As summer is just around the corner, it’s crucial for Brits to be aware of the new passport rules when planning their holidays.
Greece, Spain and France are among the favourite destinations for UK holidaymakers during the summer. It might seem like all you need to do is show up at the airport with your boarding pass and passport, and off you go.
However, since the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), it’s worth checking the specific rules of your destination country before you head to the airport.
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Several people have been caught out by these new rules and had their holidays cancelled, including Penny Priestly and her husband Dug, who were unable to fly to Benidorm for a ten-day holiday despite having valid passports.
Understanding travel rules and restrictions is key to ensuring a smooth start to your holiday. But with so many resources available, it can be confusing and frustrating trying to find the most current and accurate travel advice, rules and restrictions, reports the Mirror.
The Gov.uk website provides advice and information specific to each country – here are the current passport requirements for Greece, Spain and France, according to their website:.
Greece.
If you’re planning a trip to any EU country (excluding Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, it’s essential to adhere to the Schengen area passport requirements.
For those heading to Greece, your passport must meet the following criteria:.
It’s crucial to ensure your passport meets these requirements before setting off. If your passport was issued prior to 1 October 2018, additional months may have been added to its expiry date.
If in doubt, it’s worth reaching out to the Greek embassy to confirm whether your passport is valid for travel. And remember, renew your passport if necessary.
Spain.
Spain also adheres to the Schengen area rules. Therefore, your passport must:.
If you’ve booked your trip through a travel provider, they should be able to confirm whether your passport and other travel documents are in order. Remember, entry will be denied if you don’t have a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
France.
France also complies with the Schengen area passport requirements. Your passport must be:.
If you discover that you need to renew your passport, bear in mind that new fees were introduced in April 2024. Here are the current passport renewal fees:.
Keep in mind that it can take up to three weeks to get a new passport issued, and during peak times like the school summer holidays, it might take even longer. If you’re ever unsure about the restrictions of the country you’re visiting, whether it’s related to passports or not, it’s always a good idea to contact the country’s embassy – they’ll be able to provide you with the most current information you need for a hassle-free journey to your destination.