New Passport Rules
This news may have slipped under the radar amidst all the Brexit drama, but British passport holders could be unaware of a new rule that concerns their passports. This rule is known as the “six-month rule” which means entry to EU countries could be denied if the passport-holder does not have at least six months left on their expiry date if there is a no-deal Brexit. Europe has now joined countries such as Turkey and the U.S. who already enforce this regulation.
Shocking reports by Direct Line indicate that up to 1.5 million Brits have passports that are soon to expire and could cause them difficulties if they wish to travel. The Foreign Office advises all holidaymakers to have at least six months left on their passport before heading to any country within the EU. Despite delays in the Brexit vote until the end of October, the government still advise renewing your passports ahead of any travel if your expiry date is imminent. The government provide a free checker that offers advice on your specific holiday and passport details.
New passports will be a significant factor in your booking process as a new passport will generate you with a unique number which could cause problems or delays at the airport. It is, therefore, advised that you have the new passport before booking. Holidaymakers should know that passport renewals could take longer than expected due to the influx in applications due to this news.
It should also be noted that Brits are no longer to roll over an additional nine months if they renew their passport before its expiry date.
Tom Bishop, Head of Travel Insurance at Direct Line, said: “It is a difficult balancing act, passport holders won’t want to waste remaining time on an old passport by getting a new one too early, but in many cases, holidaymakers will need to ensure they have at least six months validity before travelling.”
The important take-away from this section is to get your passports renewed now if you are looking to book for Winter 2019/20 and your passport is soon to expire.
Image credit: Holiday Gems Under CC 2.0
