Overview

• Post-Brexit EU rules require UK passports to be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond departure, leading to widespread confusion.
• Airlines are misinterpreting these rules, resulting in passengers with technically valid passports being denied boarding at airports, including London Gatwick.
• Recent reports highlight cases of holidaymakers incurring significant costs and disruptions due to unclear enforcement of the regulations by airline staff.
• The cost of renewing a UK adult passport rose to £94.50 in April, prompting consumer experts to advise early renewals and thorough document checks to avoid travel issues.
• The EU's new Entry/Exit System, set to launch in October 2025, is expected to introduce additional complexities and longer airport queues for UK travellers.