Air travel is experiencing a resurgence, with an increasing number of people expected to fly this summer, despite the noticeable rise in fares. However, UK holidaymakers travelling to the EU are being cautioned about the “10-year rule,” which has led to some passengers being denied boarding.
Can I Travel in the EU on My UK Passport and What Is the 10-Year Rule?
Several British holidaymakers have faced issues at the airport due to invalid passports for EU travel. Previously, UK travellers could carry over up to nine months remaining on an old passport to a new one, allowing for a passport to remain valid for more than ten years. However, following Brexit, the rules have changed. Most EU countries now no longer accept British passports issued more than ten years prior to the travel date, which is referred to as the “10-year rule.”
To enter EU countries, your UK passport must meet the following criteria:
- It must have been issued less than 10 years before your entry date (the “date of issue”).
- It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date (the “date of expiry”).
Failure to meet these requirements will result in a denial of entry.
How Much Does It Cost to Get or Renew My Passport?
The cost of obtaining, renewing, or replacing a passport is £88.50 for online applications and £100 for postal applications. For children’s passports, the online application fee is £57.50, while postal applications cost £69.
If applying from abroad or if you need an urgent passport, the fees may be higher. It’s important to note that passports are issued free of charge for individuals born on or before 2 September 1929. These fees apply to both new applications and renewals.
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When Should I Renew My Passport?
You must renew your passport before traveling if any of the following conditions apply:
- Your passport has expired.
- The date of issue was more than 10 years ago (relevant for travel to countries adhering to the 10-year rule).
- Your passport does not have enough validity remaining.
The amount of time needed on your passport varies depending on your destination. You can find specific entry requirements for different countries on the UK government’s website.
How Do I Renew My Passport?
You can renew your passport online at the HM Passport Office or by completing a paper application available at select Post Offices. For online applications, you will need your old passport and any valid passports from other countries you hold. Additionally, a digital photo that meets specific requirements is required. For paper applications, two identical printed photos are necessary.
Different rules apply if you are renewing a child’s passport, if your passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you need to update your name or personal details.
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How Long Does It Take to Renew a Passport?
Generally, it takes up to three weeks to renew a passport in the UK. However, this timeframe can extend during high-demand periods, such as just before school holidays.
For those needing an urgent passport, appointments can be booked at the nearest passport office, subject to availability. In such cases, passports can be issued within a week.
For more detailed information, you can visit the Passport Office website or contact the helpline at 0300 222 0000. The helpline operates from 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday, and from 09:00 to 17:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and UK bank holidays.