The UK 10-Year Passport Rule Explained

Previously, travellers from the UK could add up to nine extra months from their old passport to their new one. However, since Brexit, UK passport validity rules in Europe have changed. Now, EU countries won't accept passports that were issued over 10 years ago.

This article will explain the EU ten-year passport rule for British citizens, why it exists, any possible exceptions, and how you can easily renew your UK passport.

Table of contents

• What is the 10-Year Passport Rule for Entering the EU?
• Why Was This Rule Introduced?
• 10-Year Passport Rule Exceptions
• UK Passport Renewal Online: Step-by-Step
• UK Passport Photo Requirements
• UK Passport Photo Online
• UK Passport Photo App
• Tips for traveling from the UK to the EU

What is the 10-Year Passport Rule for Entering the EU?

The “Ten-year rule passport” means that to visit EU countries (with some exceptions mentioned below), your UK passport must:

• Have been issued within the last 10 years from the date you enter the EU country (the “date of issue”).
• Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave (the “date of expiry”).

Can a UK passport be valid for more than 10 years? – Passports issued before September 2018 might show a validity of more than 10 years because of an old carryover practice. However, EU countries no longer accept these extended validity periods. Now, all UK passports used for travel to the EU and Schengen area must follow the UK passport ten-year rule.

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

When the UK left the EU, British passport holders were reclassified as “third-country nationals,” meaning they must follow the same entry rules as other non-EU citizens. This rule was created to standardize passport validity across the EU and Schengen Area.

10-Year Passport Rule Exceptions

The 10-year passport rule Brexit applies to travel to the 26 countries in the Schengen Area, but there are key exceptions: Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Always check the entry requirements for your specific destination.

UK Passport Renewal Online: Step-by-Step

If your passport doesn't meet the 10-year and 3-month UK passport validity rules, you need to renew it before travelling to the EU. Passport renewals usually take about 3 weeks in the UK, so plan ahead to avoid any issues at the airport.

Here's a simple guide to renewing your passport online:

1. Visit the Apply-Renew-Passport page on the Gov.uk website.
2. Click the “Start now” button, answer a few questions, and proceed to the application form.
3. Carefully fill out the form and upload your photos and documents.
4. Pay the required fee.
5. If needed, ask someone to confirm your identity.
6. Track your application and collect your passport once it’s ready.

UK Passport Photo Requirements

To ensure your UK passport photos are accepted, follow these guidelines:

• The photo size must be 35×45 mm. For digital photos, dimensions should be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, with a file size between 50 KB and 10 MB.
• The distance from your chin to the top of your head should be between 29 mm and 34 mm, and the photo must show your entire head and the top of your shoulders.
• The photo should be in colour.
• The photo must be taken within the last month.
• The photo should have a plain, light-coloured background.
• You must face forward and look directly at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
• Your eyes should be open and fully visible, with no hair covering them.
• You cannot wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you wear regular glasses, make sure there are no glares or reflections.
• You cannot wear hats or head coverings unless they are for religious or medical reasons, and nothing should cover your face.

Here is a sample:

UK Passport Photo Online

For a hassle-free experience obtaining a UK passport photo, try Visafoto.com. This professional photo editing service boasts a 99.7% approval rate, ensuring your photo will meet official UK standards.

Just snap your picture against a plain white background and upload it to Visafoto.com. Our tool will handle all necessary adjustments, such as image size, format, background colour, and facial positioning.

You’ll receive both a digital version for online applications and a print-ready version. If you're not satisfied with the result, we offer a full refund.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this:

After resizing, your will get a photo for online submission like this one:

UK Passport Photo App

Another convenient way to take a photo for a UK passport that meets the requirements is to use the specialized online photo editor 7ID App. This user-friendly app makes the passport photo-taking process easy, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device.

Simply upload your photo and select the type of document and country. The app will automatically format your photo to meet official specifications, including adjustments to size, format, and background colour. You’ll receive a digital file and a print template.

For enhanced editing, use 7ID's Expert Tool. It employs advanced algorithms to refine your photos, regardless of the background.

Tips for traveling from the UK to the EU

If you're a British passport holder planning a holiday or business trip to the EU, you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a visa. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days within a 180-day period, check the FCDO travel advice to find out the visa requirements for the country you’re visiting.

Keep in mind British passport expiry rules: you should renew your passport if it has less than 3 months of validity left while you’re travelling. This rule does not apply to travel to Ireland; as long as your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, you’re good to go.

Use the 7ID App and Visafoto.com tools to ensure your UK passport photo meets all the required specifications!