Brits holidaying abroad this summer will have to comply with new EU passport validity rules. The change is one of many post-Brexit travel updates set to affect families this school holiday.
It’s no longer as simple as dusting off the passports and checking the expiry date. British nationals must now check that their passports comply with the two criteria of the Schengen passport rules.
Additionally, British passport holders must stick to the 90-day limit on visa-free travel - during a period of 180 days - within the Schengen area. They must also have their passports stamped on entry and exit from Schengen countries. Here are the details you need to know.
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What are the new passport rules for Brits?
EU countries have adopted the Schengen passport rules for British passport holders. This means that your passport must be:
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Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country. Check the ‘date of issue’.
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Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Check the ‘expiry date’.
These Schengen area passport requirements are required for UK citizens visiting any EU country, apart from Ireland. If you’re travelling to Ireland, you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) states.
These passport rules don’t apply to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City. Be sure to double check the FCO’s updated travel advice for your destination ahead of travelling.
What are the new visa rules for Brits visiting the EU?
Following Brexit, the UK is now classed as a third country by the EU. This means that British nationals do not have freedom of movement across the EU.
However, Britain is part of a group of visa-exempt third countries whose citizens are permitted to travel in the Schengen area. They can visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days.
The FCO states: “You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: You’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period, you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.”
Brits will also need to have their passports stamped on entry and exit from a Schengen country, even if permitted to use the EU e-gates - for example, in some Spanish airports. This is to help border control keep track of how long you've spent in the Schengen area visa-free.
More changes are set to come in May 2023 with an electronic system set to be brought in to keep track of visa-free visits to the Schengen area. ETIAS , which stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System, will be required of Brits travelling to Schengen countries from next May and will cost a fee of £5.88.
The plan for ETIAS was in motion before Britain left the EU. However, UK nationals are only subject to the rule due to Brexit.
Which countries are in the Schengen area?
The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are not in the Schengen area. Although they have their own rules on visa-free travel, this means the time you spend in these countries will not count towards the 90 days you’re allowed in the Schengen area within a period of 180 days.
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