New research highlights widespread confusion
A new fee is coming(Image: MarioGuti via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers are being urged to double-check their passport details before jetting off, following fresh research from Saga Travel Insurance highlighting widespread confusion over entry requirements, expiry rules and post-Brexit travel regulations. The insurer polled 500 UK residents and discovered that Britons risk unnecessary disruption abroad due to simple mistakes.
The study revealed that 16% were unaware when their passports would expire, 10% had fewer than 12 months of validity remaining, and 8% were holding passports that had already expired. Furthermore, one in 14 (7%) travellers had been turned away at borders because their passport didn’t have sufficient time left before expiry.
Michelle Cooper, director of Travel Insurance at Saga, has outlined the essential passport rules travellers need to know before departure. She also highlighted upcoming changes regarding a new charge that UK citizens will shortly face when travelling to Europe.
Michelle said: “Nobody should have their holidays ruined because of a simple passport error. A few quick checks can help people avoid unnecessary stress, unexpected costs and disruption at the airport.”
The passport regulations tripping up Brits post-Brexit
Half (50%) of holidaymakers remain uncertain about the visa and travel requirements for visiting Europe following Brexit. Michelle said: “If you’re travelling to Europe for an extended period, you may now be required to apply for a new visa type. Travellers can spend up to 90 days in the Schengen area within any rolling 180‐day period, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.
“The 180 days are counted backwards from each day you’re in the EU or a Schengen country, so every trip adds up. That means even frequent short breaks can push you over the limit without realising.
“If you go beyond 90 days, you could face fines or even a ban from re-entering. Anyone planning to stay longer will need to apply for the new Schengen Visa.”
The Schengen zone comprises 29 European nations where visitors can travel freely between borders without standard passport controls. Popular getaway spots including France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal are all included.
According to recent data from Saga Travel Insurance, the ’10-year passport rule’ has sparked the most online debate amongst passport-related concerns, with Reddit threads on the subject receiving 35,417 upvotes.
Michelle explained: “EU and Schengen countries require passports to be less than 10 years old on the day of entry. While all new passports last exactly ten years, passports issued before 2018 remain valid for 10 years and nine months. If you have an older passport, make sure you check both the issue date and expiry date before travelling to avoid problems at the border.”
Brits warned over new ETIAS travel checks for Europe
From late 2026 onwards, British holidaymakers heading to most European destinations will be required to secure approval through a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before departure. Authorities have yet to confirm a specific launch date.
The scheme mirrors the UK’s own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) framework and affects visa-exempt visitors travelling to 30 European nations for brief trips lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day timeframe. A fee of 20 Euros — around £17 — will be charged.
Michelle said: “Travellers may not realise that visiting Europe will soon involve an additional pre-travel authorisation step. From late 2026, British holidaymakers will need to apply for ETIAS approval before travelling to many popular European destinations.
“The authorisation will be linked directly to your passport, meaning travellers could be denied boarding if their ETIAS details don’t match their travel document or if the authorisation has expired. Most ETIAS applications are expected to be processed within minutes, but it could take longer if additional checks are required. Holidaymakers should apply well in advance of departure to avoid last-minute disruptions.
“Similar systems already exist elsewhere. For example, UK travellers visiting the United States must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before departure. These systems are becoming more common globally, so it’s important to check requirements for each destination well ahead of travel.
“As with passport validity rules, people are responsible for making sure they have the correct travel authorisation before they leave the country. If someone is unable to travel because they failed to obtain valid ETIAS or ESTA approval, travel insurance is unlikely to cover costs associated with denied boarding or cancelled trips.”
