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Passport Rules for Europe: The 10-Year and 3-Month Rules
For most EU countries in the Schengen area, a UK passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive, and must expire at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Passports renewed before October 2018 may fail the 10-year rule even if the expiry date looks fine. Check yours well before you travel.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Schengen Passport Rules
GOV.UK Travel Advice
Your 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. Passports renewed before 1 October 2018 may have an issue date more than 10 years old. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is replacing passport stamping: there is no cost to register, your record is valid for 3 years, and you may be asked for fingerprints and a photo. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 3 monthsPassport validityAfter the day you leave
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the issue and expiry dates on your passport.
Step 2 of 5
Read GOV.UK travel advice for each country you are visiting.
Step 3 of 5
Renew in good time if either rule fails.
Step 4 of 5
Allow extra time at the border for EES.
Step 5 of 5
Keep travel insurance details with you.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice
Entry rules for every country.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Airlines can refuse to let you board if your passport does not meet the rules, so check before booking.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements Checked 13 October 2026
- gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Checked 8 October 2026