Holidaymakers planning to jet off this year have been issued a stern warning: double-check your passports or risk being turned away at the border. Travel rules for trips within the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, or Liechtenstein could see travellers denied entry, even if their passport is technically still valid.
According to Citizens Advice, all passports must be renewed if they have less than three months until expiry, or if it is 10 years old or more from the day of issue. However, it's vital to allow plenty of time for passport renewal as processing can take several weeks.
That is especially so during the busy summer holiday period. If you're in a rush and need a quick turnaround, fast-tracking is available through GOV. UK, but be ready to pay extra.
How to check if your passport is valid for your destination country
If there's any doubt about whether your passport will be accepted at your destination's border, gov.uk offers a free checking service. Simply enter your destination country and review the entry requirements.
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For example, Spain has these rules:
- The passport's issue date must be less than 10 years old upon arrival.
- It must have an expiry date that is more than three months beyond your planned departure from the 'Schengen area' (which includes most EU countries).
Here's how to renew your passport
You can grab a form from the Post Office or request one via phone, which will set you back £100. However, it's simpler and more cost-effective to do it online for just £88.50.
You'll also need an appropriate photo, a debit or credit card and your old passport if you have one. The process is straightforward but ensure all your details are accurate to prevent any delays.
The regulations around photos have become stricter and it needs to be digital for the application. But don't think you can just use a snap from Instagram - the usual rules still apply.
These rules state that the photo must be:.
- clear and in focus.
- in colour.
- unaltered by computer software.
- at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall.
- at least 50KB and no more than 10MB.
- not include any other objects or people.
- taken against a plain light-coloured background.
- in clear contrast to the background.
- not have 'red eye'.
- be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera.
- have a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
- have your eyes open and visible.
- not have hair in front of your eyes.
- not have a head covering (unless it's for religious or medical reasons).
- not have anything covering your face.
- not have any shadows on your face or behind you.
Your best bet would be to pop into a photo booth or have your picture taken at a shop, which usually costs about £10 - £15, and you'll get a code to upload your passport-compliant photo directly onto the form.
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