Winter & Christmas travel: passport rules for UK travellers
Planning a Christmas market break, a ski trip or some winter sun? Check your passport before you book — the rules are different for every destination.
The best Christmas markets in Europe 2026
32 markets with checked dates, Eurostar and flight options, a map and filters by travel date.
Explore the guide →
The best winter sun destinations 2026/27
26 destinations with average temperatures from November to March, flight times, time differences and the passport rule for each.
Explore the guide →
The best ski resorts in Europe 2026/27
26 resorts with season dates, airports and transfer times, train options, a map and filters for beginners, families and snow-sure skiing.
Explore the guide →Christmas markets
Germany, Austria, Prague, Budapest, Strasbourg and more — plus the Schengen 10-year rule that catches out older passports.
See passport rules →Ski holidays
The Alps, Andorra, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Norway and long-haul skiing in Canada, the USA and Japan.
See passport rules →Winter sun
The Canaries, Madeira, Egypt, Morocco, Dubai, Cape Verde, Thailand, the Caribbean and more.
See passport rules →Before you book this winter
- Check both dates on your passport. For Europe, the issue date must be less than 10 years before you arrive, and the expiry date at least 3 months after you leave. Many long-haul destinations need 6 months from the day you arrive.
- Renew early if you need to. GOV.UK says to allow 3 weeks. Fast Track (1 week) costs £192 for an adult. Your new passport will have a new number, so do not book until you have it.
- Expect fingerprint and photo checks in Europe. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully running, so allow extra time at the border on your first trip.
- You do not need ETIAS this winter. It has not started and no start date has been confirmed. Read our ETIAS guide.
- Check visas and arrival forms for long-haul trips. Egypt, India and Kenya need a visa or travel authorisation, and many destinations need an online arrival form.
Travelling over New Year?
For a Schengen trip from 27 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, your passport must be issued after 27 December 2016 and expire on or after 2 April 2027. For a 6-month destination such as Dubai or Thailand, arriving 27 December 2026, it must expire on or after 27 June 2027.
Winter destinations A–Z
Tap a destination for the full passport and entry rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for a winter trip to Europe?
Not for Schengen countries. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.
Do I need ETIAS this winter?
No. ETIAS has not started and no start date has been confirmed.
How long does a passport renewal take before Christmas?
GOV.UK says to allow 3 weeks for a standard renewal. If you need it sooner, the 1-week Fast Track service costs £192 for an adult.
Rules are checked against GOV.UK foreign travel advice. Always check GOV.UK before you travel.