BRITS are being warned to check their passports before their next holiday to avoid being banned from their flight.
New rules were introduced after the UK left the EU regarding how many months are needed to be on the passport to be able to travel.
Previously, Brits just needed to have a passport that was in date to be able to travel to countries across Europe, but new rules are now in place.
The government website confirms that Brits need to have at least three months left on their passport to be able to travel to an EU country, stating it must be “valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)”.
Despite this, airlines have conflicting advice, with some requiring six months, including easyJet and Ryanair.
The easyJet website states: “For UK passport holders travelling to the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, please note that on your day of travel you’ll need your passport to have at least 6 months left on it.”
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And the Ryanair website says it must be valid for “at least six months from the date of arrival” with at least “three months” left when leaving the country.
Holidaymakers have been left confused by the rules, taking to social media.
One woman asked: “Anyone flown recently on Ryanair or easyJet with 5 and 1/2 months left on passport? Heading to EU and rules state 3 months. But both airlines ask for 6. Contacted customer services and they said they only follow rules of the country.”
Someone else asked: “I just wanted to confirm how long I will need on my passport to travel to Greece please. Gov website says 3 months but easyJet request 6 months.”
Someone travelling to Italy had a similar question: “Travelling to Italy on an easyJet flight. Gov.uk says for entry to Italy passport must be valid for at least 3 months on your return date and issued within the last 10 years. Your website states 6 months. Can you confirm which is correct?”
One mum said she had problems checking her son’s passport in, explaining: “I cannot check my 10 year old son in online for FR1202 He has less than 6 months on his passport but more than 3 months at intended return travel date. Will you deny him boarding?”
That isn’t the only rule Brits must follow – anyone with more than 10 years on their passport can no longer use the additional months.
This is because previous rules allowed Brits to roll over up to nine months from their previous document, up to a maximum 10 years and nine months – these are no longer valid.
And some passengers have been stopped from their flights after falling foul of the two new rules.
One woman said: “I was denied boarding by Ryanair last week passport issued May 2012 expires February 2023 so be careful.”
Another person added: “Be extremely careful – easyJet denied my friend boarding at gate – passport issue date June 2012 – expiry March 2023 – travelled March 2022.”
Brits travelling abroad should make sure they have at least six months left on it, excluding any previous additional months, to ensure they are allowed to board their flight.
Back in November, a mum was banned from her flight after she was told her passport was out of date – even though it wasn’t.
And one woman lost out on her £2,600 dream holiday due to confusion over her passport’s expiry dates.
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It isn’t the only way your passport could get you stopped from entering a country – a woman was banned from entering Spain as she didn’t have an exit stamp in her passport, leading them to think she overstayed her visit.
And another traveller was banned from travelling to Bali due to her passport being slightly damaged.
We’ve explained your holiday rights including how to claim a refund.
