Travel expert Simon Calder has issued an urgent warning to British tourists planning overseas trips this summer, urging them to check their passport validity to avoid having their holidays ruined. Thousands of travellers have already missed their flights due to strict EU entry rules.
EU Passport Rule: 10-Year Limit
On BBC Radio 2, Calder highlighted the case of James Luton, who was denied boarding for a flight to Portugal for his 50th birthday because his passport was issued more than 10 years ago, even though it had not expired. Under EU and Schengen zone rules, passports must be less than 10 years old on the day of entry and valid for at least three months beyond the intended return date.
Calder stated: "Unfortunately, he [James] is just one of thousands upon thousands of people who have fallen foul of this. As we speak, there will be people who have headed to the airport, and the same thing happened to them. It is just absolutely miserable."
Key Checks for Summer Travel
Calder emphasised that the EU is the only region that cares about the passport issue date; elsewhere only the expiry date matters. He advised: "You must remember, if you are going to the EU apart from Ireland, you cannot have a passport older than 10 years on the day you enter. Please, if you are going away in June, July and August please check that your passport is going to comply. Has it had its 10th birthday on the day you plan to go away, and has it got at least three months left on the date you plan to leave? That way, we can hopefully avoid too many more wrecked holidays."
Background on Passport Validity
Prior to 2018, UK passports could remain valid for up to 10 years and nine months because unused months from old passports were transferred to new ones. This practice ended in 2018, meaning older burgundy passports may exceed the 10-year limit even if still within their expiry date. Blue passports, issued from 2020 onwards, are generally valid for 10 years, but children's blue passports are only valid for five years and should also be checked.
Calder's warning comes as millions of Britons prepare for summer holidays during the busiest travel period. He urged everyone to verify their passport compliance before heading to the airport to avoid disappointment.
