Overview

• The HM Passport Office advises allowing at least three weeks for standard renewals and offers premium and emergency services to prevent last-minute refusals
• EU and Schengen countries now treat UK passports as third-country documents, accepting only those issued within ten years of travel
• Most non-EU destinations mandate passports remain valid for six months beyond scheduled return while EU nations require at least three months’ validity past departure
• Border staff and airlines are increasingly denying boarding to travellers holding passports that are near expiry, over-age or physically damaged
• Experts recommend inspecting passports for water damage, tears or missing pages and verifying personal details match travel bookings before departure