July 6th 2024.
It's always a frustrating experience when things go wrong while catching a flight. With the possibility of overbooking or cancellations, it's important to be extra careful with your travel documents. After all, you don't want to end up in a sticky situation like shooting yourself in the foot. As Brits, we have to be even more mindful of travel rules since Brexit has changed the way we fly to other countries. With the UK's departure from the European Union, travelling to Europe and the Schengen Zone has become more complicated for UK passport holders, as we are now considered "third-party nationals."
Unfortunately, one mom had to learn this lesson the hard way. Hollie, known as @hollieandthevan on TikTok, shared her heartbreak after being turned away at the gate while trying to go on a family holiday to France. Despite having nine months left on her passport, which she renewed in 2014, she was denied boarding because her passport was issued more than ten years ago. It's a frustrating situation that could have been avoided if she had known about the post-Brexit travel regulations.
Now, not only do we need to make sure our passports are valid for at least three months after our planned departure, but they also need to be issued less than ten years before our arrival date. This means that even if your passport is technically valid until a certain date, it may no longer be accepted for travel to the EU due to the new rules. It's a lesson that Holly had to learn the hard way, but she's sharing her experience to help others avoid the same disappointment.
But it's not just the expiry date that matters now. The issue date is just as important, meaning your passport needs to be less than ten years old on the day you land. Before, you could travel with a passport that was out of date by up to nine months, but now, that's no longer the case. To avoid any issues, it's important to check your passport issue date and add three months to the day you plan to leave the country. If your passport is no longer valid according to these rules, you'll need to apply for a renewal or an emergency travel document.
Speaking of renewals, the process can be done through the HM Passport Office, either by post or online. The cost for online renewals is £88.50, while paper applications cost £100. For children, the fees are slightly lower. It's crucial to have all the necessary documents, including a digital photo and any valid passports from other countries. And for those travelling to the US, it's essential to also apply for a Visa Waiver called an ESTA, which can be done through the US government website.
Unfortunately, another woman had to learn the importance of having all her papers in order the hard way. Endometriosis campaigner Meg, known as @theendospectrum, was on her way to New York for work when she realized that she needed an ESTA. She and her partner were stuck at the airport, constantly refreshing their email to see if the waiver had come through. Fortunately, it did in time, but it's a lesson she won't forget, and she's sharing it with others as a reminder to always be prepared.
In the end, it's crucial to stay informed and do your research before travelling, especially with the changing rules and regulations. Don't leave it to chance and make sure all your documents are in order to avoid any heartbreak at the gate. And if you have a story to share, don't hesitate to reach out and let us know. We'd love to hear from you.
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