UK holidaymakers still carrying an old red passport have been issued a summer travel warning. Many countries enforce strict entry requirements, including the 'six-month validity rule', which demands that passports remain valid for an additional six months beyond the travel date. Those with pre-Brexit red passports may find their documents lack sufficient time.
Destinations within the Schengen zone operate a three-month passport validity requirement. UK travellers can only enter these nations if their passport has at least three months' validity remaining. Following Brexit, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day of arrival in the EU, with expiry at least three months beyond the planned departure date.
Most assume adult passports are valid for 10 years, but if issued before October 1, 2018, extra months may have been added if the previous passport was renewed early. To check validity, visit GOV.UK, search for the destination country, and select 'entry requirements'. Note that stays are limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Countries enforcing the six-month rule include the USA, Australia, Thailand, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. If your passport lacks sufficient time, you will be unable to travel.
