Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance on passport validity, renewals, children’s passports, ETIAS 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 the EU?
For EU/Schengen travel, your UK passport must be less than 10 years old on the date you enter,
and have at least 3 calendar months validity remaining after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
What is the EU 10-year issue rule?
If your passport reaches 10 years old on your EU/Schengen entry date, it fails the rule even if
the expiry date printed in the passport is later.
Do pre-2018 “extra months” still count?
No. The EU applies a strict 10-year cap from the issue date; extra months don’t extend EU validity.
What about countries outside the EU?
Many non-EU countries expect 6 months’ validity from departure. Some require less — always check official entry rules.
Renewals & fees
How long does renewal take?
Standard online renewals usually take a few weeks (longer in busy seasons).
Urgent options: 1-week Fast Track and same-day Premium (where available).
How much does renewing a passport cost?
As a guide (UK applications):
- Adult renewal (online): £94.50
- Adult renewal (paper/Post Office): £107
- Child renewal (online): £61.50
- Child renewal (paper/Post Office): £74
- 1-week Fast Track: £178 adult / £145 child
- Premium (1 day): £222 adult / £189 child
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You can renew early, but remaining time on the old passport is generally not added to the new one.
What documents do I need for renewal?
Typically your old passport, a compliant digital photo, payment, and proof of name change if applicable.
Some applications need a countersignature.
Lost, damaged & emergency
What if my passport is lost or stolen abroad?
Contact the nearest UK embassy/consulate to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), and follow any local reporting steps.
Can I travel with a damaged passport?
Heavily damaged passports (water damage, torn pages, unreadable chip/photo) may be refused. Replace it before travel.
Can I travel while my renewal is in progress?
No. After you submit your old passport to HMPO, you cannot travel until you receive the new passport.
Children & special cases
How long are children’s passports valid?
Child passports are valid for 5 years. Entry validity rules generally mirror adults’ rules.
Do children need their own passport?
Yes. Every child, including babies, needs their own passport.
Do I need a passport to travel to Ireland?
Travel is within the Common Travel Area, but carriers usually require photo ID. A passport is the simplest, most widely accepted ID.
Travel systems & multi-country trips
What is ETIAS and when will it start?
ETIAS is the EU’s upcoming electronic travel authorisation for short visits by visa-exempt travellers (including UK citizens).
It is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. The fee is €20 (with exemptions for some travellers),
and it is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
What about the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) started becoming operational on 12 October 2025 and is being introduced in phases,
with the system building toward full operation by 10 April 2026.
What about cruises or multi-country itineraries?
Follow the strictest requirement of any country you’ll enter. For EU ports: ensure the 10-year issue cap and the “3 months after Schengen departure” rule.
For non-EU stops, many operators advise having at least 6 months from departure.
Other questions
Can I hold two UK passports at once?
In limited cases (e.g., frequent business travel with overlapping visas), you may be issued a second UK passport if you can justify the need.
What are the passport photo requirements?
Strict HMPO standards apply (size, lighting, plain background, neutral expression). Non-compliant photos are a common cause of delays.
Does this checker store my data?
By default we don’t aim to store what you enter. If you opt in to reminders, we keep only what’s required to provide that service
(see our Privacy Policy).
This FAQ is general guidance. Rules can change and airlines/border officers may interpret them differently. Always confirm on gov.uk before travel.