Britons planning holidays to 31 European countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece, must comply with two passport rules or face being denied entry. The regulations apply to all EU member states as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
According to official guidance, passports must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date of arrival, and an expiry date at least three months after the planned departure. This means that passports renewed before October 1, 2018, may no longer be valid for travel to these destinations.
The rules also require that children and minors have their own passport. Border officials may request additional documents such as an invitation letter, proof of lodging, or a return ticket.
From April 10, 2025, passport application fees will increase, subject to parliamentary approval. Standard online applications in the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications will increase to £107 for adults and £74 for children. Overseas applications will also see price rises.
Holidaymakers are advised to apply for renewals well in advance, as standard applications can take around three weeks to process.
