After the severe impact to holidays from Covid over the last two years, people in the UK are starting to head abroad in greater numbers as restrictions ease. Other countries such as France, Greece and Spain are welcoming UK travellers with some entry rules still in place.
And there's one key document that could be easy to overlook, but it's arguably the most important admin; your passport's validity. countries have their own rules on how long your passport needs to be valid for when you travel. Some want three months after your departure date, others six.
The impact of Brexit has seen changes to EU rules, with Brits warned by authorities to check their passports as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Airlines can also have differing rules.
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So, to give you a helping hand we take a look at the passport rules for major airlines including TUI, Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways. We've also included a list of key holiday hotspots and how long your passport needs to be valid.
Check out the guide below:
TUI
All Brits on TUI flights will be required to show a valid passport. How long it must be valid for can depend on your destination, so check your country's entry rules and requirements before you book a trip. A statement on the TUI website explains; "Passports for British citizens are valid for travel to any EU country up to and including the passport expiry date.
"The government recommends that, on the day you travel, you have at least 6 months left on your passport. To travel to Europe, you must have a minimum of three months left on your passport from the day you’re planning to travel home."
Have you been caught out by the different rules? Tell us in the comments section.
Some countries outside of the EU also require you to have at least three months left of validity on your passport, or even some blank pages.
easyJet
All UK travellers on international flights will need a valid passport or visa depending on their destination of choice. Your passport will need to be in good condition, and signed. It's worth noting that some countries require your documents to be valid for at least three or six months from the date of departure.
For UK passport holders travelling to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, please note that on your day of travel you'll need your passport to both have at least six months left on it, and be no more than 10 years old.
Ryanair
You'll need a valid passport to board any of Ryanair's flights. The airline also warns passengers that non EU passport holders must have a passport that's valid for at least three months from their date of departure when heading to a Schengen member country.
There are exemptions, for example if you've been issued a residence permit of a long-term visa. For travel outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), your passport must be valid for the period of intended stay, with a handful of exceptions:
- For Jordan, the passport must be valid for six months beyond the period of the intended stay.
- For Turkey, the passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry.
- For Montenegro, the passport must be valid for at least three months.
- For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the passport must be valid for at least three months.
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Jet2
Jet2 predominantly flies to destinations in the EU, where your UK passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, and be less than 10 years old. The airline warns passengers: "Just so you know, if you renewed your passport before your previous passport expired, any extra months that may have been added to your new passport’s expiry date, making it valid for more than a ten year period, may not count."
The airline does fly to some non-EU destinations such as Turkey and Montenegro, and urges passengers to check entry requirements before travelling.
British Airways
If you're travelling on an international flight, you’ll need a passport or an equivalent travel document that is valid for the full duration of your trip. Your children will also need their own passports, even infants under two years.
The airline warns passengers that they are responsible for checking the rules for individual destinations, with a statement on its website reading; "Please note that it is your responsibility to check and observe all requirements applicable to your journey. Should you fail to comply with these requirements, you may not be allowed to travel or may be refused entry at your destination."
Passport rules for different countries
All countries will have their own rules concerning passport validity and expiration rules. Here we take a look at the rules for some of the key holiday destinations but please note that during the pandemic there may be other rules and entry requirements you need to meet.
The best place to find the key information is in the UK Foreign Office's travel advice for a destination - always check this before you book or go on a trip abroad, as these rules can change quickly.
Australia
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Barbados
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canada
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, but if you have less than six months validity it may take longer to pass through immigration control.
China
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
Egypt
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
European Union
For most European countries, HM Passport Office recommend that on the day you travel you have at least three months left on your passport. Those countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
India
Your passport must be machine readable, with two blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Japan
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Mexico
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
New Zealand
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of one month from the date of exit.
Singapore
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
South Africa
Rules state that your passport should be valid for at least 30 days from the date of exit, but it’s recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires. Your passport should also have at least two blank pages when you enter or leave South Africa.
Thailand
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
Turkey
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
