Overview
- With the school summer break about four weeks away, the HM Passport Office says standard passport applications take about three weeks once documents are received so now is the last practical window to renew.
- For travel to Spain, France, Greece and other EU countries your passport must have at least three months’ validity counted from the day you plan to leave the EU and it must have been issued within the last ten years.
- Spain’s official 2026 rules require €122.10 per person per day and at least €1,089.90 total as proof of funds and the country still requires declaration of amounts over €10,000; media reports describe checks at holiday hubs such as Malaga airport.
- Rules vary outside the EU: some countries such as Thailand and Indonesia often ask for up to six months’ validity after arrival while Australia requires the passport to be valid for the duration of your stay.
- A Saga survey found low public awareness of these differences—80% did not know rules vary and 7% reported past entry refusals—so travellers should check expiry and issue dates, gather acceptable proof (cash, card statements or traveller’s cheques) and consider paid fast‑track services only if needed.