British passport holders have been told they need to follow a crucial rule if they don't want to be denied access to their holidays. We've arrived at the time of year when holiday season is officially in full swing, and lots of people are starting to think about embarking on a travel adventure.
However, a travel agent has warned failing to follow a crucial passport rule could leave tourists devastated, as it could actually prevent them from being able to jet off abroad. To help people out, he's shared the guidance people really need to know to ensure they don't get caught out.
It's not the only advice of its kind to be shared recently either. Previously, travellers were warned another mistake could lead to them facing lengthy airport queues.
Jake, known as Travel Agent Jake on TikTok, revealed what people need to know in a recent video. It's information well worth noting.
He said: "I can't believe people are still making this massive mistake, which prevents them going on the holiday that they've booked. So this article has come out recently, which shares that somebody didn't get to go on their holiday because they didn't check one simple thing."
Jake added: "What you need to check is that your passport is valid for travel within Europe, but the rules are slightly different. It doesn't go by the expiry date. It actually goes by when it was issued.
"These rules aren't new, but a lot of people don't seem to know about it. The major rule is that your passport has to be issued within the last 10 years in order for it to be valid when travelling to Europe.
"So, if you renewed your passport a few years ago, you may notice that you've had some extra dates added onto the end of it. So your passport might be valid for more than 10 years.
"This is the key thing. If it has got more than 10 years on the passport, then it's not valid past the 10 years from the issue date."
Therefore, to ensure you can travel, you need to make a simple check. It's vital to do before you go away.
As mentioned, there are crucial rules you need to follow when travelling in the EU. Guidance for non-EU nationals has been outlined on the Your Europe website.
It states: "If you are a national from a country outside the EU wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a valid passport and possibly a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.
"This means your travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years the day you enter the EU on condition that it is valid until the end of your stay, plus an additional three months. Children and minors must have their own passport and visa, if required."
More information about EU travel regulations can be found on the website. If you're flying abroad, it's always best to verify the destination country's passport requirements beforehand, as these may vary depending on your location.
When it comes to travelling within the EU, most people (including UK and non-EU citizens), entering the EU and Schengen areas must have a passport that was issued less than 10 years before their intended departure date.
As well as this, it must have at least three months of validity remaining after the planned departure date.
