TUI has issued a warning to travellers about a common passport mistake where 'passports that appear to be valid can still be refused'. Amid the busy summer holiday period, the travel operator is urging holidaymakers to check their passports before departure, as anyone with an expired or invalid passport risks being turned away at their destination.
Key passport rules for Europe and Schengen
In a notice to customers, TUI reminded travellers that British passengers heading to Europe or the Schengen area, including popular destinations like Greece, Italy and Spain, must ensure their passports meet two conditions: the passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entry, and it must be valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from the country being visited.
The company cautioned: "A passport can still show a future expiry date but fail the 10-year rule if extra months were added when it was renewed. This catches out many travellers every year."
Schengen countries and additional advice
The Schengen zone includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
TUI provides a free passport checker on its website to help travellers verify whether their UK passport meets the requirements for their destination. The company also urged travellers to "always check the latest government advice", as entry requirements can vary and change.
EES system rollout
Following the full rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES), all British citizens entering Schengen territory must register biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, upon arrival. TUI warned that longer queues may occur at some airports, especially during busy travel periods, and advised allowing extra time at border control, keeping essential medication in hand luggage, and heading straight to passport control after dropping bags when departing the EU.
