages, water damage, separated covers, or anything that makes personal information difficult to read could render the document invalid. Travel expert Jamie Fraser warned that general wear and tear can also cause issues with automated scanners and border control.
A blank page at the back of the passport is required for stamps or visas. If the passport is full, travellers may be denied entry. HM Passport Office advises not to book travel until a valid passport is obtained, as new passports have different numbers.
Standard passport renewal costs £94.50 online or £107 by post; a child's passport costs £61.50 online or £74 by post. Fast-track services are available but not always guaranteed during peak periods. The office recommends applying well in advance, as processing can take around three weeks or longer.
