Abta has issued a reminder about post-Brexit passport rules and encouraged members to share social media material to make their customers aware of the changes.
The European Union now requires British passport holders to satisfy two key validity requirements.
First, the passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date of entering a country. Second, it must be valid for at least three months after the day that travellers plan to return home.
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Abta communications director Graeme Buck said: “The new post-Brexit passport validity rules have the potential to catch some holidaymakers out, so we’re reminding members of the rules and providing guidance they can share with their customers.”
Aside from EU destinations, the rules also apply to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. The rules do not apply to UK passport holders travelling to Ireland.
Abta’s online advice page includes an example of how the rules work, and the body says some passengers need to take “extra care”.
An Abta spokesperson said: “The date of issue is particularly important for any customers who had extra months added to their current passport when they last renewed, which means their passports could be up to 10 years and nine months old.
“These passengers need to take extra care that their passport meets the requirement of being less than 10 years old when they enter the EU.”
Abta is encouraging members to download social media assets designed to make customers aware of the rules. The material can be accessed in the marketing toolkit in the member zone.
Buck added: “With the industry gearing up for a bumper summer of trips to Europe, we’re keen to support our members in making sure it’s as hitch-free as possible.”