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Checking your passport’s validity before you travel

Heading off abroad? Before you pack your bags, it’s important to check your UK passport’s still in date. Different countries have specific entry requirements. If your passport isn’t valid, it could wreak havoc with your travel plans.

Our guide explores the passport validity rules in different countries, so you can stay in the know. Plus, find out how you can renew your passport in selected Post Office branches.

Last updated: 9/6/2026

Check before you travel

Whether you’re on holiday, a work trip or jetting away on a gap year or career break, travelling abroad can be exciting. But, before you take off, there’s a few things you need to sort out first.

One of the most important things is making sure your passport is still valid. In fact, it’s just as essential as taking out travel insurance or having the right foreign currency.

Different countries have their own rules about passport validity. Some countries might ask that your passport’s valid for your whole time away and even a bit longer, sometimes up to six months. If you don’t check these rules, you could run into problems, like not being able to board your flight or being denied entry when you land.

In this guide:

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Passport validity rules for Europe

Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ by EU and Schengen countries. This means the entry rules have changed. And many UK holidaymakers are still being caught out by them.

Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. But if your passport was issued before September 2018, it might be valid for up to 10 years and nine months. This is because, before 2018, the passport office would add up to nine extra months from your old passport to your new one.

This means some people have passports that haven’t officially expired and are still valid for travel worldwide. The exception is travel in Europe, where passports must be less than 10 years old.

To travel to Europe and Schengen countries, your passport must be:

  • Issued less than 10 years before your departure date
  • Valid for at least three months after your planned return date

And remember, you can now only stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Before Brexit, you could stay as long as you wanted.

You can find more information about travelling to the EU and Schengen countries on the GOV.UK website.

Passport validity rules for the rest of the world

To find out the passport validity requirements for UK passport holders travelling outside of Europe and Schengen countries please check the Gov.uk website.

Renewing your passport? We can help with that

You can renew your passport with our Check & Send services, available at selected Post Office branches. You can renew both UK adult and child passports with this service. Using Check & Send is usually faster than posting your own application and it’s less likely that your application will get rejected.

There are two services available:

Digital Check & Send

  • We’ll complete and submit your application for you digitally, so there’s no paper forms
  • We’ll take your digital photo to correct specifications
  • Available at 1,100 branches

Paper Check & Send

  • We’ll ensure that your application is complete and correct before sending it off
  • You can use your own compliant photographs
  • Available at 2,500 branches

Check the exact fees on our passports page, in the common questions section.

After we send off your application, HM Passport Office will send you text messages and emails to update you on the progress of your application. You’ll also be able to track your application online. You’ll then get your passport from the HM Passport Office in the post usually within three weeks. This might take longer if HMPO require further information or if there is a need to interview you, but this will be communicated within the three-week timeframe.

You can also use Check & Send to change personal details on your new passport, to replace a lost or stolen passport, or to apply for your first passport.

If you need to apply or renew your Irish passport, you can use our Paper Passport Assist Service.

Other ways to renew your passport

You can also renew your passport on the GOV.UK website or by filling out a paper application form.

If you need to urgently renew your passport

If you’re in a hurry, you can renew your passport using faster services from the passport office directly. Costs vary depending on which service you choose and whether you need a frequent traveller passport, but they’re more expensive than the standard service.

You’ll need to apply, pay and book for an appointment at a passport office. You can book an appointment up to three weeks in advance. Appointments usually take around 10 minutes.

There are two ways to apply for an urgent passport:

One-day premium

  • The earliest appointment is two days after you apply
  • You’ll get your new passport at your appointment
  • This service is only for renewing an adult passport

One-week fast track

  • The earliest appointment is the next day after you apply
  • You'll get your new passport delivered by courier one week after your appointment

If you need to travel urgently for medical treatment, on government business, or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, you should call the Passport Adviceline instead.

Key takeaways

When you’re getting ready to travel, making sure your passport is valid is vital. Here's what you need to do:

  • Check your passport expiry date. Before you book anything, look at your passport and check its expiry date. Many countries ask that your passport is valid for at least six months for your return date
  • Know the entry requirements of your destination. Different countries have different rules about passports and visas. Check entry requirements on GOV.UK to avoid last-minute surprises
  • Renew your passport, if needed You can renew it in a few ways. One of the quickest and most reliable is the Check & Send services at selected Post Office branches

It’s easy to renew or apply for a passport

Passport services

Common questions about passport validity

  • Every country has their own set of rules when it comes to passport validity. Some might ask that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Checking the expiry date can help avoid any issues, like not being able to board your flight or being refused entry when you arrive at your destination.

  • You can check the entry requirements for your destination on the GOV.UK website. Or, visit the embassy’s website of the country you’re visiting.

  • The cost of renewing your passport varies on depending on the type of service you use and whether you need a frequent traveller passport. You can find the exact fees for our Check & Send services on our passports page in the common questions section.

    You can also renew your passport on the GOV.UK website. You can find about information about passport fees.

    Urgent services cost more. You can find the exact fees on the GOV.UK website.

    • If you’re using Digital Check & Send, you’ll need your current passport. For Paper Check & Send, you’ll also need your paper application form and a compliant passport photo
    • If you’re renewing your passport online on GOV.UK, you’ll need a digital photo, your current passport and your credit or debit card
    • If you’re renewing your passport using a paper application form, you’ll need your current passport, your debit or credit card, or a cheque, two new and identical photos of yourself and the paper form

    There are different rules if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged or you need to change your name or personal details.

  • If your passport renewal has been delayed, you can contact the Passport Adviceline for more help. They might be able to give more information on the status of your application and any potential issues.

  • Read more

  • Yes, you can update personal details such as your name or gender when renewing your passport. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll or Gender Recognition certificate. You can find more information here.

  • Yes, you can renew your UK passport if you’re living abroad. You can get the forms, prices and application details you need on the GOV.UK website.

  • There are different ways to track the status of your passport, depending on how you applied for it.

    • If you use our Check & Send services, HM Passport Office will send you text messages and emails to update you on the progress of your application. You can also track your application online
    • If you applied on the GOV.UK website with a digital photo, you can track your application online
    • If you applied with a paper form, you’ll need to call the Passport Adviceline

    Find more information about tracking the status of your passport application.

  • No, you’ll need to send in your current passport as part of the renewal process. You won’t be able to travel until you receive your new passport. That’s why it’s so important to check your passport’s expiry date and renew it, if needed, ahead of time.

  • If you realise you’ve made a mistake on your application, contact the Passport Adviceline as soon as possible. They can advise you on how to correct the error, which may involve resubmitting your application.

  • Yes, children’s passports have different validity periods, typically five years, and require a slightly different renewal process. Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of children under 16. We can help with renewing a child’s passport.

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