How long does it take to renew a UK passport? The application explained and how long you need on it to travel

HM Passport Office said a huge backlog in processing has been exacerbated by more than five million people delaying renewing passports during Covid because of travel restrictions

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Countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA, only require passports to be valid for the length of a person’s stay, but other countries such as China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey require at least six months.

The Government advises travellers to check individual country passport requirements before they travel.

In general, many countries that require a visa to enter will require at least six months validity on passports before entry.

Why has there been some confusion over EU and Schengen entry rules?

The rules on passport expiry dates for visiting the EU and Schengen nations were confused by the Home Office after they issued incorrect information that contradicted the European Commission. They wrongly stated that passengers must have ten years left on their passport for their entire stay in the EU. Meaning that passengers could be denied entry if their passport is more than nine years and nine months old.

The UK government’s opinion has no legal standing as the rules on entering a country are set by the nation you are travelling to, not the one you are travelling from.

Unfortunately, the Home Office’s misleading advice filtered down to airlines and airline staff, who have been known to incorrectly deny boarding to Britons with passports with over nine years and nine months but less than ten years left.

If you are close to your passport’s expiry date and are concerned that you could be denied boarding when visiting Europe you should contact your airline directly to confirm their boarding policies before travel.

Why is it taking so long to process applications?

Though MPs, including Conservative Grahame Morris, have described the passport processing backlog as “foreseeable”, the Passport Office has said the backlog has been caused by unprecedented demand.

As international travel returns to normal, more people are applying for new passports previously put off during the pandemic.

In March this year, more than one million new passport applications were processed, 13 per cent more than the previous record in March 2019.

What other issues could international travellers face?

Flight cancellations have beset airlines in recent weeks, with firms blaming recruitment issues as well as Covid-related absences.

There have also been delays at security and passport control within airports due to a lack of staff.