Overview

• An estimated 9.6 million British holidaymakers are unaware of critical passport validity rules, risking denied boarding and disrupted travel plans.
• Post-Brexit EU rules require UK passports to be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months beyond the traveler's departure date.
• Damaged passports—including those with loose covers, rips, or stains—are considered invalid and must be replaced before travel, according to official UK guidelines.
• Only 42% of UK adults are aware of six-month validity requirements for destinations like Australia, China, and Thailand, while 64% do not know unofficial stamps or stickers can invalidate passports.
• Travel insurance does not cover losses due to passport issues, and renewal fees now stand at £94.50 online or £107 for paper applications.