As the sixth anniversary of Brexit approaches at the end of the month, the majority of British citizens have become familiar with the travel-related changes. Many individuals are gearing up to use their blue passports for upcoming sunny summer vacations.
Despite this familiarity, there is a persistent passport rule that catches Brits off guard time and time again. Reports surface every summer of travelers experiencing delays or cancellations due to issues that prevent them from boarding their flights, and this goes beyond just looking at the expiry date.
Taking the time to check your passport now can help you avoid a last-minute panic and a rushed visit to the passport office right before your holiday. By addressing any potential issues well in advance, you can ensure a smooth journey to the airport.
Before Brexit, if you renewed your passport with remaining validity, up to nine months could be carried over to the new passport. This allowed some individuals to have passports valid for ten years and nine months. Back then, these passports could be used throughout their entire validity period when traveling within the EU.
However, post-Brexit, a new regulation stipulates that British citizens must possess passports issued less than a decade before the date of entry into a country. So, while an old passport may still be valid for travel, it could exceed the 10-year limit.
Additionally, it’s essential to remember that passports should remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date you plan to return from EU nations, with some non-EU destinations requiring six months of validity. Always consider the validity of your passport based on your planned return date to the UK, not your departure date.
Checking your passport now is advisable as handling a renewal is generally quicker at this time of year compared to the busy summer months. According to data from @passportwaiting, the current average processing time for an adult passport renewal is just under nine days, making it a relatively swift process.
In the past, delays at the Passport Office have caused significant waiting times for Brits awaiting their travel documents. In 2022, a surge in passport renewal applications for post-COVID travel led to delays of up to 10 weeks, resulting in disrupted travel plans.
For an adult passport, online renewal costs £94.50, while using a paper form bumps the price to £107. If you require expedited service, a fast track one-week renewal costs £178, and a one-day premium service rises to £222. It’s prudent to address any passport issues well in advance to avoid higher costs associated with last-minute renewals.
Do you have a travel-related story to share? Feel free to email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
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