Brits heading to Spain, Greece and France should check '3 month' rule ahead of summer
Post-Brexit EU travel rules mean UK passport holders must meet stricter passport requirements - and one three month rule could be crucial to being able to actually go on your holiday
Every holiday comes with its fair share of admin to sort through beforehand, and there's one crucial task you really cannot afford to overlook.
If you've got a summer getaway booked, before you even think about arranging travel insurance or browsing local excursions, it's well worth giving your passport a thorough once-over.
Without even knowing it, you could be putting your entire holiday in jeopardy by failing to comply with the so-called 'three month' passport rule.
Ever since the UK formally departed the European Union in 2020, British passport holders have been classified as 'third country nationals', meaning entry requirements have shifted significantly. As a consequence, countless travellers are still being caught out by these changes.
When heading to EU member states, your passport must have been issued no more than 10 years ago. In other words, if yours dates back further than 2016, it's time to get a replacement.
On top of that, your passport must retain a minimum of three months' validity from the date you intend to depart the EU country you're visiting. Keep these dates firmly in mind when making your booking, as you could find yourself turned away at the gate before you've even boarded your flight.
For instance, if you're due to fly home on 31 May, your passport must remain valid until at least August 2026. Passports issued after 2018 are typically valid for exactly 10 years, whereas previously they could have been valid for 10 years and additional months, as the passport office would generously add up to nine extra months carried over from your old passport to your new one.
Now, before travelling to any European or Schengen countries, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your departure date and remain valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned return date.
Since Brexit, British tourists can now only stay in Schengen countries - which include Greece, Malta, Italy, Portugal and Spain - for a maximum of 90 days within any six-month period. Previously, Brits were free to stay for as long as they wished.
The rules vary depending on where you're heading outside of Europe. For instance, if you're travelling to Thailand, your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive in the country - the same requirement applies to destinations such as Australia, China, Indonesia and India.