There are some vital passport checks you need to be aware of before going abroad, particularly ahead of the February half-term.

Over the last year, there have been key changes to travel rules, including increases in passport costs, the rollout of digital-only boarding passes, and increases in tourist taxes. However, one of the most common mistakes in travel rules is failing to check passports correctly before arriving at the airport.

If a passport is in date, it’s easy to think that it’s fine to fly with it. But what Brits might not realise is that their passport must be valid for at least three months when travelling to the EU.

This is based on the return date, rather than the departure date, so if you were going on holiday from July 25 to August 1, your passport must be valid until at least November 1, 2026. Some countries require six months of validity, but the EU only requires three, so it’s vital to check your passport is valid.

Another key check is to ensure your passport was issued within the past 10 years. The ’10 year rule’ has caught travellers out, particularly for those who were issued a passport before September 2018, as they were valid for 10 years and nine months.

While the passport may appear valid, it could in fact be over 10 years old and therefore invalid for flying. Meanwhile, passports issued after September 2018 are valid for 10 years, with the ’10 year’ rule applying to all passports.

If you find that your passport has expired for either of these reasons, you can renew it through the government website. If you’re pushed for time, you can fast-track the process, but be sure to apply for a renewal as soon as possible.

In another travel rule, the European Union (EU) launched the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers entering and exiting the Schengen area last year. For UK passport holders, this means that rather than receiving stamps, your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, will be recorded at the border when travelling to a country in the Schengen area.

The Schengen area includes some of the most popular holiday destinations, including those that are expected to be busy during the February half-term as families head off for a sun-soaked getaway.

The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area, so EES is not applicable when visiting these countries.

This change took effect on October 12, 2025, and is aimed at enhancing security and ultimately accelerating border crossings. Travellers do not need to do anything extra before arriving at the border, and there is no additional cost for EES registration.

However, to ensure a smooth start to your holiday and avoid missing your departing flight, travellers are advised to allow extra time when arriving at EU airports or other entry points. The digital EES will be valid for three years, and after this time, travellers will need to provide additional fingerprints or have a photo taken at the border on entry and exit.

While nothing additional is needed, it’s important to note the change so you’re aware that fingerprints and a photo are required at the border when entering a Schengen area. Plus, by being aware of the change, you’ll know to expect some delays as the EES is rolled out.

The new system isn’t up and running at every EU airport just yet, so it’s best to check before arrival and allow extra time. Completion across all Schengen members is set for April 10, 2026.

Elsewhere, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are expected to launch later this year for travellers visiting the EU. The new visa waiver programme will require Brits to complete an ETIAS application before going on holiday to the EU, at a cost of €20 per person.

However, once approved through a pre-screening, the ETIAS will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires. The launch of the new system, which is similar to the United States’ ESTA, is yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected for Q4 of this year.

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