Holidaymakers whose EU travel plans were ruined by the '10-year-passport rule' have spoken to the BBC about their experiences. Until 2018, UK travellers could transfer up to nine months from an old passport to a new one, but post-Brexit, EU countries will not accept passports more than 10 years old. Those unaware of the change were turned away at passport control.
Jane Opher, 61, from London, said she was 'traumatised' after being told she and her partner could not board their flight to Barcelona at Gatwick in February, despite checking in online. 'I was just saying to my partner that I must renew my passport soon, as we walked along the bridge to get to the boarding gate. It was very stressful and humiliating to have to be escorted back through the airport like a criminal,' she said. She spent about £400 on last-minute replacement flights and a fast-tracked passport.
Lara Barnes, 57, from the Isle of Man, was due to travel to Majorca last October but her husband was denied boarding, losing £1,200. 'We had no reason to believe the passport wouldn't be valid,' she said. Staff at Liverpool Airport told them 'this had been a ruling since Brexit and we should know better'.
John, 73, a healthcare worker near Portsmouth, was due to fly to Tenerife in January but his wife's passport fell foul of the rule. He called it 'ridiculous', saying there were no warnings and zero interest from TUI. 'The total burden of this issue falls on the individual holidaymaker. The travel company have got your money... there's no incentive on anyone to redress this unfair, illogical ruling,' he said.
A TUI spokesperson said they were 'sorry to hear of customers who were unable to travel due to the UK government passport requirements', adding that customers are given 'ample warning' via their website and booking confirmations. Last April, Howard Kirrane was turned away at Southampton port; he tried to get money back but was told it was his responsibility.
