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Brits urged to ‘check passport today' over rule that could stop you boarding flight – see where you're at risk
BRITISH travellers have been urged to check their passports to ensure they comply with a rule that could prevent you from boarding your flight.
The world's top holiday destinations have vastly different requirements in the length of time travellers need left on their passports, in order to enter the country.
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Brits will need anywhere between one day to six months left no the date of expiry - with top holiday spots like Turkey and Egypt being especially strict.
This week, His Majesty's Passport Office urged UK residents to check the expiry date on their passport to ensure that it complies with their destination country's requirements, ahead of peak holiday season.
They said: "Did you know that some countries require your passport to be valid for several months after your scheduled return date?"
Failure to comply will see travellers barred from entering the country.
The Government website includes a convenient list of the entry requirements for 226 countries and territories, which tourists should consult before travelling.
Each country has its own requirements so it's important you stay up to date on your holiday destination.
Some countries have fairly lax requirements, only requiring you to have a valid passport for the duration of the trip, until the day you leave the country.
This includes Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Gibraltar, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Mauritius, Mexico, Tunisia, St Lucia and the US.
Even so, it might take you longer to get through Canadian immigration if you have less than six months left - so it could be worth renewing your passport regardless.
Most countries in Asia are more restrictive, requiring six months left before your passport expires after the date you arrive.
The must-visit sunshine spot with summer heat all year round
For most European countries, you need just three months from the day you plan to leave.
But don't get caught out if you've still got one of the pre-Brexit passports - the date of expiry is 10 years from the date of issue.
Pre-Brexit rules allowed people to roll over an additional nine months, taking a passport to 10 years and nine months - so the date of expiry on the old burgundy passports is now wrong.
Some countries also require that you have at least one blank page left for immigration stamps.
Some of these rules don't just apply to plane travel, but also if you're crossing the border by car or train.
How many months do I need on my British passport before I travel?
Valid for Six Months
Usually, this requirement applies from the date you arrive in the country, however, Brits are reminded to check the specific requirements for their destination country on the Foreign Office's website.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Bahamas
Belize
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Cambodia
China
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Ecuador (& Galapagos Islands)
Egypt
Fiji
Jordan
Indonesia
Israel
Kenya - must also have two blank pages left
Laos
Madagascar - must also have two blank pages left
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Namibia - must also have one blank page left
Nepal
Oman
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Russia
Singapore
South Africa - must also have two blank pages left
Sri Lanka
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Vietnam
Valid for Three Months
This rule mostly applies to European countries, including all EU countries, as well as the Schengen Area (excluding Ireland - which doesn't require a passport at all).
These countries require you to have three months left from the day you plan to leave, in addition to having a passport that is less then 10 years old on the day of entry.
Thousands of Brits have been caught out by the new passport rules, since the EU changed entry rules post- Brexit.
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
British Virgin Islands
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cuba
Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Réunion
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Uzbekistan
Vatican City
Valid for 180 Days
India is the only country requiring 180 days of validity from the date of arrival. It also requires two blank pages.
Valid for 1 Day
Costa Rica requires just one day of validity from the day of departure
The good news is, you can easily apply for a new passport on the Government website, helping get you set for any summer excursions.
While the cost of a new passport isn't cheap at £107, it could save you money in the long-term as failing to comply with travel rules could cause delays, or even prevent you from boarding your flight.
No need for a passport at all
British nationals don't legally have to show a passport to get into Ireland.
However, it's still advised to take one with you, as Irish immigration officers may ask for proof of British nationality - and ferry and airline staff may ask for ID from customers.
