Since Brexit holidaying abroad has become something of a pain, but it doesn't necessarily need to be the case.

Holidaymakers travelling to the EU have previously been warned about the "passport 10-year rule".

UK travellers used to be able to carry up to nine months from an old passport over onto a new one.

But post-Brexit, EU countries will not accept passports issued more than 10 years ago.

Are you affected by the 10-year rule?

  • Check if your passport was issued before September 2018
  • Has it passed its 10th anniversary? Even if it has several months left to run, it is invalid for travel to all EU countries except Ireland as well as Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland
  • If you are going to these countries you must have a passport issued less than 10 years before your departure date
  • If your passport is invalid you can try and book an emergency appointment online, externally at your nearest passport office which offers a one-day and a one-week fast-track service
  • Otherwise, passports can be renewed online, externally by HM Passport Office or by using a paper application from certain Post Offices

It can take up to three weeks to renew a passport from the UK.

Recommended reading:

Where can UK passport holders go without a visa? 155 places

How long does it take to renew a passport and how to apply?

Which countries require 6 months validity on your passport?

What countries can I visit without a UK passport?

According to CabinZero, if you're looking for a spontaneous adventure without the hassle of passport paperwork, UK citizens can travel to several countries without a passport, including:

  • Within the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
  • Crown Dependencies (Bailiwicks of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey, and the Isle of Man)
  • Ireland

Furthermore, UK passport holders can travel visa-free to 191 countries and territories. 

Note: You still need to perform an alternative form of identification, such as a photo of your driver's licence, government-issued ID, health insurance, or train pass.

Birth certificates or international student cards can also be accepted.