An alert has been given to more than one million British passport holders over expiry dates. Some travellers may not be aware of the strict passport rules enforced by some countries when it comes to holidaying there. In fact, you cannot travel to many places in the world if you only have a certain number of days or months left on your passport. You might think you’re fine to travel anywhere abroad right up until the day your passport expires, but that is not the case. 

Co-Op Insurance obtained data via Freedom of Information that reveals more than one million British passports are to expire within six months. The chain says that these Brits are leaving it late to renew their passports, as certain countries will not allow them entry. The United States, for example, requires passports to have at least six months left until their expiration date when you travel there. It typically takes three weeks for passports to be renewed by the Passport Office, so Brits are urged to renew as soon as they can before they travel this year. 

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance shows that 1 in 10 (10%) adults in the UK have missed a holiday due to failing to renew their passport, including almost a quarter (23%) of those under 25. Travel insurance providers will be unable to cover missed flights or cancelled holidays if travel is refused because of an invalid passport. 

Ellis German, Head of Travel at Co-op Insurance, said: “Summer holidays are just around the corner, but amidst the excitement, it’s important that you take the time to review your travel documentation and cover.

“Unfortunately, our research indicates that a significant number of Brits have had their holidays disrupted or cancelled due to failing to renew their passport before they travel. Concerningly, it seems many are also leaving it late to renew their passports this year, putting themselves at risk of being denied boarding.

“It’s therefore vital to ensure that your passport and travel documentation is valid for your travels. It’s also crucial that you have the right cover in place so that you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re fully protected while you’re away.”

The Passport Office issued a warning earlier this month, urging passport holders to check their expiration dates to determine when they need to apply for a new one. 

Turkey requires travellers to have at least 150 days left on their passports when they arrive in the country, while the United Arab Emirates, which is home to Dubai, requires passports to be more than six months away from their expiration date. 

His Majesty’s (HM) Passport Office recently posted on X: “Did you know that some countries require your passport to be valid for several months after your scheduled return date? Check your passport expiry date today.”