Passports - British Citizens
It's important to check the expiry dates of all travellers' passports well in advance of departure as all destinations have different entry requirements. The following information is relevant only for British citizens and UK passport holders.
Applying For A Passport
If you need to apply for a UK passport, you can do this online
For the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a passport, please click here
You can also apply by post. You can pick up passport application forms from your local Post Office where you can take advantage of the Post Office Check and Send service
HM Passport Office advises that you should generally allow up to 3 weeks to receive your passport for standard renewals and applications.
Getting a Passport Urgently
You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long
https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently
Passport Photo
There are strict rules and criteria regarding the photos you submit for your passport. These must be followed stringently or they may not be accepted and the whole process may need to be repeated.
If you have any further queries, you may contact the Passport Advice line on 0300 222 0000, charges may be applied.
For Schengen Travel
Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive - if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm
Ireland
British nationals are not legally required to show a passport to enter Ireland, but we still recommend you have your passport with you.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland/entry-requirements
Turkey
To enter Turkey, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive and at least 1 blank page.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
USA
To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
Vietnam
To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:
- an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive
- at least 2 blank pages
- no damage - British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam/entry-requirements
Last updated: February 2026
