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Air travel is booming again, with more people expected to fly this summer, despite notably higher fares.
But UK holidaymakers travelling to the EU are being warned not to get caught out by the “10-year rule”, which has stopped some passengers from flying.
Can I travel in the EU on my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?
UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months left on an old passport over to a new one. This meant that a passport could be valid for more than 10 years.
But the rules changed after Brexit, and the majority of EU countries no longer accept British passports that were issued more than 10 years before the date of travel. This is known as the “10-year rule”.
To enter those countries now, your UK passport must:
- have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU country (the “date of issue”)
- be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave (the “date of expiry”)
If your passport does not meet these requirements, you will be refused entry.
How much does it cost to get or renew my passport?
An online application for a child’s passport costs £57.50, or £69 via post.
It costs more if you apply from abroad, or if you require a passport urgently. Passports are free for people born on or before 2 September 1929.
These fees apply to both new passport applications and renewals.
When should I renew my passport?
You must renew your passport before you travel if either:
- your passport has expired
- your date of issue was more than 10 years ago (if travelling to countries with the 10-year rule)
- your passport does not have enough time left before it expires
How much time you need on your passport depends on where you are going.
How do my I renew my passport?
You’ll need your old passport and any valid passports you hold from a different country.
For online applications, you’ll also need a digital photo that meets specific requirements. For paper applications, you need two identical printed photos.
How long does it take to renew a passport?
It should take up to three weeks to renew a passport in the UK, but it can take longer during periods of high demand, such as before school holidays.
You can get more information on the Passport Office website or you can call the helpline on 0300 222 0000. The line is open 08:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 17:30 on Saturday, Sunday and UK bank holidays.