Millions face European travel shock unless they urgently renew passports, Which? warns

Holidaymakers face being prevented from travelling to Spain, Italy and other popular European destinations after a no-deal Brexit unless they renew their passports in the next two days, Which? is warning.

In January, Which? revealed that around 3.5 million UK passports will not be accepted for travel to the Schengen zone – 26 European countries that have officially abolished passport control at their mutual borders – from 30 March if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Despite previous advice that just six months of validity would be required on passports, the Government confirmed that any passport holders with up to 15 months validity could be affected – of which 1.5 million are expected to travel this spring or summer.

These people risk becoming victims of a loophole that means any time carried over from an old passport at the time of renewal – previously allowed for up to nine months – will not be recognised.

Until recently, UK citizens who renewed their passport before it had expired had any remaining validity added to their new passport – meaning a UK passport could be valid for a maximum of 10 years and nine months.

Because Schengen rules require that passports must have at least six months validity on the day of travel and have been renewed within the last ten years, some people with 15 months to run on their travel documents risk being caught out.

If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, UK travellers will have to follow existing rules for visitors from non-EU countries.

Friday 8th March marks exactly three weeks from when the UK is set to leave the EU.

While it should take three weeks for a normal renewed or replaced passport to arrive, the closer Britain gets to a no-deal Brexit on 29 March, the busier the Passport Office is likely to get as more holidaymakers realise they will need a new passport to travel.

Information for travellers has been patchy, with most Government advice throughout the Brexit process indicating that anyone with six months validity on their passport was likely to be fine to travel.

Airlines have been slow to provide clear advice to their customers.

Which? is urging anyone unsure of their passport status to check the validity of their travel documents before they run out of time to renew.

Anyone who is refused travel because their passport isn’t valid will not be entitled to rebooking, compensation or a refund. They’ll be left completely out of pocket.

 

Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said:

“Millions of people could find their holiday plans disrupted or worse yet find themselves stranded at the departure gate and prevented from travelling altogether if they fail to renew their passport before the cut off date.

“Anyone who thinks they might be affected should look to renew their passport today or if you already have travel plans in the near future consider using the fast track passport renewal service.”

ENDS

 

 

Notes to Editors:

You can check if you need to renew your passport now by using the Government’s new online Passport Checker.

In January,  Which? found that some British passports would need more than 15 months validity in order to travel after March 29 

Which? Travel advice for obtaining a fast track passport renewal

If you’ve left it too late to get your passport in time for 30 March and are planning to travel abroad, you do have some options.

  • Unless it’s your first adult passport you can apply via the paper or online premium service. Both cost £177. The online service is slightly quicker but you’ll need a digital photo of you: you book an appointment at least two days from application where you’ll receive your new passport.
  • The slightly cheaper option is the one-week fast-track service which costs £142 for adults and £122 for children. See how to apply for an Urgent Passport.

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