As the summer travel season heats up, UK holidaymakers holding old red passports need to be aware of new travel restrictions that could disrupt their plans. Post-Brexit changes have introduced stricter rules regarding passport validity, impacting those with the older red passports still in circulation.
New Rules for Red Passport Holders
Since the Brexit transition, UK citizens are now classified as “third-country nationals” by the European Union. This classification brings several new passport validity rules into play, affecting entry into EU and Schengen Area countries. Passports must be less than 10 years old on the date of arrival in the EU and have at least three months remaining before expiry at the end of the trip. This rule applies not only to EU countries but also to Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland​.
Common Travel Disruptions
Daily, approximately 200 UK travellers are denied boarding due to non-compliance with these rules. Issues typically arise at check-in or at the departure gate, causing significant travel disruptions. Travelers like Nathan Barnes, who was recently barred from flying to France despite having a valid boarding pass, illustrate the importance of these new rules​.
Validity Requirements by Country
The rules are not uniform across all destinations. While the EU and Schengen Area enforce the 10-year issue date and three-month validity rule, other countries have different requirements:
- Six-Month Validity Rule: 70 countries, including popular destinations such as Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, require passports to be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- Three-Month Validity Rule: 41 countries, including Finland, New Zealand, and Switzerland, require passports to have at least three months remaining on the date of entry​​.
What You Should Do
Before traveling, it’s crucial for UK passport holders to verify the validity of their passports. The UK Passport Office recommends checking the expiry date and ensuring compliance with the specific entry requirements of the destination country. For those with passports issued before October 2018, extra months added during renewal could affect the validity calculations​
By staying informed and proactive, UK travellers can avoid unexpected disruptions and enjoy a smooth summer holiday season. Make sure your passport meets all the necessary requirements before you pack your bags..
