People flying on holiday are left baffled by passport rules, with some even being told they are not allowed to board their flights due to invalid documents.
Prior to the UK’s exit from the European Union, passports were valid until their expiry date for travel within the EU – but now they have a few months left before the expiry date.
The confusion felt by holidaymakers is the result of airlines and the UK government issuing conflicting advice on the subject.
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According to the UK government website, travelers must have at least three months left on their passport before they are allowed to enter an EU country.
However, some airlines require more than that, with some requiring up to six months before the expiration date.
The time remaining on the passport also depends on the country visited – and the travel document must have been issued within the last 10 years.
People who renewed their travel document early previously received a “discount” on unused months, meaning that a traveler who renewed six months early would be issued a passport valid for 10 years and six month.
Passengers have been turned away at the airport gates for having documents that do not comply with the new rules, it has been reported.
So what are the rules for airlines?
Passport rules for each airline
Ryanair
Ryanair requires all passengers to have a valid passport before traveling to any other country.
For those traveling outside the European Economic Area (EEA), the passport must be valid for the duration of the trip, except for the following countries:
- To travel to Jordan, the passport must be valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay.
- To travel to Turkey, the passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry.
- To travel to Montenegro, the passport must be valid for at least three months.
- To travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the passport must be valid for at least three months.
Persons with a non-EU passport visiting a Schengen member country must ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months from the date they will leave the Schengen member country, unless the person has a residence permit issued by Schengen or a long-term visa.
EasyJet
EasyJet states that all customers traveling abroad must be in possession of a valid EU/EEA/Swiss national identity card or passport, together with a visa if required.
The passport must be in good condition and must be signed.
To enter some countries, the passport must be valid for a minimum period beyond the trip – normally three or six months.
UK travelers entering the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland should ensure there is at least six months left on their passport (the requirement for most European countries is to have at least three months on your passport the day after you intend to leave the EU), and must not be more than 10 years old on the date of travel.
British Airways
International travelers should ensure their passport – or equivalent travel document – is valid for the duration of their trip.
In addition, children need their own passport, even those under the age of two.
All UK passport holders should check for update government advice regarding the validity of passports. You are responsible for ensuring that you have valid documents for travel.
How long should you stay on your passport?
If your passport is close to the expiration date, you may not be allowed to board your flight.
According to the post: “While most countries like Australia, Canada and the United States just need your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay, other countries like China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey require at least six months You must have at least six months on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (excluding Ireland).
“In general, many countries that require a visa to enter will need at least six months of validity on your passport when entering the country, so be sure to find out if your passport has enough time before leaving. ‘expire before traveling.’
Passport rules for different countries
All countries will have their own rules regarding passport validity and expiration rules. Here is a list of the most common:
Australia
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Barbados
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canada
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, but if you have less than six months validity, it may take longer to clear immigration.
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China
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Egypt
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
European Union
For most European countries, HM Passport Office recommends that on the day of your travel you have at least three months left in your passport. These countries are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
-
Luxemburg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
India
Your passport should be machine readable, with two blank pages for your visa and valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.
Japan
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Mexico
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
New Zealand
Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of one month from the date of exit.
Singapore
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
South Africa
The rules state that your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date of exit, but it is recommended that you have at least six months on your passport before it expires. Your passport must also have at least two blank pages when entering or leaving South Africa.
Thailand
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Turkey
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
UNITED STATES
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. However, your passport must be a biometric ePassport with the silver camera symbol on the front. There are also a number of other rules for entering the United Stateswhich you should check before you travel.
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