Britons Still Being Turned Away as Post‑Brexit 10‑Year Passport Rule Causes Travel Confusion

LONDON, Feb. 5, 2026 — A growing number of British travellers are being denied boarding at airports due to a little‑understood post‑Brexit passport rule that invalidates some UK passports earlier than their printed expiry dates.

A Rule Catching Thousands by Surprise

For months, airlines and border authorities across Europe have reported increasing cases of UK passengers being stopped at check‑in despite holding passports that appear to be in date. The issue stems from the European Union’s 10‑year passport validity rule, introduced after the UK left the EU.

Under this rule, British travellers—now classified as third‑country nationals—must meet two strict conditions to enter EU or Schengen‑area countries:

• The passport must not be more than 10 years old on the date of entry.
• It must have at least three months of validity remaining on the date of exit.

Many travellers assume that a passport is valid until the printed expiry date. However, this is no longer the case for EU travel.

Why Older Passports Are Failing the Checks

Before September 2018, the UK Passport Office allowed applicants to carry over up to nine unused months from their previous passport. As a result, some passports issued before that date appear valid for 10 years and nine months.

But the EU does not recognise these extra months. This means a passport may technically be “in date” but still invalid for EU entry.

For example, a passport issued on 6 June 2016 with an expiry date of 6 March 2027 becomes invalid for EU entry on 6 June 2026, exactly 10 years after issue, nine months before the printed expiry date.

Ireland remains the only exception, as it does not apply the 10‑year rule to UK travellers.

Schengen Countries Also Enforce the Rule

The rule applies not only to EU member states but also to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, all of which participate in the Schengen Area.

Travel experts warn that many holidaymakers remain unaware of the change, with some losing entire trips due to last‑minute refusals at the airport.

What About Travel Outside Europe?

For destinations beyond the EU and Schengen zone, the rules vary:

United States & Canada: Passport must be valid for the entire stay.

New Zealand: Valid for at least three months beyond departure.

Australia: Valid for the duration of the stay.

Japan: Must be valid throughout the visit; at least one blank page required.

Thailand: Requires six months’ validity from arrival and at least one blank page.

Mexico: Valid for the duration of stay; embassy recommends 180 days.

China: Valid for at least six months from entry.

Experts generally advise travellers to maintain at least six months of validity on their passport for international travel.

Airline Confusion Adding to the Problem

Reports have emerged of airlines misinterpreting the rules, occasionally turning away passengers who actually meet EU requirements. Travel specialists recommend that passengers challenge decisions they believe are incorrect and request escalation to a supervisor.

Warnings Issued Ahead of Peak Travel Seasons

Consumer groups and travel bodies continue to warn that the rule could “wreak havoc” on holiday plans, especially for those with passports issued before September 2018. Many travellers remain unaware that the UK’s previous practice of adding extra months no longer aligns with EU entry requirements.

The Post Office has urged travellers to check both the issue date and expiry date of their passports before booking trips, emphasising that “different countries have specific entry requirements” and that failing to meet them could derail travel plans.

What Travellers Should Do Now

• Check your passport’s issue date, not just the expiry date.
• Ensure it is less than 10 years old on the date you enter the EU.
• Confirm you have at least three months’ validity beyond your planned exit date.
• If in doubt, consult the UK Government’s official travel advice or the embassy of your destination country.
• Consider renewing your passport early if it was issued before September 2018.

Conclusion

The 10‑year passport rule remains one of the most significant and misunderstood post‑Brexit travel changes. As airlines and border authorities continue strict enforcement, British travellers are urged to double‑check their documents well ahead of departure to avoid being turne.