From 1 January 2021, the UK began issuing new passports with a blue design, replacing the red passport that was being used previously.
Prior to Brexit, the UK Government would issue passports for ten years, plus any additional months of validity left on your old passport, meaning that many hold passports valid for more than 10 years. However, with stricter rules coming into force after Brexit, British travellers are urged to check the validity of their British passport prior to travelling overseas.
How many months do I need on my passport to travel to Europe?
The HM Passport Office guidance recommends that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport when traveling abroad. Additionally, your passport must also be less than 10 years old on the day after you leave. British nationals that were issued a red passport prior to Brexit must check that the validity of the passport does not exceed a maximum period of 10 years. Any additional months on top of the 10-year validity period will no longer be valid for travel to the EU.
Due to the changes in validity of passports post-Brexit, it is advised to check your passport before making any travel arrangements to ensure that it is valid for only 10 years from the issue date on your passport.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson has extensive experience in assisting clients with British passport applications. In the event that you would like to discuss the possibility of making such an application, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021