A couple from the UK were denied boarding a flight to Madeira despite having nine months left on their passport, highlighting ongoing confusion over post-Brexit travel rules. Pat Cerely, 79, and her husband Peter, 83, arrived at Gatwick Airport in November and were stopped at the gate because Pat's passport did not meet new EU regulations.
Under rules introduced in January 2021, UK travellers to the Schengen area must have a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure date. However, the European Commission has clarified that the 10-year requirement applies only at the time of entry, not for the entire stay. This means a passport issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 would be acceptable for a trip starting on 1 December 2021.
Pat's passport was issued in December 2011 and expires in August 2022. According to the EU's interpretation, she should have been allowed to travel. The UK government and easyJet, the airline involved, maintain that the denial was correct, but the European Commission's guidance suggests otherwise.
The couple lost the cost of their holiday, receiving only a £35.47 refund for air tax. Pat questioned why easyJet did not inform her at booking, and why a friend with a similar passport expiry was allowed to fly to Portugal with the same airline without issue. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says it is seeking clarification from the European Commission.
Travellers are advised to check both the issue and expiry dates on their passports, as many UK passports include extra months from early renewals. Until September 2018, up to nine months could be added to a new passport, creating a discrepancy between the 10-year anniversary and the expiry date.
