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The UK travellers should know more about passport regulations particularly the “10-year rule,” to avoid disruptions as air travel experiences a surge this summer.

The cost of obtaining or renewing a UK passport has become a critical concern, especially with increasing demand and rising travel costs.

Understanding the “10-Year Rule”

Post-Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the EU’s passport agreement which allowed the carryover of up to nine months of an old passport’s validity into a new one.

This change affects British holidaymakers traveling to the EU, as well as to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) like Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, plus Switzerland.

Under the “10-year rule,” a UK passport must be issued within the last ten years from the date of entry into these countries and must also be valid for at least three months after the planned departure date.

Failure to meet these criteria means travellers can be denied entry.

Costs of Passport Services

For those looking to renew or acquire a new passport, fees vary based on the method of application:

An adult passport costs £88.50 when applied for online and £100 for postal applications. For children, the fee is £57.50 online and £69 by post.

The fees increase for overseas applications and urgent processing needs. Remarkably, passports remain free for UK citizens born on or before September 2, 1929.

Application and Renewal Process

Renewing or applying for a passport can be done online via the HM Passport Office or through a paper application available at certain Post Offices.

An online application requires a digital photo meeting specific standards, while a paper application requires two identical printed photos.

Processing times typically are up to three weeks but may extend during peak periods like before school holidays.

For urgent needs, appointments can be booked at passport offices for a faster turnaround.

Key Recommendations

Travellers are urged to check their passport’s issue date and ensure it adheres to the destination’s entry requirements well before their travel date to avoid any issues.

It’s also advisable to monitor potential delays during busy periods and consider renewing passports early if necessary.