Hundreds of British citizens are facing disappointment at UK airports daily as they are being turned away, all thanks to a post-Brexit rule that many are unaware of. The rule states that UK passports must have been issued within the last ten years and remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned return date in order to travel within the European Union.
This has caught many holders of the old burgundy passports by surprise, as those with the new blue passports are automatically in compliance due to when the new documents were issued. Travel expert Simon Calder from the Independent has highlighted that approximately a couple of hundred people are being denied boarding each day due to this rule, which could result in over 100,000 missed holidays over the year.
Calder has been urging airlines to better inform travellers about this requirement, especially during online check-in processes that can take place weeks before the actual flight. He emphasized that those who find themselves in this predicament should try to secure an emergency passport appointment to rectify the issue.
It is essential to note that the European Union is the region that specifically enforces the issue date criteria. For other destinations such as the United States, Australia, or Tunisia, passports are considered valid up to and including the expiry date. Therefore, travellers need to be mindful of these distinctions when planning their trips.
If individuals are turned away at the airport for not meeting the passport requirements, Calder stressed that they would not be entitled to a refund. He reiterated that it is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that their travel documents comply with the regulations.
This post-Brexit rule has inadvertently subjected British travellers to third-country standards, leading to around 200 people being denied departure daily due to passport issues. It is crucial for all UK citizens to be aware of these regulations to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
