Lesser-known passport rule could see you turned away from EU flights

Brits planning a holiday abroad have been alerted to an obscure passport rule that could potentially "wreak havoc" with their travel plans. Holidaymakers holding passports issued before a specific date may find themselves unable to travel to large parts of Europe.

The requirement, referred to as the 10-year rule, means that UK tourists' passports cannot be more than 10 years old when entering EU or Schengen zone countries.

Those carrying passports issued before September 2018 could be affected by this regulation.

This stems from the former policy of the passport office transferring up to nine months of remaining validity from an expired passport to a replacement one, a practice that ended in 2020 after Brexit.

The Post Office has offered guidance on the 10-year rule, explaining: "Different countries have specific entry requirements. If your passport isn't valid, it could wreak havoc with your travel plans."

Its website elaborated: "Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now seen as 'third-country nationals' by EU and Schengen countries."

The Schengen zone comprises 29 European nations that have removed border checks at their shared boundaries. This includes four countries outside the EU - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The Post Office concluded: "This means the entry rules have changed. And many UK holidaymakers are still being caught out by them."

Clarifying how the dates work, it explained: "Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

"This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one. This means some people have passports that haven't officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide. The exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than 10 years old."

For trips to Europe and Schengen nations, your passport must meet the following requirements:.

• Issued less than 10 years prior to your departure date
• Valid for a minimum of three months beyond your intended return date

Nevertheless, the 10-year rule does not apply to Brits travelling to Ireland. It's also vital to remember that UK citizens can now only stay in Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period.

To check all the details about travelling to the EU and Schengen area, visit the Government website here.

Renewing or replacing your passport

The fee to renew or replace your passport online is £94.50, or £107 if you choose a paper application. You must be aged 16 or over (or turning 16 in the next three weeks) to get an adult passport.

The process to obtain a passport for a child is different. If you're overseas, there are alternative ways to renew or replace your passport.

For more information, please visit the Government website here.