Amid the post-Brexit travel document changes, travel experts are sending out a critical reminder to UK globetrotters still clutching their pre-Brexit burgundy passports: inspect those expiry dates now.
Whilst these were last dished out in 2020, when Britain waved goodbye to the EU, they remain valid for voyages up until 2025, providing they’re timely renewed. Many holiday destinations insist on your passport retaining at least six months of validity.
Travel insurance guru Alvaro Iturmendi from Confused.com offered his wisdom to holidaymakers, noting: “Booking your holidays can be very exciting, and a welcome distraction to the beginning of the year blues.”
Adding a word of caution, he highlighted: “But no matter how far in advance you’re planning, it’s never too early to check your passport’s validity, so you don’t get caught out last minute.”
Jet setters eyeing up European jewels such as Spain or the Netherlands should also be mindful that the date of issue is crucial; passports must have been issued within the last ten years from when you set off.
Alvaro underscored the lack of awareness around this, revealing: “Our research found that less than half (43 per cent) of travellers knew that if you’re heading to the EU, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before their departure date,” and failing to meet this requirement could lead to some unfortunate holiday hiccups, possibly even getting turned away at the border or at the airport before your adventure even begins, Bristol Live.
“Either way, it’s likely to lead to a lot of disruption to your holiday plans.” Since Brexit, the UK has started issuing blue passports, and most citizens are required to renew them every 10 years. “An emergency passport could cost up to £207 depending on its urgency,” Alvaro noted.
“And if you leave it to the last minute, having to take time off work and travel to visit a passport office could become costly and time consuming. This is especially true if you need to visit an office far from home. Unfortunately, travel insurance will not cover the cost of last minute travel for an emergency passport, nor for any missed flights or holidays.”
“It’s important to always double-check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning your trip, and leave yourself ample time to renew it if needed. By using our passport checker, you can save a great deal of time, money, and stress.”
If your passport needs to be renewed, you have the option to apply either by post or online.
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