Going on holiday? Martin Lewis urges you to check passport detail

Virgin Radio

25 May 2022, 15:57

Don't let a missed detail ruin a long-awaited holiday.

Money Saving Expert hero Martin Lewis has issued an urgent reminder to Brits to double check travel rules before heading abroad.

Brexit brought in a change of rules, and there are now extra things to be mindful of.

One of the major ones that many Brit have fallen foul of has to do with the expiry date of your passport.

Under Schengen area rules, your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you travel. It must also be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave.

The date to check now is your issue date - not the expiry date.

Make sure that the date is not more than ten years ago.

Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he advised: “You need to check if you’re going away; do you have six months or more left at the time you go away, and will the passport be under 10 years old when you travel?” he said.

“There are many countries now where you won’t be allowed in unless you can fulfil those criteria. Since Brexit, even EU countries require UK passports to have three months left on them now for you to get in, and the passport must be under 10 years old.

“Lots of people miss that second one, so check that.”

The rules also apply to some non-EU countries too, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

He urged holidaymakers to renew their passports as soon as possible due to ongoing delays.

“If your passport is out of date, or you need a new one, be aware there are big delays at the Passport Office, which is why you should be doing your check now," said Martin.