UK Passport Rules in 2025: Everything YOU Need to Know
Oh the humble passport. That little blue (or burgundy) book holds the power to unlock beachy escapes, weekend city breaks, and dreamy European summers. BUT, if you haven’t checked yours recently, you could be in for a nasty surprise at the airport thanks to the new UK passport rules.
Thousands of Brits have been caught out by recent rule changes, mostly thanks to the confusing 10-year rule. Figures show that one in 20 people have actually had to cancel, postpone or miss a trip completely because of passport problems. Don’t let that be you!
So, what’s changed?
Not loads with the application process – you still apply online or at the Post Office. BUT from 10 April 2025, the price has gone up again. A standard adult passport now costs £94.50, which makes ours one of the priciest passports in Europe. Cheers for that.
You should get it back in around three weeks (from when the documents are received, not when you post them). Though, this can drag out around school holidays, because everyone and their dog suddenly needs a passport renewal then. And I’ve also heard of people getting them sooner, so who knows really? Best to just send it off ASAP.
The 10-Year Rule that’s catching people out
Since Brexit, UK passport holders are now seen as ‘third-country nationals’ when travelling to the EU. This means:
- Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you depart.
- It must have at least 3 months left before it expires on the day you return.
This is especially tricky if your passport was issued before September 2018. Back then, the Passport Office sometimes added leftover months from your old passport onto the new one – so you could have a passport that looks in date, but was actually issued more than 10 years ago.
It used to be ok, but since Brexit, it’s not.
Result? You could get turned away at the gate, even if it doesn’t expire for months. Brutal.
You won’t get compensation either. It’s your responsibility to check.
Is your passport actually valid?
Here’s a quick checklist to avoid any drama:
- Is your passport still in date? ✅
- Was it issued after September 2018? ✅
- Will it be less than 10 years old when you fly home? ✅
- Does it have at least 3 months left on it when you come back? ✅
- Have you checked the passport rules for the country you’re visiting? ✅
If you answered ‘no’ to any of these… you need to sort it out!
Need a new passport fast?
You’re not alone – 1 in 5 Brits have had to renew their passport within weeks of travel according to the stats. If you’ve left it too late for the regular route, you might need to book a fast-track appointment at one of the UK’s seven passport offices.
Top tip: the closest office might not have any slots, so be prepared to travel. You can find times and prices for urgent services here.
Don’t forget the kids!
Children’s passports only last five years, and it creeps up fast. Double check them – getting an urgent child passport appointment can take a week or more.
Avoid fake websites
Please, for the love of travel, make sure you’re on the official passport site when applying. Some scam sites look identical but charge way more – or worse, steal your info.
Want help? The Post Office offers a Check & Send service for £16. They’ll check your docs, make sure your photo is valid, and send it all via Special Delivery. If you’re going to pay anyone for assistance with your passport, pay them.
What’s new with the passports themselves?
UK passports are now blue, biometric, and packed with high-tech anti-fraud features like holograms and microprinting. When the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is introduced in the EU (sometime in 2025), passports will be scanned digitally, so no more stamps.
Unless you’re travelling with a child. Then it’s back to the manual queue with you.
Will we need a visa for the EU?
Soon, yes. Enter: ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme. From sometime in 2025 (delayed again… shocker), UK travellers will need to apply online for permission to visit the EU.
It’s basically Europe’s version of the US ESTA. It’ll cost €7, last for 3 years, and should be approved in minutes. Should. There’ll be a six-month grace period when it starts, but expect some teething problems and possible delays at passport control.
Final passport tips for 2025
- Check your passport BEFORE you book your flights
- Triple check for kids’ expiry dates
- Make sure you’ve got enough time left AND it wasn’t issued more than 10 years ago
- Only use the official GOV.UK site
- Book fast-track services early if needed