UK citizens heading to the EU are being advised to check their passports are valid under post-Brexit rules.
It has been reported passengers have been turned away at airport gates for having documents that fail to meet new regulations.
Passports must be no more than 10 years old to enter EU countries, but in previous years, people renewing their travel document early were given a “rebate” of unused months.
For example, a passenger renewing six months early would be issued a passport with ten years and six months validity. Now, a passenger travelling in the final six months of a passport will no longer be allowed entry to the EU, except for trips to Ireland.
Arrivals in the EU must also have a passport valid for at least three months after the date they intend to leave the country they are visiting.
Those who fail to adhere to the latest rules risk losing the money for a flight or holiday because a travel provider will not offer a refund and insurance will not cover the mistake.
The Home Office has removed its passport validity checker from its website after it was established it was giving passengers incorrect information.
All European Union nations require that a passport is valid for at least three months after the day the holder leaves the UK. HM Passport Office recommends that on the day of departure there is at least six months left on the passport.
The best way to find out if a passport is valid for travel to certain countries is to check the Travel Advice section of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website.
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