Need to know
New research has uncovered widespread confusion over passport rules and travel requirements for visiting Europe
Brits face new travel fees and passport confusion post-brexit – need to know
- British travellers are being urged to double-check their passport details before heading to Europe as new research reveals widespread confusion over post-Brexit travel rules.
- Saga Travel Insurance’s survey of 500 UK residents found that 16% were unaware of their passport expiry date, while 8% were carrying already-expired documents. One in 14 travellers had been refused entry to a country due to insufficient passport validity remaining.
- Michelle Cooper, director of Travel Insurance at Saga, warned: “Nobody should have their holidays ruined because of a simple passport error. A few quick checks can help people avoid unnecessary stress, unexpected costs and disruption at the airport.”
- Half of holidaymakers still lack confidence understanding visa requirements for Europe following Brexit. The complex 90-day rule within any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area is catching many Brits out, with frequent short breaks potentially pushing travellers over the limit.
- The ’10-year passport rule’ is causing particular confusion online, with EU countries requiring passports to be less than 10 years old on entry. Passports issued before 2018 remain valid for 10 years and nine months, creating additional complexity.
- From late 2026, British tourists will need approval through the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before travelling to most European countries. The system will cost approximately £17 and requires advance application to avoid boarding denials.
- Cooper emphasised that travellers are responsible for ensuring correct authorisation, warning that travel insurance is unlikely to cover costs from denied boarding due to invalid ETIAS approval.
- READ THE FULL STORY: UK travellers going to Europe ‘must pay new £17 fee’ from late 2026
