British travellers planning a trip to Spain are being urged to check their passports carefully following a significant rule change that could see them denied entry at the border.
The post-Brexit regulations, which have caught many holidaymakers off guard, require UK passport holders to meet stricter validity criteria when entering Spain and other Schengen Zone countries.
What Are the New Rules?
Under the updated requirements, your UK passport must:
- Be less than 10 years old on the day of entry to Spain
- Have at least three months remaining after your planned departure date
These rules apply even if your passport appears valid for travel. Many British travellers have faced issues because they didn't realise their passport's issue date made it ineligible under the new system.
Why This Matters Now
The Spanish government has begun strictly enforcing these rules, with reports of families being turned away at airports during peak travel periods. This comes as:
- Summer holiday bookings to Spain reach record levels
- Many UK passports issued before 2018 approach the 10-year mark
- Awareness of post-Brexit travel rules remains inconsistent
How to Check Your Passport
To avoid disappointment, travellers should:
- Check the issue date (not just expiry date) in their passport
- Use the government's online passport checker tool
- Allow sufficient time to renew if necessary
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain to reflect these changes, warning that border officials will not make exceptions for those unaware of the rules.
What This Means for Your Holiday
With Spain remaining the most popular European destination for UK tourists, these passport checks could affect millions of travellers. Industry experts recommend:
- Checking passports as soon as you book your trip
- Considering express passport services if renewal is needed
- Keeping digital copies of travel documents as backup
The rule change serves as another reminder of how Brexit has altered travel dynamics between the UK and EU countries, with similar requirements now in place across the Schengen area.
