When was the last time you checked your passport? It might not be top of mind, especially if it’s been a while since your last trip. But before you start planning that well-deserved getaway, it’s worth taking a moment to check your passport’s expiry date.
Some destinations require at least six month’s validity – even if you’re only staying a few days. And for UK travellers heading to Europe, new rules introduced after Brexit may affect whether your passport is accepted at all.
According to ABTA – The Travel Association, many travellers are still unaware of these updated rules. In fact, thousands of holidaymakers have been caught out by the changes, leading to denied boarding or entry at border control.
Thankfully, this is one of the easiest travel headaches to avoid, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
How long should your passport be valid for?
It’s a common question – and an important one too. Many countries follow what is known as the ‘six-month rule’. This means that your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival. The rule helps prevent problems if your stay is unexpectedly extended or if local border policies are strict.
Popular destinations like China, Egypt, and Thailand all require at least six months’ validity. Even for short breaks, arriving with a passport that’s too close to expiring could mean being denied entry at the border.
If you’re heading to Europe or the Schengen Area (France, Spain, Italy, etc.), the rules are different – and more specific for UK passport holders:
- Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years, and
- It must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Europe
As ABTA explains, passports that were renewed early (before October 2018) may have additional months added to their expiry date. These months do not count toward the 10-year limit, and could result in your passport being deemed invalid – even if it hasn’t technically expired. You can find the latest entry requirements for each country on the FCDO travel advice website.
These rules can feel a bit confusing, but the bottom line is simple: it’s always safe to renew your passport if it’s set to expire within the next 6–9 months. That way, you can relax and focus on enjoying your trip.
ABTA’s four-step guide to checking passport validity for Europe
To help travellers stay informed, ABTA – The Travel Association recommends the following simple steps:
- Visit the FCDO travel advice to check the passport rules for the country you’re visiting.
- Check the issue date – Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter most European countries.
- Check the expiry date – You’ll usually need at least three months’ validity remaining on the date you plan to leave.
- Need to renew? Applying online at Gov.uk is the cheapest and most convenient way to do it.
It only takes a moment to check now, and it could save you the stress (and cost) of being turned away at the airport.
Check your passport’s issue and expiry date
Here’s something many UK travellers don’t realise: even if your passport hasn’t expired yet, it may not be valid for travel – especially to Europe – if it was issued more than 10 years ago.
This change has caught many people by surprise since Brexit, and it’s especially important if your passport was renewed early in the past (as the extra months added no longer apply under EU rules).
Your passport may still appear ‘in date; but if it’s over 10 years old, it could still be rejected. This is particularly true when visiting destinations in Europe and the Schengen Area.
How to check your passport:
- Issue date – Found on the photo page. This is the date your passport was first printed and became valid.
- Expiry date – Also on the photo page. This tells you when your passport officially runs out.
Before you book, it’s worth double-checking both of these dates. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, even by just a few weeks, it may not meet the requirements in some countries – even if the expiry date hasn’t passed.
What should you do if your passport’s close to expiry?
If your passport is approaching its expiry date – or was issued more than 10 years ago – it’s a smart idea to renew it before making any travel plans.
The good news? It’s a straightforward process, and you’ve got a couple of options:
- Online – The fastest and most convenient method. You can upload a digital photo and pay securely on the official Gov.uk site.
- By post – Prefer paper forms? You can pick one up from your local Post Office or request one to be sent to your home.
Standard processing takes around three weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods – especially in spring and summer. That’s why ABTA recommends renewing well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Need your passport urgently? Fast-track and premium services are available for an extra fee, but they require an in-person appointment and advance booking.
Passport requirements for children
If you’re travelling with children or grandchildren, remember: child passports only last five years, not ten like adult ones. This often catches families out – especially if the passport was issued when the child was very young.
Even if a child’s passport looks in date, it may not meet entry requirements if it’s nearing the five-year mark or too close to expiry.
If you’re travelling alone with a child (for example, a parent or grandparent taking a child abroad), be aware that some countries have additional rules for single-parent or guardian travel. You may need to carry a letter of consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian, along with copies of supporting documents.
Checking early gives you plenty of time to get everything in order and travel without worry.
Travelling with confidence
Once your passport is in order, you’re already one step closer to a stress-free getaway. Sorting it out ahead of time means you can relax and focus on the fun parts of travel – without any last-minute panic at the airport.
But don’t forget, even with a valid passport, things can still go wrong. That’s why Travel Insurance is so important. From delayed flights to lost luggage and unexpected medical costs, the right policy gives you peace of mind every step of the way.
And here’s something not everyone knows: if you travel with an invalid passport, it could invalidate your insurance – meaning you’re not covered at all. That’s just one more reason to double-check everything in advance!
Taking a few simple steps now during your holiday planning – like checking your passport and sorting your Travel Insurance – means you can travel with total confidence knowing everything’s taken care of.
When it’s time to travel, make sure you’re protected with AllClear Travel Insurance.
