Hundreds of thousands of Britons hold passports that are technically in date but could still lead to denied boarding at the airport. New analysis suggests around 350,000 UK passports were issued more than 10 years ago, which may not meet EU entry requirements.
Why your passport may be invalid for EU travel
Before Brexit, passport renewals could carry over remaining validity from an old document, allowing burgundy passports to be issued with up to 10 years and nine months. However, EU and Schengen area rules now require that your passport was issued within the last 10 years. This means even if your passport has months of validity left, an issue date older than a decade can see you turned away at the border.
In addition to the 10-year issue rule, your passport must have at least three months of validity after your planned departure from the EU. Checking only the expiry date is not enough; you must also verify the issue date.
Other passport checks before you travel
For travel outside the EU, requirements differ. For example, Turkey does not apply the 10-year rule but requires visitors to have 150 days (five months) of validity from their arrival date. Other countries may have their own rules, so always check specific entry requirements.
Damage to your passport, such as torn pages or heavy wear and tear, can also cause issues, as customs staff must be able to read your details clearly. Ensure you have enough blank pages for passport stamps; generally, two side-by-side blank pages are recommended, though requirements vary by country.
Fast-track renewal options
If you need a new passport urgently, the Passport Office offers a one-day premium service, though the earliest appointment is two days after applying. This service is only for adult renewals and requires visiting a Passport Office in person, such as the one in Liverpool. Alternatively, a one-week fast track service is available for adult renewals and child passports, with the passport dispatched via priority courier.
