British families jetting off to Europe this summer are being urged to double-check their passports after a potentially trip-ruining rule change that could see children turned away at borders.
The Schengen Zone Passport Pitfall
Many parents remain unaware that some European countries now require children's passports to be valid for at least three months beyond their planned return date - a stricter requirement than the adult rules. This applies to popular destinations including France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Why Families Are Particularly At Risk
Unlike adults who typically renew passports regularly, children's travel documents often get overlooked until they expire. The problem compounds when:
- Children's passports only last 5 years (vs 10 for adults)
- Parents assume the same rules apply to all family members
- Last-minute bookings leave little time for renewals
How To Avoid The Holiday Heartbreak
Travel experts recommend these essential checks before booking:
- Check expiry dates for every family member
- Remember the 'three month rule' applies from your return date
- Allow at least 4 weeks for passport renewals during peak season
With current processing delays at HM Passport Office, families are being advised to act now rather than risk missing their hard-earned summer break.
