Don't get caught out by little-known 10-year passport rule

Daily Mirror

22-05-2025

ITV presenter and financial expert Martin Lewis illuminated three important checks that Brits should make ahead of the holiday season
Martin Lewis has urged Brits to make three crucial checks if they plan to holiday abroad this summer. The financial specialist, 53, said it all comes down to the dates on your passport and ensuring you have the right documents before heading off.
Speaking on an episode of ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show, he said: "Now, I need to say something very important to everybody. Border control and flight checks are getting more stringent.
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"There is an immigration issue going on around the world, and that means countries are getting stricter on who they let in. So, you need to be more diligent with your checks."
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First and foremost, Martin advised travellers to check the expiry dates on passports. If you have less than six months left, this could pose a big problem.
For various countries, including Australia, China, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. Tourists in European and Schengen countries must also have a passport valid for at least three months after their planned return date.
However, even if your passport is valid for seven months or longer, you may still be denied entry if you do not meet another essential rule. For many nations, including European countries, a passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the holiday departure date.
Martin continued: "If your passport is over 10 years old, many countries won't let you in. Now, how can it be over 10 years old? Because it used to be that when you renewed, if you had any spare time on your old passport, they could add that on top.
"So, you might have... 10 years, 10 months, and that can bar you too. So, you need to do both of those checks. Now, if you have done those checks, if there is a 'yes' to either of those, then the safest thing is to renew before you go."
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The most affordable way to obtain a passport is online through the Government's website, costing £12.50 less than postal applications. Typically, the passport arrives in three weeks, although it may take longer if additional information or an interview is required.
In emergencies, travellers also have the option to apply for an urgent passport using the Government's one-day premium service or one-week fast track scheme. Both schemes are subject to different criteria and cost more than the standard service.
In light of these rules, Martin continued: "If I was seven, eight or nine months away and the rule was six months, I'd probably play safe and get a new passport first anyway, so that I've got more on it, because it's been so tricky.
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"And it's very similar if you are travelling to the USA or passing through the USA, you need to sort your ESTA now. There is heightened border security in the States. If you don't have, this is your sort of online visa if you like, without one people are being denied entry. You need to be careful."
How can I get a passport urgently?
Option 1: One-day premium
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The one-day premium option is for adults renewing an existing passport. Online applicants pay £222 or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport. Following each application, an appointment will be scheduled, with the earliest booking available two days later.
The Government explains: "You'll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office four hours after your appointment."
Option 2: One-week fast track
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This alternative option is also available for anyone looking to renew their passport, as well as in these specific circumstances:
You need to get a child's passport
You need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
You need to change the personal details on a passport (your name, place of birth or gender)
The fast track option is more economical, priced at £178 for an adult passport (£191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport) and £145 for a child passport (or £158 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). You can schedule an appointment as soon as the day after you submit your application. Typically, the passport arrives about a week later.
Importantly, you are ineligible to apply for either service if you are outside the UK or applying for your first adult passport. The Government also adds: "If you've already applied for a passport and have not received it yet, do not pay for an urgent passport.
"You will not get your passport sooner and you will be charged a £32 admin fee for each additional application."