The 10-Year UK Passport Rule: What You Need to Know for EU Travel

June 27, 2024
Planning a trip to Europe? If you're a UK passport holder, there's an important rule to be aware of: the 10-year passport rule. This applies to travel to most European Union (EU) countries.

What is the 10-year rule?
The 10-year rule simply means that your UK passport must meet two criteria for entry into most EU countries:
Issued less than 10 years ago: This refers to the date your passport was issued, not the expiry date.
Valid for at least 3 months after your departure: Your passport needs to be valid for your entire trip, plus an additional 3 months after your planned departure date.

Why is there a 10-year rule?
The rule came into effect after the UK left the European Union. Previously, UK travellers could carry over unused months from an old passport to a new one, potentially extending the validity beyond 10 years. This is no longer allowed for EU travel.

What are the exceptions?
The 10-year rule applies to most EU countries. However, there are a few exceptions:
Ireland
Iceland
Norway
Liechtenstein
Switzerland
How to check if you need a new passport

Check the issue date: Look for the date your passport was issued, which is usually printed on the information page.
Calculate validity: If your passport was issued more than 10 years before your planned EU travel date, or if it expires less than 3 months after your return, you'll need to renew it.

Tips for travellers
Renew your passport well in advance: Processing times can vary, so don't wait until the last minute.
Double-check entry requirements: While the 10-year rule is standard for most EU countries, it's always best to check the specific entry requirements for your destination country. You can find this information on the government website GOV.UK. By following these tips and being aware of the 10-year rule, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into the EU on your next trip.

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