Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance on passport validity, renewals, children’s passports, ETIAS, EES and more. Always confirm requirements on gov.uk and with your destination’s official sources.
Passport validity rules
How long must my passport be valid to travel to Schengen countries?
For travel to Schengen countries, your UK passport must have a
date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive,
and an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.
What is the Schengen 10-year issue rule?
Even if the printed expiry date is later, your passport must have a
date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive.
This is why some older UK passports with “extra months” can still fail for Schengen travel.
Do pre-2018 “extra months” still count?
No. For Schengen travel, the rule is based on the passport’s
issue date, not the later printed expiry date.
Extra months added to some older UK passports do not extend Schengen validity.
What about countries outside Schengen?
It depends on the country. Many destinations, such as Thailand, the UAE and India, require
at least 6 months’ validity from the date you arrive. Others need less — for example
Turkey needs 150 days from arrival and the USA only needs your passport to be valid for your stay.
See our passport rules by country and always check official entry requirements for your destination.
Renewals & fees
How long does renewal take?
Standard renewals are usually issued within 3 weeks, but can take longer in busy periods
or if HM Passport Office needs more information.
Urgent options include 1-week Fast Track and Premium services where available.
How much does renewing a passport cost?
As a guide for UK applications from 8 April 2026:
- Adult renewal (online): £102
- Adult renewal (paper): £115.50
- Child renewal (online): £66.50
- Child renewal (paper): £80
- 1-week Fast Track: £192 adult / £156.50 child for a standard passport
- Online Premium 1-day adult service: £239.50 for a standard passport
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You can renew early, but unused time on the old passport is generally
not added to the new one.
What documents do I need for renewal?
Typically you’ll need your old passport, a compliant
digital photo, payment details, and
proof of name change if relevant.
Some applications also need a countersignature.
Lost, damaged & emergency
What if my passport is lost or stolen abroad?
If you need to travel within 6 weeks, apply online on GOV.UK for an
Emergency Travel Document (ETD). It costs £125 and your old passport is
usually cancelled automatically once you pay. Report the loss or theft to local police if required,
and contact the nearest UK embassy, high commission or consulate if you need help.
Can I travel with a damaged passport?
A damaged passport may be refused by airlines or border officials.
Water damage, torn pages, or an unreadable photo or chip are common reasons for refusal.
Replace it before travel if there is any doubt.
Can I travel while my renewal is in progress?
No. Once you have submitted your current passport as part of a renewal,
you should not travel until the new passport has been issued and received.
Children & special cases
How long are children’s passports valid?
UK child passports are normally valid for 5 years.
The same destination entry rules still apply, including Schengen validity checks where relevant.
Do children need their own passport?
Yes. Every child, including babies and infants, needs their
own passport for international travel.
Do I need a passport to travel to Ireland?
British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, because the UK and Ireland
are in the Common Travel Area. However, some airlines and ferry operators have introduced,
or will be introducing, a passport-only ID requirement. Check your carrier's rules before you travel
and, where necessary, take a valid passport. Ireland passport and ID rules.
Travel systems & multi-country trips
What is ETIAS and when will it start?
ETIAS is the EU’s electronic travel authorisation for short visits by visa-exempt travellers,
including UK citizens. It is not required yet and no start date has been confirmed.
The EU will give several months' notice.
The fee is €20 for most applicants, with some exemptions,
and authorisation is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Read our ETIAS guide.
What about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational.
GOV.UK says EES started on 12 October 2025 and is fully operational from
10 April 2026 across the external borders of participating European countries.
You may need to register biometric details such as fingerprints and a photo when entering or leaving the Schengen area.
What about cruises or multi-country itineraries?
Follow the strictest requirement of any country on your itinerary.
For Schengen stops, make sure you meet both the 10-year issue-date rule and the
3-month validity after leaving Schengen rule.
For non-Schengen stops, check each country's rule. Many cruise lines also advise having at least 6 months of passport validity after your trip ends.
Other questions
Can I hold two UK passports at once?
In limited circumstances, such as frequent business travel with overlapping visa requirements,
you may be able to apply for a second UK passport if you can justify the need.
What are the passport photo requirements?
HM Passport Office has strict photo requirements covering size, lighting,
background, facial expression and image quality. Non-compliant photos are a common cause of delays.
Does this checker store my data?
The checker is designed so that you can use it without creating an account.
If you choose to sign up for reminders, we keep only the information needed to provide that service,
as explained in our Privacy Policy.
This FAQ is general guidance. Rules can change, and airlines or border authorities may interpret requirements differently. Always confirm the latest position on gov.uk before you travel.