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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email: [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
Students and prospective students should visit the UKVI website to determine if they need a visa.
For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required. Please consult this website for more information.
Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the UKVI website .
Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the UKVI website for visa information.
Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the UKVI website and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for isolated violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of firearms and explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for police/fire/ambulance emergency services is 999 in the United Kingdom and 112 in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for contacting police from abroad .

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Be vigilant, as pickpocketing , mugging, and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as impostors posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been robbed or sexually assaulted while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the Embassy London website for more information about internet financial scams and how to protect yourself.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

help you find appropriate medical care
assist you in reporting a crime to the police
contact relatives or friends with your written consent
explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
provide a list of local attorneys
provide our information on victim compensation programs in the United States
The Victim Support website is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar victim support website
In Scotland, victims of crime should contact Victim Support Scotland
provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
Penalties against alcohol-related and other in-flight crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with prison sentences . Please also see our information on U.S. customs regulations covering your return to the United States.
Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Special Circumstances:

The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our Students Abroad website to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that driving after even one drink can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated. Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage . Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities. For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities. Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities. Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the UK government website for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The Transport for London and National Rail websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers .

While medical services are widely available, free medical care under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application. Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug" in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC. Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left. Read the Highway Code before driving.
Emergency call boxes (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
Generally, pedestrians do not have the right of way and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming traffic approaches from the opposite direction than in the United States. Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws:

UK penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strict and often result in prison sentences .
Using a hand-held cell phone or similar device while driving is illegal in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be fined , or in the case of an accident, arrested and serve time in prison .
The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
You will be detained and arrested if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be fined or arrested if you do not pay the charge. See Transport for London for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation: Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the Transport for London website.
Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the Translink website.
Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the Traveline Scotland website.

See our Road Safety page for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the UK Department for Transport website or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency website.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories .
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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What is the Minimum Passport Validity to Enter UK?

Anne morris.

28 June 2023

IN THIS SECTION

For a non-UK national planing to visit the UK, in most cases you’ll need to have a valid passport on arrival at the UK port of entry.

Where someone is travelling with a passport, they must also ensure that their passport is not due to expire, as they may be refused entry to UK , even if their passport is valid on arrival. This is because there are rules around minimum passport validity to enter Britain.

The following guide for non-UK nationals looks at the rules on both passport validity and expiry issues to avoid any delay or disappointment when passing through border control.

What is the minimum passport validity to enter UK?

Any traveler who is a national from outside the EEA or Switzerland, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. On arrival in the UK, your passport will be checked to ensure that you are allowed to enter the country, where this should be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.

EEA and Swiss nationals may be eligible to travel to the UK with a national identity card instead of a passport.

However, other countries have their own rules concerning passport validity and expiration rules. Some countries have in place a comparable rule to the UK, where a passport must be valid for the duration of the stay, while others have what is commonly referred to as the 6-month passport rule, which states that a person’s passport must be valid for another 6 months before they depart for international travel. The 6-month travel period may also commence from either the date of departure or arrival, depending on the country.

For example, for travel from the UK to India, a passport must be valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry, while for travel from the UK to New Zealand, a passport should be valid for a minimum of one month from the date of exit.

Even where other countries do not follow the 6-month passport rule, they may still require that a passport is valid for 3 months. For example, for most European countries, it is recommended that the passport expiry date is at least 3 months after the intended day of departure from the EU, although for Northern Cyprus this is 6 months.

As such, it is important for anyone to check the validity of their passport before travelling. Equally, if an individual plans to travel to another country after leaving the UK, before returning to their home country, they should check the passport rules for that destination. At least 6 months remaining validity may be required for onward travel to many other countries. If an individual does not have the required time left remaining on their passport where they are bound for continental Europe or other destinations, at the very least, it may take longer to pass through immigration control, although they may also be refused entry.

Further, in addition to having sufficient time remaining on a passport, to be able to travel to the UK and other countries, a traveller may also need to have blank pages for any entry and exit stamps, where the UK itself requires at least one page. However, where a person wants to travel on, other countries may require more than one page. For example, to travel from the UK to India, a passport must be machine readable, with two blank pages for a visa.

What happens if someone’s passport will expire while in the UK?

If an individual’s passport is due to expire while they are in the UK, where a passport must be valid for the full length of a person’s stay, that person is likely to be denied boarding. If they are able to travel to the UK, it is also likely that they will be refused entry on arrival, where the rules on travelling with a soon-to-be expired passport are strict.

If someone is refused entry to the UK, they will be notified in writing of the reasons for this and whether they can appeal against this decision. They will also be told when they will be removed from the UK, although this will usually be with immediate effect. In some cases, a person may be allowed entry into the UK, for up to one week, although their passport will be taken from them and they must report to immigration officers at prescribed intervals.

What are the requirements for non-UK nationals when entering the UK?

In addition to having a minimum passport validity to enter UK soil, there are various other requirements that must be met, including having a visa where they do not otherwise have the lawful immigration status to enter the UK without one. There is a useful online tool at GOV.UK that can be used to check if someone needs a UK visa and, if so, what type.

An non-UK national may need a visa to come to the UK to either visit, study or work. They may also need a visa to come into or transit through the UK, depending on their nationality. There are two types of transiting: airside and landside. With airside transiting, the person does not pass through UK border control before they leave on their connecting journey, whereas with landside transiting, they do pass through UK border control, but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time, typically 24 hours. A person will always pass through border control if they leave the main airport building for any reason or even if they need to collect their bags and check them in to their onward flight. Depending on the individual’s nationality, they may need a visa for both types of transiting.

If a person needs a visa to come to the UK, this must have been issued before they travel. They will also need a valid passport or other travel document to be able to successfully apply for a visa, ensuring that they have a blank page in their passport for this purpose.

Even for overseas nationals who do not need a visa in advance of travel to come to the UK, ie; non-visa nationals who are visiting the UK for less than 6 months, they may still need in their possession sufficient documentation to satisfy border officials that they are a genuine visitor who will not be undertaking any activities in the UK not permitted under the visitor rules, including paid employment, and that they intend to leave at the end of their stay.

What are the passport requirements for EEA or Swiss citizens?

If a person is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, they can enter the UK using either a passport, an Irish passport card or an EEA or Swiss-issued national identity card, provided they are eligible to use one. As with other non-UK nationals, their passport or identity card must be valid for the whole stay in the UK. They can travel with a national identity card from an EEA country or Switzerland in the following circumstances:

they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) — introduced post-Brexit to enable EEA and Swiss citizens
already living in the UK to apply for lawful immigration status — or Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
they have an EUSS family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man
they have a Frontier Worker permit
they are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
they are a Swiss national and have a ‘Service Provider from Switzerland’ visa.

If someone has either settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS, the passport or national identity card they are travelling with must be registered on their account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The same rule in relation to registering their passport or travel document on their UKVI account also applies if they used the ‘ UK Immigration: ID Check ’ app to scan their identity document when applying for a visa to enable them to come to the UK in circumstances where they do not otherwise have lawful immigration status.

Importantly, a person may be delayed at the UK border if their current passport or national identity card is not registered on their UKVI account. They should update their UKVI account if they have changed their passport or national identity card. They should also update their account if they have recently changed their name, address, postal or email address, as well as their mobile phone number. This is so that UKVI has up-to-date contact details if they need to get in touch, for example, in respect of a pending visa application.

It is worth noting that someone cannot change their identity document on their UKVI account if they are waiting for a decision from UKVI on a visa application, although they will need to wait for any visa decision before travelling in and out of the UK in any event.

What are the passport requirements for British citizens?

For British citizens, they can enter the UK with their passport, although if they are travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland, they will not need any documents to enter.

If a British national is travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales, a Border Force officer may ask to see proof of that person’s identity and nationality, where they can use any documents that prove this, including a current or expired passport, a copy of their passport, provided this clearly shows their identity and nationality, or documentary proof that they have been given British citizenship, such as a UK citizenship certificate. If they are using an expired passport, it must be recent enough that it is clear that this is theirs.

What can a person expect on arrival at a UK port or airport?

As everyone will need to show a passport or national identity document on arrival in the UK, they must remove this from any holder or wallet and have this ready. They must also remove any face covering or sunglasses. If a person is with their family, they should move through passport control together and have all their passports ready to be checked.

If a person has a British passport, they can use the UK/EEA channel to get their passport checked, as this is often faster than the other channels. At some airports, they can also use automatic ePassport gates if their passport has a chip in it and they are aged 12 or over, where these gates use facial recognition technology to check someone’s identity against the photo in their passport. For travellers aged 12-17, they must be accompanied by an adult.

Equally, if a person is from the EEA or Switzerland, they can use the UK/EEA channel to get their passport or national identity card checked, or use the automatic ePassport gates where available at an airport and they have a passport with a chip. In contrast, if someone is from outside the EEA or Switzerland, their passport, and visa if they have one, will be manually checked at border control. They will also usually be asked why they are coming to the UK.

If a person is from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the USA, they can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates. However, they must still see a border control officer and get a stamp in their passport if they are entering the UK on a permitted paid engagement or with a Tier 5 Creative or Sporting certificate of sponsorship for up to 3 months and they want to enter without a visa. They cannot get a stamp if they use the ePassport gates where, without a stamp, they will not be allowed to carry out the activities that they came to the UK to do.

In all cases, regardless of nationality, and even if British, those entering the UK should abide by the rules relating to what they bring with them into the UK. What someone can bring will depend on where they are travelling from, where they must declare to customs:

anything over their duty-free allowance
banned or restricted goods in the UK
goods that they plan to sell in the UK
more than €10,000 in cash, or its equivalent, if they are coming from outside the EU.

Both the individual and their baggage may be checked by customs for anything that must be declared. If someone is stopped and asked about their baggage, they must co-operate. If they are found to be breaking the rules for bringing goods into the UK, those goods may be seized by customs. They may also receive a penalty or, in the case of tobacco or alcohol, where someone has gone over their personal allowance, they may have to pay tax and duty.

Minimum passport validity to enter UK FAQs

Can i leave the uk with 3 months on my passport.

You must check the passport validity period for the country you plan to travel to from the UK. This could be 3 or 6 months from either the date of arrival or departure, or for the duration of your trip.

Can I travel with less than 6 months on my passport?

It is possible to travel with less than 6 months on your passport, depending on which country you are travelling to. To travel to the UK, your passport will need to be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Last updated: 28 June 2023

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ UK Visa Fees 2024
Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ British Citizenship Fees 2024
Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Guide to Travelling to the UK
Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Explore Commonwealth Visa Options

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

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10-year passport rule: are your documents valid for EU travel?

Travellers are being caught out by post-brexit document checks. here’s what you need to know.

I f your passport is more than ten years old or it has less than three months to run, you will not be able to travel to the EU. The rules came into effect after Brexit , with Ireland (in the Common Travel Area) being the only exception.

Before Brexit, UK travellers were able to carry up to nine months of unexpired time from an old passport to a new one, but EU countries no longer accept passports issued more than ten years ago.

The UK Passport Office stopped this practice in September 2018 — all passports issued after this date are valid for the required ten years. However, Home Office data obtained by the BBC suggests 32 million people had applied for passports between March 2014 and September 2018 that, if approved, have a validity period of more than ten years.

If you are planning a trip to the EU, here’s what you need to know.

What is the ten-year passport rule?

EU rules prohibit travellers from entering the zone if their passport was issued more than 10 years ago. Your passport must also be valid for three months the day after you leave.

Before Brexit, UK travellers were able to carry up to nine months from an old passport to a new one. However, post-Brexit regulations mean that EU countries — including popular holiday destinations Spain, France and Greece — will not accept passports issued more than ten years ago, even with months left before the expiration date.

Travellers with a passport issued before September 2018 should double check its issue date to avoid problems at the airport.

The rule applies across the EU, but British citizens do not need a passport to enter Ireland, which only requires travellers to bring proof of identification. You should still take your passport with you.

What documents do I need to travel from the UK?

A valid passport is essential for travelling outside the UK. For travel to the EU and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), it needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave. The only exception is if you are travelling to Ireland — which is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK — where you can travel up to the day your passport expires.

Depending on where you are travelling to, for what purpose and for how long, you may also need to get a visa. After Brexit, UK nationals are only permitted to stay in EU countries for a maximum of 90 days out of 180, after which a visa or other entry permit may be needed. You will need to check the entry requirements for each individual country you are visiting.

If you are planning to drive or hire a car, you will need to take your driving licence. Those taking their own cars across the border will also need relevant insurance and vehicle registration details as well as a UK sticker on the vehicle.

When travelling to EU countries, you may also want to apply for and take your UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC). This free benefit replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK nationals after Brexit. It entitles you to the same access to public medical care as residents, which will either be free or heavily subsidised. In some cases, having the card with you is a requisite of ensuring your travel insurance is valid.

Can you travel to Europe without a passport from the UK?

In most cases, you will need your passport to travel to Europe. Ireland is the only exception, although the government still advises taking your passport with you, and airlines will typically insist on it.

What if I lose my passport?

If you have lost your passport, or you do not have time to get a new one before you travel, you may be able to apply for an emergency travel document. These cost £100 and you will need to attend a British embassy in person after you have applied online. The document contains your exact itinerary, and if you decide to change your plans at the last minute you will need a new document.

Can you travel with an expired passport within Europe?

In theory, yes, because land borders within the Schengen area are open and ID checks are only carried out in exceptional circumstances. For example, the Spanish government has said that its citizens may enter the country on an expired passport or ID after its authenticity has been checked; however, a valid travel document is still required to leave the country. In the case of the UK, your passport will be checked at all border controls and you will need to make sure it’s valid for travel.

How long do you need on your passport to travel to Spain?

Like most countries in the EU, Spain requires those travelling on a British passport to have at least three months remaining after the day you plan to leave. You also need to check that it is less than ten years old when you enter Spain.

How long do you need on your passport to travel to Greece?

For Greece , the usual EU passport validity rules apply. This means it needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave.

How long do you need on your passport to travel to Portugal?

EU passport validity rules also apply in Portugal . So your passport needs to be less than ten years old when you enter the country and have at least three months left on it the day after you leave.

How long do you need on your passport to travel to the US?

For entry into the US , your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay although it doesn’t need to have any additional validity on it. However, you may need an Esta or visa for entry.

How long do you need on your passport to travel to Turkey?

Turkey requires UK passport holders to have at least six months remaining on their passports from the day they arrive. It also needs to have a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.

• What is the EU’s new entry system and what will it mean for my holiday? • Are there roaming charges in Europe? • Most powerful passports in the world

Travelling to Europe after Brexit: how will it affect holidays?

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

United Kingdom travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: May 6, 2024 10:24 ET

The Government of the United Kingdom maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates terrorism and national emergency threat level changes online and through local media. The national terrorism and national emergency threat level is currently 3 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5. A separate threat level for Northern Ireland is currently 4 (“severe”) on a scale of 5.

National threat level - British Home Office

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Cellphone theft is common in certain tourist areas of London. Vehicle theft and theft from parked vehicles also occurs, particularly in tourist areas and roadside rest areas. Theft is common in restaurants, pubs and bars. Never leave bags or purses hanging on the back of your chair.

Thieves work alone and in groups. They may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings.

They are especially active in crowded areas, such as:

tourist attractions and busy areas, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square
airports and public transportation
patios and outdoor cafés
hotel lobbies
underground pedestrian walkways
roadside stops

Violent crime

Violent crime, such as mugging, knife crime and sexual assault occurs, particularly in larger cities. There have been incidents of passengers being sexually assaulted and robbed when riding in unlicensed taxis.

If you are the victim of a crime on the transportation system, including in a taxi, consult Transport for London to learn how to report it.

Report a crime or incident on the transportation system - Transport for London

During your trip:

ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
avoid showing signs of affluence
avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers
be vigilant in urban areas, particularly after dark
never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
use secure parking facilities, especially overnight

Spiked food and drinks

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Fraud can range from simple to sophisticated, and sometimes involve hidden electronic devices that obtain account information and personal identification numbers.

When using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
Avoid making purchases on unsecured websites
Use judgment when posting information on social media
Be especially careful if you are meeting people you have met online
Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

Useful links

More about overseas fraud
Cybercrime - National Crime Agency

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Strikes and pressure tactics occur from time to time, in key sectors such as transport. These strikes can sometimes complicate travel and disrupt public services.

Consult local media to be aware of strikes that may affect your stay or travel plans
In the event of a transport strike, plan extra time to get to your destination

Northern Ireland

Inter-communal tensions can arise from April to August during the summer marching season. This is particularly common during the weeks leading up to July 12.

During the summer marching season:

expect possible delays and disruptions in some areas
exercise caution
follow the advice of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, may lead to safety concerns if they are not well-organized. Weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

Avalanches can occur in Scotland, especially in the Cairngorms area between December and April. Check local avalanche forecasts before you go.

If you intend to go walking, biking or hiking in remote areas:

never do so alone and do not part with your hiking companions
obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be doing it before setting out
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
avoid venturing off marked trails
ensure that you’re adequately equipped
stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
Weather conditions - Met Office
Avalanche Forecasts - Scottish Avalanche Information Service

Road safety

Vehicles drive on the left.

Pedestrians should use caution when crossing streets and be mindful that traffic comes from the opposite direction than it does in Canada. There are many one-way streets in London and other cities. Always confirm the direction of traffic before you cross the street.

Road conditions

Roads are excellent but are often narrow and congested, especially in urban areas. Use caution when entering a traffic circle (roundabout). Rural roads may become hazardous during severe weather conditions. You should be especially careful when driving in the countryside during periods bad weather or freezing temperature. You should always slow down before approaching turns on narrow roads as curves may hide oncoming traffic.

Public transportation

Public transportation is extensive. Train and bus services connect most cities and areas of the country.

Taxis are widely available. Only use officially licensed and marked taxis or private hire vehicles.

Getting around Britain - Visit Britain
Train schedules and service alerts - National Rail
Taxis and minicabs – Transport for London

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the British authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

electronic_travel_authorisation_(eta)

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The United Kingdom has started to unroll a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program. Canadians are not currently able to apply for an ETA.

Once the program goes into effect, you will need to apply for your ETA before you travel to or transit through the UK. You must travel on the passport used for your ETA application.

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – UK Visas and Immigration

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least the expected duration of your stay in the United Kingdom. This requirement may also apply when travelling to Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom, and vice versa.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other entry requirements

UK Border officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay.

If you are unable to do so, or if you seek entry as a visitor but are found with items indicating that you intend to seek any type of employment (such as curriculum vitae or educational certificates), you may be denied entry and expelled from the country.

Similarly, if you seek entry as a visitor and are suspected of planning to reside in the UK for any reason, including having a UK-based partner, you may be denied entry.

If you have previously been refused entry, contact the British High Commission in Ottawa to enquire about entry clearance before making plans to visit the UK, even if a visa is normally not required.

Transiting through a United Kingdom airport

If you plan to transit through a United Kingdom airport, make sure you comply with the entry requirements of your final destination. If you don’t meet the entry requirements of your final destination, you may be denied boarding or forced to wait in the UK to apply for a new passport, which can take several days.

Unplanned layovers could lead to substantial travel costs and delays. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.

Polio (poliomyelitis) is an infectious disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by poliovirus type 1, 2 or 3. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 (cVDPV2) is present in this country. Polio is spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water. Infection with the polio virus can cause paralysis and death in individuals of any age who are not immune.

Recommendations:

Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those:

visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

You must pay for medical services provided by the National Health Service (NHS) unless:

you are ordinarily a resident of the United Kingdom
you are accessing emergency services exempted from fees

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Accessing NHS services as a visitor - National Health Service (NHS)
Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and the United Kingdom are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the United Kingdom to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and the United Kingdom authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Laws on knives

It is illegal to carry, purchase, sell or enter the country with certain types of knives. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.

Selling, buying and carrying knives - UK Government

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the United Kingdom.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the United Kingdom, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the United Kingdom.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in the United Kingdom, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the British court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in the United Kingdom to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Traffic drives on the left.

Parking in London and other major city centres is limited and expensive.

Driver's licence

You can drive with a valid Canadian licence for up to 12 months from your date of entry.

Car rental companies may require an international driving permit, especially if your licence is not in English. Check with your car rental agency in advance.

Congestion Charge

If you drive into central London, you will be required to pay a daily congestion charge. The Congestion Charge zone is indicated by a large “C” painted on the roads and by signs.

You can pay the fee by phone, online or at selected shops and gas stations.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

All boroughs in London are part of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If you drive in London, your vehicle must meet the ULEZ emission standards. If it does not, you must pay a daily charge to drive within the ULEZ.

More about the International Driving Permit
Congestion Charge - Transport for London
Ultra Low Emission Zone – Transport for London

The currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP).

If you are carrying £10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the United Kingdom.

It includes sums in:

banknotes and coins
bearer bonds
travellers’ cheques
cheques that are signed but not made out to a person or organization
money orders (Northern Ireland only)
gold coins, bullion or nuggets (Northern Ireland only)
prepaid cards (Northern Ireland only)

Take cash in and out of the UK - Government of the United Kingdom

Climate change

Climate change is affecting the United Kingdom. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Severe weather

The United Kingdom is subject to severe storms that can cause death and injury and severely damage commercial, residential and natural areas.

High winds, fog, and snow can also have widespread impacts, including transportation disruptions.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts
Stay away from disaster-affected areas
Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Storm forecast - Met Office

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause severe flooding, mudslides and landslides, particularly in certain coastal and riverside areas. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Exercise caution, particularly in coastal areas and around major rivers
Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Flooding risks in England - UK Government
Flood forecasting - Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Heat waves are becoming more common in the United Kingdom, and most houses and public places are not designed or equipped to provide shelter from high heat.

High temperatures can be dangerous. Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

If you are in the United Kingdom during a summer heat wave:

stay indoors or in the shade during midday hours
stay hydrated and carry a sufficient water supply
monitor local media for information on heat warnings

Local services

Dial 999 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

The Falkland Islands and Gibraltar

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom, in London, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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UK Passport checker – How to Check if Your UK Passport is Valid for Travel to the EU

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by MyBritishPassport

UK passport checker: Are you wondering if your UK passport is valid for travel to the EU? Wonder no more! In this blog post, we will show you how to check the validity of your UK passport quickly and easily.

MyBritishPassport will also provide some tips on what to do if it is not valid. So don’t wait any longer – read on to find out everything you need to know about UK passports and travel to the EU!

Need to renew your British Passport? CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE.

Key Takeaways

MyBritishPassport has developed a UK passport validity checker tool that enables every British passport holder to check whether his or her passport is valid for travel to the EU.

If you’re planning to travel soon, it’s essential that you check your passport validity in good time – preferably a few months before your trip.

For travel within the EU, passports must not be older than ten years.

Travel to the EU after Brexit

The EU has agreed to include the United Kingdom on the EU’s list of visa-exempt countries, which currently numbers 61 nations. This gives UK residents the freedom to travel to the EU for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

MyBritishPassport has developed a tool that enables every British passport holder to check whether his or her passport is valid for travel to the EU.

UK Passport Checker

Click here to access this useful tool (we have included a screenshot of the tool below).

How to use the passport validity checker for EU travel

Simply answer the following questions and submit your response.

Where are you traveling to
When does your passport expire
When do you plan on travelling to Europe
When do you plan on leaving Europe

You will immediately get a result – either stating that you need to renew your passport before you travel, or that your passport is valid.

Passport rules for travel to Europe

Understanding the rules for UK passport validity, especially in the context of traveling to the EU, is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Passport Validity Duration : UK passports for adults are valid for ten years and for children for five years.
EU Travel Restrictions : For travel within the EU, passports must not be older than ten years. Even if a UK passport is still valid, if it exceeds ten years from the issue date, entry into the EU may be denied. Read more about this rule here.
The Nine Years and Nine Months Rule : Some EU borders enforce a stricter rule, not allowing entry if the passport is older than nine years and nine months. This policy accounts for the three-month period allowed for EU travel, ensuring the passport doesn’t exceed the ten-year limit at the point of exit.
Extension to Six Months : Some countries have extended the rule to six months instead of nine years and nine months. Consequently, both the European Commission and the UK Government advise having at least six months left on your passport.
Renewal Recommendation : If your passport is nine and a half years old, it’s advisable to renew it before traveling to avoid any issues at the border.

Why Checking your passport validity is important

This will give you enough time to renew your passport if it is not valid for travel to the EU.

Border officials of various EU nations frequently request that passport holders have at least six months of remaining validity on their passports.

This is to ensure that travellers will not overstay their welcome in the Schengen Area .

What to do if your UK passport is not valid for travel to the EU

If your UK passport is not valid for travel to the EU, don’t panic! You can renew your passport by following these simple steps.

How to renew your UK passport

Renewing your UK passport from abroad with MyBritishPassport is simple.

Simply complete our easy, online British Passport renewal or application form and make payment on our safe and secure platform. Click here.
Once you have submitted your application and paid, you will be contacted by one of our British passport specialists with clear instructions regarding digital passport photo and any additional documents that are required.
Our expert team will check your documents and forms, ensure that your passport photos are compliant, and submit your application to the passport office. Your documents are sent to HM Passport Office using our reliable, registered courier service.
Wait for your new passport to be delivered to your doorstep via our registered, reliable courier service.

Renewing your British passport from Australia? Click here to find out more.

Check my passport expiry date UK

As mentioned above, checking your passport expiry date is always important because it is a crucial document that verifies your identity and citizenship, and it is required for international travel.

If your passport has expired, you may be denied entry into a foreign country, causing significant inconvenience and potentially ruining your travel plans.

Furthermore, renewing a passport can take several weeks, so it is wise to check the expiry date well in advance of your trip to ensure you have enough time to renew it if necessary. In short, checking your passport expiry date is a simple step that can help prevent issues and ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

About MyBritishPassport

MyBritishPassport is the leading provider of British passport services, specialising in applications, renewals and replacements from abroad. We are a team of experts who are passionate about helping people obtain their British passports as quickly and easily as possible.

We have a wealth of experience in dealing with UK passports, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to find out more about our services.

How do I check if my passport is valid UK?

You can check the validity of your UK passport for EU travel by using the UK passport checker tool on the MyBritishPassport website.

Another way to check the validity of your passport is by contacting your nearest British embassy or consulate. They will be able to tell you if your passport is still valid and when it expires.

You can also check your passport’s expiry date on the data page of your passport. Please note that the passport expiry date is printed on the front page of your passport under ‘Passport Issued’.

An adult passport validity is 10 years from the date it is issued.

Wondering how far in advance you can renew your British passport? Read more here.

Conclusion:

It’s important to check the validity of your UK passport before travelling to the EU. You can do this by using the UK passport checker tool on the MyBritishPassport website. If your passport is not valid, you can renew it by following the steps outlined in this blog post. MyBritishPassport can help you with this process. Contact us today to find out more.

Topic: check my passport expiry date UK

Find out more about British Passport renewal requirements here.

Other Helpful Guides:

Renewing your UK passport from South Africa
How to renew your British Passport from Australia
Renewing your British passport in the USA
UK Passport Renewals from Canada
Renew UK Passport in NZ

Contact MyBritishPassport

Unsure whether your UK passport is valid? Reach out to our team of experts, we will be happy to assist.

Topic: UK Passport Validity Checker

Renew British Passport from South Africa
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Renew British Passport from Europe

ABOUT MYBRITISHPASSPORT

A member of the U.K.PASSPORTS™ group, MyBritishPassport is the leading international British Passport Service Provider catering to British citizens residing outside of the UK. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has been offering efficient and hassle-free online services for British Passport renewals, replacements, and applications from abroad.

The company has gained a reputation as a leading service provider in the industry, with countless verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients worldwide. This speaks volumes about their excellent service quality.

MyBritishPassport has a highly knowledgeable team of British Passport Consultants who are well-versed in all the requirements of the HM Passport Office. They are continuously updated with the latest rules and regulations governing passport issuance, ensuring that their clients receive the most up-to-date advice and guidance.

Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

Bosnia-Herzegovina
New Caledonia
North Korea
Saudi Arabia
Turkmenistan
Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
United Arab Emirates
West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Central African Republic
Cote d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
Sao Tome and Principe
South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda
Dominican Republic
Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

American Samoa
French Polynesia
Marshall Islands
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

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The 1 Big Mistake You Should Never, Ever Make With Your Passport

A couple of years ago, I was invited to attend a friend’s July wedding in his wife’s hometown in northern Italy. As the date approached, I remarked to another friend who was also planning to travel from the U.S. for the celebration that I was glad I had just renewed my passport since it was due to expire in May. She responded cheerfully that she was all set because her passport wouldn’t expire until September.

She was mistaken. My friend was not all set because Italy, as part of the Schengen Area of European countries, requires visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date they intend to depart.

Fortunately, she was able to expedite her passport renewal and make it to the wedding, but her situation highlighted a fairly common misconception about international travel.

Having A Current Passport Isn’t Always Enough

“A lot of us just think we need a valid passport to travel the world beyond our borders, but what many people don’t realize [is] that a current passport alone might not be enough,” said Katy Nastro, a spokesperson for the flight alert service Going .

Indeed, many countries require your passport to have a certain duration of validity remaining beyond the intended dates of your trip. The most common lengths are three and six months past the date you fly back to the U.S.

“A lot of countries, namely in Asia and the Middle East, require six months’ validity beyond your travel dates ― meaning if you take a trip to Vietnam in July, for example, your passport needs to be valid up until at least January,” Nastro explained. “If you arrive at the airport and try to get on your flight, some airlines won’t even let you board without this very important bit of time, in which case you run the risk of not being able to take your trip.”

Each country has a different timeline for passport validity, so international travelers need to familiarize themselves with these policies before booking a trip.

“Some may require three months, while others may require six months or even more,” said David Alwadish, the founder and CEO of the passport and visa service ItsEasy.com. “When some countries also require a visa and grant a multiyear paper visa, they may require at least one year or more [of] validity.”

The specific requirement depends on a variety of factors, including the country’s immigration policies, bilateral agreements and security risk considerations.

“Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to thoroughly check the entry requirements of the specific country they plan to visit to ensure compliance with passport validity regulations,” Alwadish emphasized.

He and Nastro have both observed a lack of understanding around passport validity rules.

“It’s common for people to be unaware of the three- or six-month passport validity rule, particularly among those who don’t travel frequently or haven’t encountered it before,” Alwadish said. “The rule may not be consistently enforced across all countries, causing misconceptions among travelers. The complexity of immigration policies, which can change, adds to the challenge of staying informed. Lastly, passport validity requirements may not be well-publicized, leading to lower awareness among travelers.”

What’s The Reason For These Requirements?

“These requirements ensure that visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay, as well as for a buffer period in case of unexpected delays or extensions,” Alwadish explained.

You might’ve planned a two-week sojourn in the South of France, for instance, but maybe after a few days you realize that you actually want to stay for two months. Or perhaps something happens that’s out of your control.

“This is mainly out of precaution,” Nastro said. “Let’s say you fall seriously ill or have an accident and then need to stay in that country longer than intended. If your passport expires during this unplanned time, it can cause a mountain of issues upon trying to exit the country.”

The period of passport validity for international tourists provides an extra cushion in case you sustain an injury that precludes you from flying for a while, or you delay your return for other personal reasons. The point is to account for the fact that plans might change.

“Countries set a minimum of three or six months of passport validity for foreign visitors to facilitate efficient immigration procedures, bolster security measures and improve emergency management,” Alwadish said. “This ensures that visitors have a valid travel document throughout their stay and can respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, these requirements promote fairness and reciprocity in visa policies, fostering balanced relationships between countries.”

The specific duration varies from country to country, and not every destination has these requirements.

“For example, the Mexican government only requires that your passport is valid during the entirety of your trip versus after the trip,” Alwadish said.

How To Make Sure You’re OK To Travel

“For a lot of folks, it’s not an issue since you get 10 years out of a passport,” Nastro said. “When you realize it’s the year your passport expires, however, you actually might be running against a six-month clock depending on where you are traveling to. It makes sense to just go through the renewal process sooner rather than later.”

She recommended renewing your passport a year before it’s due to expire so that you know it’s all taken care of early.

“With expedited processing and wait times at record lows, you’ll most likely see a new book back sooner than expected,” Nastro added.

When it comes to passports and other important travel documents, advanced planning is the name of the game.

“While some countries enforce uniform rules for all foreign visitors, others may have different requirements depending on the visitor’s nationality or specific visa agreements,” Alwadish said. “It is so vital that travelers check the entry requirements of their destination country to understand any variations based on nationality.”

He recommended reviewing an embassy or consulate website in your home country for the place you want to visit. Most provide detailed information about entry requirements for foreign visitors. You might also consult the State Department’s website or travel advisories from the immigration authority at your destination.

Once you have that information, compare your passport expiration date with your planned travel dates.

“To cross-reference with the country’s validity rules, start from the day you return and add the number of months required for the validity,” Alwadish said. “The rule is usually three to six months from the day you return, not from the day you leave.”

Make sure to check the rules of the airline you’re flying as well, especially if you only have four or five months of validity after the date you return home.

“If you don’t have six months of validity starting from the date you return from the trip, the airline has the power to turn you away, whether they’re right or wrong,” Alwadish said. “You should call them and have them put a note in the system regarding this issue so they’re aware of it prior to your arrival at the airport.”

Confirm that your passport has sufficient blank pages and is not damaged. If you changed your name recently due to marriage, divorce or another reason, your passport will need to reflect that as well. Don’t forget to see if your destination requires a visa or electronic travel authorization.

In the event that an issue arises, there are ways to get your travel documents in a rush , but you can avoid the extra stress and hassle by doing a few extra checks in advance. Then, just relax and enjoy your international vacation. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

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Real Madrid fans travelling to London for the Champions League final must be in possession of a passport

W hen the chips are down, and everything seems lost Real Madrid somehow always find a way through . Los Blancos did it again last night in the return leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern. A goal down and just minutes away from elimination, they defied the odds to score twice in three minutes and book their place in next month’s showpiece in London - the 18th time they have reached the final .

Ancelotti’s team will face Borussia Dortmund on 1 June at Wembley in London , with the aim of clinching their fifteenth European crown .

The club has started the labyrinthine operation to facilitate movement for their fans travelling to the English capital for the final . Madrid has been allocated 25,000 tickets which, as usual, will be distributed, the vast majority at least, to its paid-up club members via a draw if requests exceed the available tickets - which is highly likely.

In an email sent to club members, Madrid reminds fans that anyone who wishes to travel to London to support the team at Wembley must be in possession of a valid passport - the document must a minimum validity of six months from entry into the UK. It means that Spain’s own government-released national identity card (DNI) on its own will not be valid to gain access to the United Kingdom .

Changes to travel after Brexit

The British Government changed the conditions of entry to its territory after Brexit. Since October 2021, it is essential to travel to the United Kingdom with a valid passport. The measure was included within the “new functioning of the British border after the end of the transition period” that culminated with the departure of the country from the European Union.

Spaniards are not the only ones who must travel with a passport to the United Kingdom, but the rule also applies to all those who travel from any country in the European Union, Switzerland or the European Economic Area (countries of the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Therefore, all Madrid fans traveling from any of these countries must remember not to forget to bring a valid passport with them .

Exceptions and how to obtain a passport

There are only two exceptions in which a Spanish citizen can continue traveling to the United Kingdom with their DNI card . Those approved for temporary or permanent residence and who are part of the post-Brexit settlement program and cross-border workers can continue to access British soil with their identity document up until 31 December 2025.

However, this will not be the norm among the vast majority of the 25,000 traveling Real Madrid fans who will be heading to London on June 1 . So a passport is obligatory. Those who are with a valid passport have just a few weeks to apply for one - bearing in mind that it is not always a simple process. The process from start to finish usually takes around three weeks.

Passport applications can be made at any national police station . You will need to bring along your DNI, proof of residence (rent contract, ultility or phone bill) and a recent passport-sized photograph. There is also a processing fee of 30 euros, which can be paid in cash or by check . Families who meet certain conditions (eg. four or more children - Familia Numerosa ) do not have to pay a processing fee. It’s also wise to bear in mind that most police stations operate on an appointment only basis.

Conditions for entry to the United Kingdom changed after Brexit. The standard Spanish national ID card is no longer valid. Travelling fans require a passport that has been valid for at least six months.

How long is a US passport good for? Here's what to know — and how to renew it.

But before you jet off to a faraway location, you need to make sure your passport is not expired. Nothing can ruin a trip quite like showing up at the airport only to find out your passport is invalid.

Some countries even require passports to "be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip," according to the U.S. Department of State.

So, if you're planning on traveling and need to check your travel documents, here is a guide to how long your passport is good for, depending on when it was issued.

How long is a passport good for?

Your passport's expiration date depends on when it was issued or renewed.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport is valid for 10 years if it was issued when you were 16 years old or older. If your passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, your passport is valid for five years.

You can identify your passport's issue date on the data page or on the front of your passport card.

How to find cheap flights: Tips on how to cut travel costs

Can you renew your passport before it expires?

According to the State Department, your passport does not need to be expired for it to be renewed. If you want a new book or a new card, all you must do is submit the valid documents in exchange for new ones.

If your passport has expired, you can still renew it if it has been issued within the last 15 years.

How long are passports taking right now?

As of Nov. 2023, the processing time for a passport is between seven to 10 weeks for routine processing. For expedited processing, your passport's processing time is between three to five weeks, according to the State Department.

Processing time does not include mailing time, and it could take up to two weeks from your application day for your passport to be "In Process."

How long does it take to get a passport? What is the fastest way to get one?

What do I need to bring to renew my passport?

According to the USAGov, these are the documents you will need if you're applying for a passport:

Application form
Your most recent passport
Passport photo

If you name has changed since your last passport, you will have to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of your name change .

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From " What to bring camping? " to " What is the smallest country? " to " What state has the lowest population? " – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.

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E-gates back online after chaos at Heathrow and other UK airports

Home Office rules out cyber-attack as a cause of technical outage that delayed thousands of passengers at passport control

The e-gates failure that left thousands of passengers queueing at UK airports has been resolved, the Home Office has said while ruling out a cyber-attack as a cause.

Airports said passengers could expect to travel smoothly again on Wednesday after widespread delays on Tuesday evening owing to a nationwide technical outage affecting UK Border Force e-gates.

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol airports all confirmed problems with passengers being processed through the border on Tuesday.

Border officials were left to manually process all travellers instead. Pictures shared on social media showed long queues forming at passport control at several airports.

A Home Office spokesperson said on Wednesday: “E-gates at UK airports came back online shortly after midnight.

“As soon as engineers detected a wider system network issue at 7.44pm last night, a large-scale contingency response was activated within six minutes.

“At no point was border security compromised, and there is no indication of malicious cyber-activity.” Heathrow airport’s X account also confirmed soon after midnight that systems were running as usual.

Manchester airport said a dedicated team and customer services staff were supporting passengers while UK Border Force fixed the problem.

Among delayed passengers were Sam Morter, 32, who arrived at Heathrow from Sri Lanka, said it was “pandemonium” when he got to passport control in Terminal 3, where all of the E-gates had blank screens.

He told the PA news agency: “There was a lot of Border Force officials running and scrambling around. Four or five went to man the posts and start processing the UK passports manually.

“But at the same time, hundreds of passengers started to flood into passport control, so it all of a sudden became chaotic and they couldn’t cope with the number of the people coming in.

“We weren’t given any information. There was no information on the Tannoys or from staff.”

Another affected traveller wrote on X: “Long queues at Heathrow airport where passengers are being held at arrivals for a system failure. Been here already 1 hour and the queue is only getting bigger. No communication given to anyone on what is the timeframe to sort this out.”

Another person posted video footage of the chaos and wrote: “No e-gates working. This is the current queue in Gatwick airport with lots of children and no water.”

One X user at Heathrow wrote: “Been stood here over an hour! My taxi has cancelled and at this rate I’ll be too late for a train.” Another wrote: “My daughter has been waiting in a queue for over 2 hours now after a 12-hour flight.”

There are 270 automated gates in total at 15 air and rail ports in the UK, using facial recognition to allow people to enter the country.

Passengers were already facing disrupted journeys to and from airports owing to industrial action affecting train services across the UK throughout this week until Saturday.

Border Force workers also staged a four-day strike at Heathrow in a dispute over working conditions last week.

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Be Passport Aware: Check passport expiry before booking trips

Before booking that trip, check to see if everyone’s passport is valid for entry into the country your family is planning to visit.

Be Passport Aware.

It’s that time of the year when families are busy making their holiday plans. Amidst the flurry of booking flights and accommodations, one important detail tends to get overlooked: is everyone’s passport valid for entry into the country you plan to visit?

Most countries in the region require at least six months’ validity on a passport for entry to be granted. The British High Commission can issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) in place of passports that do not meet the required validity, but there are other considerations: some countries may require visas for those entering on ETDs. Other countries, such as Myanmar and Laos, will not allow entry at all on an ETD. Needless to say, it can be very distressing when holiday plans go awry at the last minute.

Another commonly overlooked detail is the validity of children’s passports. They expire after five years compared to ten years for adults (16 years and older). Many parents realise this only when they check in for their flights. And when this happens, parents need to rebook flights and accommodation, apply for ETDs for their children, and if needed, apply for visas. These all result in delays and unforeseen additional costs.

In the last quarter of 2015, 32% of the ETDs we issued were due to passports not having enough validity for travel to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Most countries around Asia require six months’ validity on passports.

Tips Before You Book That Holiday

Get your holiday planning off to a good start by:

Visiting foreign travel advice for the country you are visiting to find out what the entry requirements are
Checking everyone’s passports to make sure that they are valid for entry
Finding out from the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting if a visa is required
Apply for a replacement passport as soon as possible

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Travel chaos at airports across UK - as London and Manchester confirm nationwide border issue

Both Stansted and Gatwick airports said the issue was related to e-gates at passport control.

By Claire Gilbody Dickerson, news reporter

Tuesday 7 May 2024 23:08, UK

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Airport chaos across UK as border system down'

Chaos has been reported at airports across the UK - as several airports have confirmed a nationwide border issue.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: "Border Force is currently experiencing a nationwide issue which is impacting passengers being processed through the border.

"Our teams are supporting Border Force with their contingency plans to help resolve the problem as quickly as possible and are on hand to provide passenger welfare. We apologise for any impact this is having to passenger journeys."

UK airports confirmed to be affected by Border Force issue

London Heathrow

London Gatwick

London Stansted

Southampton

Follow latest: 'Queues only getting bigger' after London and Manchester a irports confirm nationwide issue

Manchester Airport also confirmed that the UK Border System is down as part of a nationwide outage.

Bristol Airport said on X it had also been affected by the issue as it warned passengers that "e-gates are not available and wait times may be longer than normal".

A spokesperson for AGS Airports which operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports has told Sky News they are impacted by the nationwide outage of the UK Border system.

The flights schedule means they are not currently affected by any queues, but Glasgow airport is due to have international arrivals later this evening.

The spokesperson said that if the situation continues they would expect passengers to be affected at Glasgow airport but contingency plans are in place and extra staff will be on hand to assist passengers.

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "Some passengers may experience delays at immigration due to a nationwide issue with UK Border Force e-gates.

"Our staff are working with UK Border Force - who operate passport control including the e-gates - to provide assistance to passengers where necessary."

It said its teams are working to assist passengers in the airport.

Seems to be a UK nationwide airport system crash. No e gates working. This is the current queue in Gatwick airport with lots of children and no water #welcometotheuk pic.twitter.com/ckT21gJYXx — Rosie (@rxsiebo) May 7, 2024

A passenger at Gatwick Airport posted a video of the queues, saying on X that there were "lots of children and no water".

At Gatwick airport, the queue is over an hour long, with people being given no information on how long it may take for them to get through passport control, Sky News understands, while getting people on trains into London has also become an issue.

One passenger at Heathrow Airport said they had already been in the queue for an hour and it was "only getting bigger".

They added there had been "no communication" on how long it may take to resolve the issue.

Sky News correspondent Sadiya Chowdhury, reporting from Heathrow Airport, said one passenger had been in a queue for about three hours.

Last year, at the end of May, there were similar problems with e-gates and it took a day to resolve the issue as human officers had to check people's passports while the automated machines were out of service.

The country's air traffic system also suffered issues in August 2023 when a technical problem disrupted the National Air Traffic Service for several hours.

Long queues at Heathrow airport where passengers are being held at arrivals for a system failure. Been here already 1hour and the queue is only getting bigger. No communication given to anyone on what is the timeframe to sort this out. #welcomeback #heathrow #london #england pic.twitter.com/1BR71tetJh — A N D Y (@A_N_D_Y_3) May 7, 2024

Stansted Airport said on X: "UK Border Force is experiencing nationwide issues affecting e-gates at a number of airports, including London Stansted."

They said in a statement to Sky News: "Our operational and customer service colleagues are supporting passengers while UK Border Force and the Home Office fix the issue."

Queues seen at Manchester Airport. Pic: @GoggleBizTog

Edinburgh Airport said: "Border Force is experiencing a nationwide technical outage affecting UK airports.

"Although not in a peak arrivals period, some passengers may experience longer than normal waits at the Border while UKBF works to fix the issue." It added: "Thank you for your patience."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We are aware of a technical issue affecting e-gates across the country.

"We are working closely with Border Force and affected airports to resolve the issue as soon as possible and apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused."

The disruption comes after Border Force workers staged a four-day strike at Heathrow in a dispute over working conditions last week.

The union said the workers were protesting against plans to introduce new rosters they claim will see around 250 of them forced out of their jobs at passport control.

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Euro 2024 travel advice for Brits heading to Germany including passport and stadium rules

From entry requirements to match tickets, here's everything you need to know according to the Foreign Office if you're heading to the matches this June and July

17:47, 9 MAY 2024

Around 2.7 million football fans will be heading to Germany this summer for Euro 2024

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Millions of football fans will be getting ready to head abroad this summer for one of the biggest and most highly-anticipated tournaments in the world.

The UEFA European Football Championship , otherwise known as Euro 2024, will take place in Germany from June 14 to July 14. More than 30 million people from over 200 countries applied for the tickets to the matches back in December, with England among the countries with the highest number of fans vying for a spot to witness sporting history - three years after England lost out to defending champions Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 finals at Wembley.

With 2.7 million tickets having been made available for the competition, Germany will be flooded with football fans next month across its 10 host cities including Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich. If you're one of those lucky people, here's everything you need to know when it comes to entry requirements, match tickets and stadium rules.

READ MORE: Travellers entering EU countries like Spain set to have fingerprints scanned from this year

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Passport and entry requirements

Germany adheres to EU passport rules, which means that your passport must have both been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country, and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave, in order to be valid. You may also need to show a return or onward ticket and prove that you have enough money for your stay at the German border.

Germany is also part of the Schengen Area, which means a trip there will count towards the 90-day visa-free limit. Your total stay in the Schengen Area, which includes 27 countries, must be no more than a total of 90 days in every 180 days, regardless of how many countries you visit.

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Germany as a visitor, as border guards will use passport stamps to check you're complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen Area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit, the FCDO warned.

Match tickets

Entrance to the Euro 2024 matches will be electronic, with tickets set to be distributed via the official UEFA Mobile Tickets app at the end of May, and you will need your mobile phone to validate them when you get to the stadium. Make sure your phone is charged and take into account roaming charges in Germany - the FCDO advises checking with your phone provider before you travel.

While the main ticket sales phase has now ended, tickets for the Knockout Stage are due to be released from June 23 depending on which teams qualify. You should only buy match tickets from official providers, as match tickets bought through unofficial means may not be valid - and if you sell tickets through unofficial means, you could be prosecuted.

Stadium rules

Entry restrictions may be different for each stadium, and visitors are advised to check the Euro 2024 venues guide for more information, as well as the Euro 2024 app . You are allowed to carry a small power bank so that you have enough power on your phone to show your ticket.

There are some general rules which apply to all the stadiums, including:

Bags larger than A4 size won't be allowed into the stadium
You can bring a small power bank, no larger than your phone
Make sure you have a valid form of ID on you
Professional cameras and cane umbrellas are not permitted inside the stadium. However, you can bring a small, fully collapsible umbrella
All Euro 2024 stadiums are smoke-free venues. So smoking, e-cigarettes and any other tobacco products are not allowed

Each host city will have a football village, where fans can spend time before and during the matches. Restrictions on what you can take into football villages and live viewing areas may vary between cities.

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6 best travel wallets for organising passports and holiday documents

Prepare for your next trip, with top-rated wallets that will keep your essentials safe, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

We looked for stylish travel wallets with room for all the essentials, as well as those that reduce the risk of identity fraud

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for insider tips and product reviews from our shopping experts

From passports to visas, the paperwork is all important when it comes to jetting from one country to another, which is why it’s worth investing in one of the best travel wallets, to keep all your documents safe and ready to access when you need them.

Luckily, some of our favourite travel accessory brands have risen to the challenge, producing fantastic travel wallets that not only have room for all the essentials but look incredibly stylish and reduce the risk of identity fraud, too.

We strongly recommend opting for RFID (radio-frequency identification) wallets, which use nickel and copper-coated material (usually polyester) to reduce the risk of identity fraud, by blocking the electromagnetic signals emitted from your bank cards.

Take the time to think about what you’re going to be using your wallet for – if you’re going to fill it to capacity, we’d recommend opting for a zip closure, but if easy access is a priority, don’t write off the humble magnet or press-stud closure.

We’re also huge fans of wallets that have clamshell openings – ones that open fully, like a book , rather than requiring you to extract your essentials through tiny openings.

The best travel wallets for 2024 are:

Best travel wallet overall – Lifeventure RFID mini travel wallet: £24.94, Amazon.co.uk
Best budget travel wallet – Go Travel RFID organiser: £19.99, Go.travel
Best compact travel wallet – Jack Wolfskin cashbag wallet: £24, Jack-wolfskin.co.uk
Best for simplicity – Keela travel ID wallet: £24.95, Keelaoutdoors.com
Best large travel wallet – House of Disaster animal-print travel wallet: £29.99, Houseofdisaster.com

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Lifeventure RFID mini travel wallet

Best : Travel wallet overall
Material : Nickel- and copper-coated polyester
Handy transparent pockets
Can also store your phone
Good choice of colours

This wallet has seven card pockets, including one covered by transparent plastic. Our advice? Use this one to stash ID cards, such as a driver’s licence – you can flash it without having to remove it from the wallet.

Larger slip pockets – placed beneath the smaller ones – are ideal for boarding passes and passports, and we used the pocket made from mesh to stash our iPhone. It’s another RFID wallet, which relies on nickel- and copper-coated polyester fabric to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Call us fickle but we loved the choice of four colourways, too.

Go Travel RFID organiser

Best : Budget travel wallet
Material : Polyester
Great price
Slim but stuffed with pockets
Easy to access

Identity theft is no longer an invisible threat that brands merely use to convince us to part with extra cash. Well, some brands might still take this approach but Go Travel, which is known for its top-quality RFID travel wallets, definitely isn’t one of them, and this wallet is a case in point.

Despite its slimline design, it’s stuffed with pockets, to hold everything from passports (our rigorous testing proved that there was more than enough room for four) to boarding passes, which we placed in the extra-wide pockets beneath the ones designed to hold passports.

Unlike with similar products, the RFID tech has added minimal bulk, and its clamshell design, with zips that opened on three sides of each half of the wallet, meant refreshingly easy access to the contents.

Fjällräven kånken travel wallet

Best : Travel wallet for easy access
Material : 65 per cent polyester, 35 per cent cotton
Extra-wide pockets
Tough and water-resistant

How Fjällräven managed to squeeze so many pockets into such a compact wallet, we’ll never know. We had plenty of room for our passport, vaccination documentation and foreign currency, which we placed inside the wallet, while we kept our boarding passes in the extra-wide exterior pocket on the wallet’s rear.

There’s an incredible sense of toughness to the kånken (thanks, partly, to the water-resistant G-1000 fabric), and we loved how the concertina-like strip of material between the wallet’s two halves meant we could open the wallet fully – no fumbling around through narrow openings to extricate essential documents.

Keela travel ID wallet

Best : For simplicity
Material : Unspecified
Can be worn under garments
Great for easy access
No bells an whistles

To begin with, we were sceptical about the simplicity of this wallet but we’re now total converts. In recent years, partly because of the extra documentation required for travel (whether it’s vaccination paperwork or visa forms, much of which isn’t required to check in for a flight), we’ve taken to carrying our passport in a separate wallet, simply so we can produce it without riffling through irrelevant paperwork. Our top tip? Before entering the airport, place your boarding pass and passport in this transparent wallet (which slips neatly under jackets or T-shirts) and simply whip them out as and when required.

Jack Wolfskin cashbag wallet

Best : Compact travel wallet
Material : Shell: 100 per cent polyamide; lining: 100 per cent polyester
Great for thick wads of cash
Small and easy to carry around

We love the name of this RFID wallet – if only because it brings to mind an accessory stuffed with thick wads of cash. That wasn’t the case where we were concerned, to be clear, although, we did find the extra-wide pocket useful for quickly stashing a wad of 1,000 Indian Rupees (don’t get excited – this equates to about £10).

It’s one of the smallest travel wallets in our selection, but that’s precisely why we love it – although it might not be large enough for your passport, it’s got more than enough room for currency, boarding passes and paperwork, and its size means it slips easily into pockets.

House of Disaster animal-print travel wallet

Best : Large travel wallet
Material : Vegan-friendly ‘leather’, faux cheetah fur, cotton lining
Funky, stylish design
Labelled compartments

We were instantly smitten with the flash of pink against the animal print, but the interior of this wallet was just as impressive. A zippered pocket was perfect for stashing loose change, while we used the shallow card pockets for hotel room keys and business cards. The highlight, however, was the main compartment, with its four dividers, clearly labelled (in chic golden font, no less) to indicate separate pockets for passports, tickets, documents and ‘other’.

Full disclosure, we were initially concerned by its larger size but a trip to India, which involved multiple internal flights (read: lots of tickets), visas and vaccination documentation, meant we easily filled this particular wallet.

It’s also available in a leopard-print design (£29.99, Houseofdisaster.com ).

The verdict: Travel wallets

If you want a wallet with all the bells and whistles, the Lifeventure RFID mini travel wallet is an absolute essential for jet-setters. It’s a great example of a product that proves opting for extra security doesn’t require going down the supersized route. Meanwhile, Fjällräven’s kånken travel wallet is a sturdy, stylish piece of kit that stands up to serious amounts of wear and tear. If you like to stand out from the crowd, however, the House of Disaster animal-print travel wallet offers a dose of dopamine-boosting design.

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