Brits travelling immediately after Brexit may have to renew passports this week

Brits planning on going on holiday immediately after Brexit may have to renew their passports this week - or risk being unable to fly.

If the UK leaves the European Union with no deal on October 31, 2019, some passports will not be accepted for travel to Schengen Area countries such as Spain and Italy.

British travellers would be subject to existing rules for visitors from non-EU countries that require passports to have been issued within the past 10 years and have at least six months' validity left on the day of travel.

Until recently, UK citizens who renewed their passport before it had expired had any remaining validity added to the validity of the new passport, up to a maximum of nine months.

If the UK leaves without a deal on October 31 some passports may not be accepted for travel to Schengen Areas (AFP via Getty Images)

But after a no-deal Brexit , any period beyond 10 years, will not be valid for travel to Schengen Area countries.

The Passport Office advises applicants that renewals can take up to three weeks, meaning holidaymakers and others must apply this week if planning to travel immediately after Brexit.

If the Passport Office needs more information about an application, it may even take longer.

HM Passport Office says it will have the appropriate resources in place to handle the extra renewal applications (file photo) (Getty Images)

Consumer group Which yesterday warned: "As more people rush to renew, the busier the Passport Office is likely to get."

However, the Home Office said: "HM Passport Office will have the appropriate resources in place to handle the extra renewal applications in addition to its normal volumes."