Ryanair has issued an urgent and stark warning to millions of British tourists, cautioning that a simple oversight could see them refused boarding and their long-awaited holidays completely ruined.
The budget airline is specifically targeting passengers who assume their passport is valid simply because it hasn't expired. The critical detail, often missed in the post-Brexit travel landscape, is the issue of passport issuance dates.
The Hidden Rule That Catches Thousands Out
For travel to European Union countries, UK passports must meet two strict criteria beyond the expiry date:
- It must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from the EU.
- It must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the EU.
This second rule is the real trap. Many Brits renew their passports before they expire, meaning the new passport's validity period is added to the remaining time on the old one. This can result in a passport that is technically valid for more than a decade, but EU rules do not recognise this extra time.
"Check Your Issue Date Now" Urges Airline
Ryanair's warning is clear: if your passport was issued over 10 years ago, you will be turned away at the gate. This rule is non-negotiable and enforced by airline staff, who face fines of up to €5,000 for allowing a passenger with incorrect documentation to board.
The message from the airline is blunt: "We regret we cannot accept passengers travelling on passports issued more than 10 years ago, even if the passport expiry date is still valid."
How to Avoid a Holiday Catastrophe
To ensure your trip goes smoothly, follow this simple checklist:
- Locate your passport's date of issue.
- Check if 10 years have passed from that date to your day of travel to the EU.
- If it has, you must renew your passport immediately before booking any travel.
- Always use the official GOV.UK passport checker for the most accurate advice.
Don't let an administrative oversight turn your dream holiday into a costly nightmare. A quick two-minute check now could save you thousands of pounds and immense disappointment at the airport.
