As the summer holiday season approaches, more than a quarter-of-a-million British travellers could face disappointment due to EU rules. Co-op Insurance has warned that 254,316
holidaymakers may find themselves grounded because their passports don't comply with post-Brexit regulations for entering the EU.
Figures obtained from the Passport Office reveal that these travellers possess valid passports with expiration dates exceeding 10 years since the date of issue. According to the HM Passport Office's data from May 26, 2023, these passports do not meet the criteria for travelling to the Schengen zone within the EU.
Post-Brexit, UK passports must not be more than 10 years old when used to enter the EU. Therefore, travellers attempting to board flights to the EU with UK passports issued over a decade ago will be turned away at the boarding gates.
To avoid any travel disruptions, it is essential for travellers to check their passport's date of issue and expiry. Many people assume that adult passports last for a period of 10 years, but extra months may have been added if the previous passport was renewed before its full expiration.
Co-op Insurance data shows that 77 percent of travel policies purchased in 2023 have been for European destinations, with a 32 percent increase in travel policies sold compared to the previous year.
Graham Ward-Lush, head of travel at Co-op Insurance, emphasizes the importance of checking passport details, stating that before September 2018, renewing a passport before its expiration allowed the remaining time to be carried over. Up to nine months could be added to the replacement passport's 10-year length, potentially making passports valid for 10 years and nine months.
To avoid any heartbreaking scenarios of discovering an invalid passport right before travel, Co-op Insurance urges travellers to verify the date of issue. For those with passports exceeding the 10-year limit, they will not be allowed to enter the EU.
To resolve this issue, passports can be renewed for £82.50 or through a paper form at the Post Office for £93. Additionally, a one-week fast-track service is available for £155 for adult passports and £126 for child passports. Ensuring valid travel documentation will help travellers embark on their dream holidays this summer without facing any unforeseen disruptions. Photo by Paulwidnes1, Wikimedia commons.