UK passport holders urgently warned to check expiry date after Brexit rule change

Are you aware when your passport expires?

Brits ought to test their passport validity earlier than heading to Europe this summer time as journey documentation guidelines have shifted since Brexit.

As wait occasions for brand spanking new passports mount, right here’s every part you want to know in regards to the new guidelines – and whether or not or not you’ll be able to nonetheless use your present passport.

What are the passport guidelines for Brits travelling to Europe?

You would possibly assume that your passport is legitimate as much as the expiry date. However this isn’t all the time the case.

Earlier than Brexit, Brits may journey as much as and together with the expiry date on their passports. However EU laws now classify UK residents as ‘third nation nationals,’ that means the principles have modified.

If a UK passport holder desires to go to the EU, they’ll want a passport:

• which was issued inside the earlier 10 years.
• is legitimate for a minimum of three months after the date you propose to go away the EU nation you’re visiting – learn on for UK authorities recommendation on this.

These necessities apply to the entire Schengen space, which incorporates most EU nations plus Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.

Although British residents can enter the Schengen space with three months of validity on their passports, the UK authorities recommends that they’ve six months validity.

This permits a passport holder to journey for 90 days (the utmost variety of visa free days a UK citizen can go to Europe in a six month interval) and nonetheless exit with a sound passport.

What are the passport necessities for Brits travelling exterior the EU?

Exterior of the EU, passport necessities will be even stricter.

Some nations – together with many in Asia and Africa – require UK residents to have six months of validity on their passports from the date of departure. China, Singapore, and Egypt fall into this class.

In different nations, the principles are much more relaxed. In Japan, Mexico, and Australia, for instance, your passport solely must be legitimate in the course of your keep.

Verify the particular necessities on the UK International Workplace web site.

How lengthy does it take to get a brand new passport?

In case your passport is edging near the expiry date, you might wish to get an utility for a brand new one in fast.

The UK House workplace estimates that it presently takes roughly 10 weeks to get a brand new passport.

Nonetheless, unprecedented demand and large backlogs imply you might be ready even longer. In April, the House Workplace estimated that 9.5 million Brits would apply for brand spanking new paperwork in 2022.

Pissed off candidates have taken to social media to share horror tales of prolonged queues and months-long delays.

“After a protracted wait (and a) failed try and renew UK passport from Aus, son utilized from uk, been ready 14 weeks, missed his journey,” person Julie Wilson posted final week.

“Please prioritise this! Was informed by your employees to cease telephoning as this can solely delay the problem!”

On the finish of June, the House Workplace had a backlog of 550,000 passports.