Due to new Brexit rules which came into force on January 1 of this year, a number of changes are mow impacting UK visas and passports.
And because of this, many individuals travelling abroad are now being urged to make themselves aware of key changes and how to avoid being caught out.
There have been a variety of key points and advice issued for anyone heading to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen.
The Schengen Area covers most of the EU countries - except the UK and Ireland - meaning you must pass through an immigration checkpoint and show your passport.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) shared information about these changes alongside the British Embassy in Madrid, Spain which advises people to check that they have a valid passport before leaving a country meaning a passport should be no more than 10 years old and have at least three months left.
In addition, they also warn that travellers should check the rules over visas if going away for a longer period of time.
The FCDO issued the advice yesterday (October 14) and stated: "The rules for travelling to European countries changed on January 1, 2021.
"British nationals can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
"Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave Spain or any other Schengen country."
As well as issuing updated Brexit advice, the Embassy also warned that border queues may take longer due to the UK no longer being part of the European Union.
And if you lose your passport, it may take longer to obtain a replacement so having a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport is ideal.
They state: "At Spanish border control, it is likely you will need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport is usually stamped on entry and exit unless you can demonstrate that you are a resident of Spain.
"You may also need to show: a return or onward ticket, enough money for your stay, proof of accommodation for your stay, for example, a hotel booking confirmation, proof of address if visiting your own property (for example, a second home), or an invitation from your host or proof of their address if staying with a third party, friends or family."
Passport rule changes you should be aware of before travelling
- Make sure your passport is no more than 10 years old
- Make sure you have at least three months left on your passport
- You can not stay in the Schengen area for more than 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa
- Ensure you keep your passport safe at all times
Full list of 26 countries in Schengen
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen zone.
