When travelling abroad a valid passport to entry the country is required. Before you book your flights make sure your passport is valid for the country you are travelling to and meets all the criteria. You can be denied entry if these are not met, so please take the time to double check.

​

Valid Passport

Checking your passport is valid is the first step. Make sure your passport isn't due to run out, if it needs to be renewed make you do so with enough time before travel. When travelling to Europe make sure your passport expiry date is at least three month after intended day of departure from EU and the issue date is less than 10 years before day of arrival in the EU. 

​

Countries such as Australia, Canada & the United States of America will need your passport to be valid for the length of your stay, however other countries such as China, Thailand, Egypt & Turkey need at least six months.

​

Many countries that require a visa to enter will require at least six months validity on your passport to enter.

​

To check if your passport if valid for the country you are visiting, click here. Make sure to click 'Entry Requirements' to read all the information you will need.

​

Applying for a UK Passport

Need to apply for a UK passport. You can apply for a UK passport online or via a paper application form from your local Post Office. If applying online follow the simple instructions on the screen, you can pay via a debit or credit card. Apply here. If you are applying by post the process can take longer, so make sure all the information submitted is correct.

​

Renewing My Passport

If your passport is due to expire, make sure to renew it as quick as possible as it can take up to 3 weeks to arrive. It costs £88.50 for an online application or £100 if you fill in a paper form. If you have renewed make sure you re-apply for any VISA applications as you will have a new passport number as soon as you get your new passport. Click here to renew online today. 

​

Changing your name or personal details on your passport

You will need to get a new passport to travel abroad or prove your identity if you have changed any of the following;

• your name

• your gender

• your appearance, if you cannot be recognised from your passport photo any more (for example, you’ve had plastic surgery)

​​

The name on your passport must match the one you use when booking your travel. You will be sent a new 10 year passport. Time left on your old passport will not be added to your new one.

​

You do not need to get a new passport if;

​

• change your address or contact details

• get a new job

• change your appearance slightly - for example, dye your hair or grow a beard

• change your marital status (divorce, marry or form a civil partnership) but keep your name

• change your title, for example, doctor or professor

• become a national of another country as well as the UK

• emigrate​

​

Using eGates & Passport Control at Airports

When arriving at the airport if you have a biometric passport & a citizen of the following;

• The United Kingdom (UK) 

• EU 

• EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) 

• Australia 

• New Zealand 

• Canada 

• Japan 

• Singapore 

• South Korea 

• The United States of America (USA) 

• Registered Traveller members with a biometric chipped passport

​

Simply scan your passport on arrival. You may still need to see a border officer if; 

• Travelling with children under 10 years old

• Travelling with a National Identity card or with a passport that does not have a biometric chip

• Coming to the UK for short-term study (under six months)

• Coming to the UK for specific types of work or reasons

• A passport holder of a country not listed above

​

Make sure you have your passport ready for 'Passport Control'. Open to the photo page and remove any covers. ePassport Gates will be quicker so use them if possible. Follow the simple instructions on the screen or get a member of staff to help if there is a problem.