As the sixth anniversary of Brexit approaches at the end of the month, many British citizens have become accustomed to the travel changes that have ensued. With summer in full swing, numerous individuals are gearing up for vacations to sunny destinations, armed with their new blue passports.
Despite this familiarity, there remains a persistent passport rule that catches many Brits off guard every summer, resulting in delayed or canceled trips due to boarding issues that extend beyond just checking the expiry date. Taking the time to verify your passport now can prevent a frantic last-minute rush to the passport office days before your holiday, ensuring ample time to address any potential issues before heading to the airport.
Before Brexit, when renewing a passport with remaining validity, up to nine months could be carried over to the new passport, allowing some individuals to hold passports valid for ten years and nine months. During that time, these passports were accepted for travel within the EU for the entire duration of their validity.
Post-Brexit, a new regulation stipulates that Brits must possess passports issued less than a decade before their entry into a country. Consequently, individuals with older passports may still be valid for their travel dates but risk exceeding the 10-year rule.
Additionally, it’s crucial to note that passports should have a validity of at least three months beyond the planned return date from EU countries, with some non-EU destinations requiring six months remaining. It is essential to assess your passport’s validity based on your intended return date to the UK, not the departure date.
Checking your passport sooner rather than later is advisable as passport renewals are typically quicker at this time of year compared to the peak summer months. According to data from @passportwaiting, an account monitoring passport application processing times, the current average processing time for renewing an adult passport is just under nine days, based on recent applicant feedback.
Past experiences have shown delays at the Passport Office, leading to extended waits for travel documents. In 2022, a surge in passport renewal applications for post-COVID travel resulted in delays of up to 10 weeks, causing disruptions to travel plans.
Renewing an adult passport online costs £94.50, or £107 for a paper application. However, urgent renewal options come at a higher price, with a fast-track one-week service costing £178 and a premium one-day service priced at £222. Planning ahead to address any passport-related issues promptly can help avoid additional costs and inconvenience.
For any travel-related stories or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
