A single passport regulation threatens to prevent approximately 100,000 British citizens from traveling to Europe, even with valid documents in hand.
Tourists are being cautioned that several EU nations, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Greece, will reject passports issued over a decade ago, regardless of remaining validity.
Recent data from the Home Office reveals a staggering 32 million passport applications, potentially surpassing 120 years old due to nine months “carry-over” from previous documents.
Travel expert Simon Calder estimates that hundreds of individuals daily, and up to 100,000 annually, may encounter flight denial due to this rule.
The issue gained prominence following the case of 31-year-old Nathan Barnes, who was barred from boarding a flight to France despite online check-in and security clearance, as reported by Bristol Live.
Recounting his experience to the BBC, Barnes expressed disappointment and surprise at being turned away at the boarding gate.
Notably, the regulation applies to all EU nations except Ireland, requiring passports to be under a decade old and with at least three months’ validity post-return date.
