Barred from Europe: 2.4m Brits caught in post-Brexit passport chaos

[Social Media]

 

As the Easter holidays approach, millions of British travelers are facing unprecedented challenges due to post-Brexit passport chaos. With the European Union (EU) refusing to recognize passports over 10 years old, an estimated 2.4 million Britons find themselves unable to enter EU countries, leading to widespread disruption and disappointment among holidaymakers.

 

The root of this issue lies in the change of passport validity requirements following Britain's departure from the EU. Under the new rules, British passports must have an issue date of less than 10 years old on the day of departure to the EU, with at least three months left before expiry upon intended return. However, many passports issued prior to September 2018 have longer validity periods, causing confusion and frustration among travelers.

 

This change categorizes British travelers as "third country nationals," akin to nations like Venezuela and Samoa, subjecting them to different expiry rules than when the UK was an EU member state. Consequently, numerous Britons are being turned away at airports, ferries, and trains bound for Europe, despite having previously traveled to EU countries using the same passport.

 

The timing of these passport restrictions couldn't be worse, coinciding with the busy Easter holiday period when an estimated 6.4 million trips are expected from the UK to Europe. This surge in travel exacerbates the impact of the passport chaos, leading to significant disruption for holidaymakers looking forward to Easter getaways.

 

The situation is further compounded by the confusion surrounding the passport validity rules. Many travelers, unaware of the changes, mistakenly believe they have more time on their passports than they actually do. As a result, individuals like Ruth Wade, who was turned away from her flight due to her passport exceeding the 10-year limit by a matter of days, find themselves stranded and facing financial losses.

 

The repercussions of this passport chaos extend beyond individual travelers, affecting airports, airlines, and travel businesses. Airports such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Bristol anticipate record levels of traffic, with millions of passengers expected to fly to EU destinations over the Easter weekend.

 

In the face of this unprecedented challenge, airlines stress the importance of passengers ensuring compliance with immigration rules, emphasizing that it is the traveler's responsibility to meet entry requirements. However, travel insurers are unlikely to cover losses related to passport validity issues, leaving affected individuals to bear the financial burden of rebooking flights and rearranging travel plans.

 

Overall, the post-Brexit passport chaos highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating travel regulations in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. As millions of Britons grapple with disrupted holiday plans, the need for clarity and consistency in passport requirements becomes increasingly evident to ensure smooth and seamless travel experiences.

 

28.03.24

Source

 

[Chomper Higgot]

The gift that keeps taking.

[candide]

Brexit is Brexit!

[brewsterbudgen]

Another Brexit bonus 🤣

[transam]

Bit like a UK plastic driving licence must be renewed every 10 years, but many don't know that....

[RichardColeman]

More anti-brexit propaganda - they are NOT barred from Europe, they just need to change their passport

[bradiston]

So a UK passport issued in 2013 might still be valid, for travel outside Europe? Until when?

Edited March 29 by bradiston

[zakalwe]

Blimey! 

[herfiehandbag]

I understood that certainly until recently, you could have a limited time "added" to your passport if you renewed it a few months early, so that technically when issued it would be valid for 10 years and a few months.

 

I am surprised that there are 2.4 million British passport holders at present whose passports are over 10 years old, and in the last months of this "extra validity!"

 

It does sound like more "the sky is falling in due to Brexit bull" - but then I saw it was The Independent!

 

If you are daft enough to book a flight or trip without checking your passport is valid...

Edited March 29 by herfiehandbag

[JonnyF]

The headline should really read "A few Brits forgot to renew their passports" 😃.

 

Not a big deal, compared to what the Germans are experiencing post Brexit.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/world/europe/germany-strikes-economy.html

 

 

[Dionigi]

Another storm in a teapot. The number of passports issued before 2018 and not having sufficient validity to meet the criteria must be very small as the extra length on the passports would only be 9 months. so only people whose passports were issued in a nine month period and had the nine months added and also wish to travel to europe during a short time frame fall into this category.

[Thingamabob]

FFS, not that difficult to avoid this problem. 

[Red Forever]

2 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

More anti-brexit propaganda - they are NOT barred from Europe, they just need to change their passport

Yeah right it's more anti-brexit propaganda from we pesky Rejoiners eh.

Smugg, as Minister for Brexit benefits couldn't come up with one single such benefit. Oh hang on...."On day one of leaving EU food, clothing and footwear will immediately become cheaper". How did that work out?

Little wonder that poll after poll shows that 65+% wish to rejoin EU.

[steve187]

the passport is only valid for 10 years from date of issue for travel to EU, so if travelling after that 10 years you have lucked out for EU travel, mine was issued in Aug 2014, but expires in May 2025

[JonnyF]

4 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

Yeah right it's more anti-brexit propaganda from we pesky Rejoiners eh.

Smugg, as Minister for Brexit benefits couldn't come up with one single such benefit. Oh hang on...."On day one of leaving EU food, clothing and footwear will immediately become cheaper". How did that work out?

Little wonder that poll after poll shows that 65+% wish to rejoin EU.

 

At least the Brits can still afford to go on holiday. 

 

Unlike the Germans.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/03/24/germanys-moribund-economy-faces-years-of-stagnation/

 

Brexit doesn't seem to be going too well for the Germans. Perhaps they should have offered us a sensible deal to stay? 

[Bday Prang]

for gods sake , some people should not be allowed to travel without being accompanied by a responsible adult !   It really isn't rocket science after all.

Its been years since we left the european union. there has been plenty of time to familiarise ones self with the rules regarding passport validity, its been mentioned plenty of times in the news already.    I suspect this is nothing but more anti "brexit" propaganda by the usual suspects.  The wording of the headline confirms this , nobody os barred from anywhere.    

British passport holders may indeed be considered by EU countries as coming from outside the EU   but the emotive phrase  "third country nationals"   has been  carefully chosen by the author of this drivel as it sounds just a little like "third world nationals"  Likewise the examples likening them to Venezuelan or Samoans ,  when they could have used American or Canadian    Another piece of pathetic propaganda in my opinion

        Brexit may not have delivered what was promised, but that is due in no small part to the remainers tasked with implementing it all.  on the other hand the world has not stopped turning either and most of the problems facing the UK have existed since long before we cut ties with the EU.  Its all down to attitude, people should stop moaning , accept it for what it is, and get on with their lives.  In fact most people have , just a few moaning journalists trying to fan the flames of unrest remain 

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

As the Easter holidays approach, millions of British travelers are facing unprecedented challenges due to post-Brexit passport chaos. With the European Union (EU) refusing to recognize passports over 10 years old, an estimated 2.4 million Britons find themselves unable to enter EU countries, leading to widespread disruption and disappointment among holidaymakers.

 

The root of this issue lies in the change of passport validity requirements following Britain's departure from the EU. Under the new rules, British passports must have an issue date of less than 10 years old on the day of departure to the EU, with at least three months left before expiry upon intended return. However, many passports issued prior to September 2018 have longer validity periods, causing confusion and frustration among travelers.

 

This change categorizes British travelers as "third country nationals," akin to nations like Venezuela and Samoa, subjecting them to different expiry rules than when the UK was an EU member state. Consequently, numerous Britons are being turned away at airports, ferries, and trains bound for Europe, despite having previously traveled to EU countries using the same passport.

 

The timing of these passport restrictions couldn't be worse, coinciding with the busy Easter holiday period when an estimated 6.4 million trips are expected from the UK to Europe. This surge in travel exacerbates the impact of the passport chaos, leading to significant disruption for holidaymakers looking forward to Easter getaways.

 

The situation is further compounded by the confusion surrounding the passport validity rules. Many travelers, unaware of the changes, mistakenly believe they have more time on their passports than they actually do. As a result, individuals like Ruth Wade, who was turned away from her flight due to her passport exceeding the 10-year limit by a matter of days, find themselves stranded and facing financial losses.

 

The repercussions of this passport chaos extend beyond individual travelers, affecting airports, airlines, and travel businesses. Airports such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Bristol anticipate record levels of traffic, with millions of passengers expected to fly to EU destinations over the Easter weekend.

 

In the face of this unprecedented challenge, airlines stress the importance of passengers ensuring compliance with immigration rules, emphasizing that it is the traveler's responsibility to meet entry requirements. However, travel insurers are unlikely to cover losses related to passport validity issues, leaving affected individuals to bear the financial burden of rebooking flights and rearranging travel plans.

 

Overall, the post-Brexit passport chaos highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating travel regulations in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. As millions of Britons grapple with disrupted holiday plans, the need for clarity and consistency in passport requirements becomes increasingly evident to ensure smooth and seamless travel experiences.

 

28.03.24

Source

 

Ask Sunak to join EU as soon as possible. Lord Cameron will be delighted 🤗

[Bday Prang]

17 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

The timing of these passport restrictions couldn't be worse, coinciding with the busy Easter holiday period when an estimated 6.4 million trips are expected from the UK to Europe. This surge in travel exacerbates the impact of the passport chaos, leading to significant disruption for holidaymakers looking forward to Easter getaways.

This has been the case for years,  since we left the EU.  and its certainly not the first article on this matter.   there is no "timing" that could not be worse,  One can either accept the situation, inform oneself of the requirements and carry on relatively unhindered, Or  refuse to accept the situation and spend the rest of ones pathetic lives  suffering the consequences, and wasting ones time posting boring comments such as "another  brexit bonus" etc on forums like this,  which after all will not change anything.   Exactly what suffering has "brexit"  caused to british expats living here ?  Speaking for my self absolutely none whatsoever

[JayClay]

4 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

Exactly what suffering has "brexit"  caused to british expats living here ? 

 

A 20% reduction in disposable income was a pretty significant thing for me to suffer, personally.

 

Maybe it didn't impact your life, though. Maybe you're one of the wealthy who can afford Brexit.

[Bday Prang]

1 minute ago, JayClay said:

 

A 20% reduction in disposable income was a pretty significant thing for me to suffer, personally.

 

Maybe it didn't impact your life, though. Maybe you're one of the wealthy who can afford Brexit.

I'm not wealthy, and I certainly have not suffered a 20 % reduction in disposable income.  neither do I know of anybody who has, or how that would even be possible ( don't bother telling me because I really don't care)     

The way I see it , its all down to attitude, a bit like losing a limb in an accident, one can either retreat into oneself  and become a sad moaning defeatist or one can persevere and achieve pretty much anything Oscar Pretorius being an example 

Life continually  throws challenges at us all , its how we deal with those challenges that sorts out the men from the boys.  but feel free to keep moaning on here if you think it will help. 

[JayClay]

4 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

I'm not wealthy, and I certainly have not suffered a 20 % reduction in disposable income.  neither do I know of anybody who has, or how that would even be possible ( don't bother telling me because I really don't care)     

The way I see it , its all down to attitude, a bit like losing a limb in an accident, one can either retreat into oneself  and become a sad moaning defeatist or one can persevere and achieve pretty much anything Oscar Pretorius being an example 

Life continually  throws challenges at us all , its how we deal with those challenges that sorts out the men from the boys.  but feel free to keep moaning on here if you think it will help. 

 

I'm not moaning. I'm simply answering the question you asked, and offered a theory as to why it may not have affected you.

 

I am more than happy to honour your request to not bother telling you how, but anybody who receives their income in GBP should be able to work it out for themselves, anyway.

Edited March 29 by JayClay

[cowellandrew]

Just take a dingy no passport needed!

 

[Bday Prang]

6 minutes ago, JayClay said:

 

I'm not moaning. I'm simply answering the question you asked, and offered a theory as to why it may not have affected you.

 

I am more than happy to honour your request to not bother telling you how, but anybody who receives their income in GBP should be able to work it out for themselves, anyway.

The fluctuation of the GBP is due to many contributory factors,  it is not solely influenced by brexit.  

[goldenbrwn1]

37 minutes ago, cowellandrew said:

Just take a dingy no passport needed!

 

Only works one way across the channel , the French police will actively do their job if you come that way.

[DPKANKAN]

3 hours ago, herfiehandbag said:

I understood that certainly until recently, you could have a limited time "added" to your passport if you renewed it a few months early, so that technically when issued it would be valid for 10 years and a few months.

 

I am surprised that there are 2.4 million British passport holders at present whose passports are over 10 years old, and in the last months of this "extra validity!"

 

It does sound like more "the sky is falling in due to Brexit bull" - but then I saw it was The Independent!

 

If you are daft enough to book a flight or trip without checking your passport is valid...

Before I retired to Thailand I had 18 months left on my old Passport. I renewed it and got 10 years and 9 months!!!! Gotta new 10 year one now though, not that I have any thoughts on going to Europe anytime soon!!!!5555

[JayClay]

27 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

The fluctuation of the GBP is due to many contributory factors,  it is not solely influenced by brexit.  

Yes currency fluctuations are indeed influenced by many contributary factors.

 

However a 20% drop is not a fluctuation, especially if there's no immediate bounce back. A 20% drop is a crash. And while these can be caused by a combination of many factors, the crash that followed the referendum happened as a direct consequence of the referendum's result. There were no other influences.

[Srikcir]

5 hours ago, RichardColeman said:

More anti-brexit propaganda - they are NOT barred from Europe, they just need to change their passport

To be "barred" is to be "blocked" from entrance.

So yes, without proper passports Brits are barred.

Maybe you meant "banned" which Brits are not as there is a means of entry, ie., with a proper passport.

[candide]

I heard that Malta is providing citizenship schemes allowing to travel and reside freely in the EU, along other advantages! 😃

[nglodnig]

Checked my wifes passport (I've got the new "blue" [actually more black] one) - issued march 2015, expires June 2025. So - need to get a new one before March next year but otherswise she's safe to return to Europe.

[candide]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

The headline should really read "A few Brits forgot to renew their passports" 😃.

 

Not a big deal, compared to what the Germans are experiencing post Brexit.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/world/europe/germany-strikes-economy.html

 

 

 

3 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

At least the Brits can still afford to go on holiday. 

 

Unlike the Germans.

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/03/24/germanys-moribund-economy-faces-years-of-stagnation/

 

Brexit doesn't seem to be going too well for the Germans. Perhaps they should have offered us a sensible deal to stay? 

As usual, trying to divert the attention to the only major country economy which fares worst than UK!

Oh wait! 😃

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn02784/