Overview

• Martin Lewis and the Association of British Travel Agents have stressed that stricter border controls now mean travellers must confirm both their passport issue date and expiry before booking or boarding flights.
• For travel to 26 EU nations – excluding Ireland – passports must be issued within ten years of entry and remain valid for at least three months after the return date.
• Many non-EU destinations impose a six-month minimum validity requirement so travellers should review country-specific rules on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.
• UK Passport Office standard renewals take about three weeks while premium one-week and one-day fast-track services are available at fees of £178 and £222 respectively.
• Holidaymakers are advised to obtain a UK Global Health Insurance Card for healthcare in the European Economic Area but to maintain separate travel insurance for full coverage.