Lanzarote - UK Passport runs out next month - Adivce,

GymGirl_2

Hi there,
I've just booked to go to Lanzarote next Thurs however just realised my partners UK Passport runs out middle of may. When we booked holiday we were asked if our passports had 6 months to run which we agreed they did, however just realised out mistake.

I know I can get a super-quick passport for £100+ but wondered if this was really neccessary?

Any help would be appreciated, thank you :-)

Mrs_Thrify

I belive you can travel on a British passport traveling to europe until the day it runs out.

Voyager2002

I can confirm what #2 says.

There are very few countries that insist on the extra six months: Hong Kong and China are probably the only major tourist destinations among them.

markyb33

I travelled to Gran Canaria with only 3 weeks on my passport and it was fine. The man on the gate just reminded me to renew it.

GymGirl_2

Thanks everyone, think I'll sleep abit better tonight, will probs try to get something in writing from somewhere (not sure where) just incase, I'm not very lucky when it comes to things like this, thanks anyway chaps

xx

naijapower

To be honest. i suggest you double check. What has been posted here sound logical but pls check to avoid any embarassment. Any reputable travel agent can easily verify this. just call any of them. goodluck and enjoy ur hols

dzug1

naijapower wrote: »

To be honest. i suggest you double check. What has been posted here sound logical but pls check to avoid any embarassment. Any reputable travel agent can easily verify this. just call any of them. goodluck and enjoy ur hols

I'd seriously avoid asking a travel agent - they are the source of the universal 6 months myth, which they perpetuate so they don't need to train their staff properly.

If you really want to check the Spanish Embassy/Consulate is the place to try.

Blue264

dzug1 wrote: »

I'd seriously avoid asking a travel agent - they are the source of the universal 6 months myth, which they perpetuate so they don't need to train their staff properly.

Hmmm...! :rolleyes:

As a travel consultant, I can tell you that you require 1 clear page on your passport and it must be valid for the duration of the trip.
But you can check this information easily by joining this website for free as it is a mine of information regarding the passport and visa requirements imposed by national authorities for business and leisure travellers....

https://www.tlcsvisas.com/TLCS/default.aspx

And just to back up this info without you having to join a website...

A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Spain. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/europe/spain?ta=entryRequirements&pg=4

I hope that puts your mind totally at rest.

jammin_2

Blue264 wrote: »

1 clear page on your passport

No.

Blue264 wrote: »

and it must be valid for the duration of the trip.

Yes.

Refer to European Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States:

Article_5(1) wrote:

Right of entry
1. Without prejudice to the provisions on travel documents applicable to national border controls,
Member States shall grant Union citizens leave to enter their territory with a valid identity card or
passport and shall grant family members who are not nationals of a Member State leave to enter
their territory with a valid passport.
No entry visa or equivalent formality may be imposed on Union citizens.

As a British Citizen (UK National), your passport needs to be valid at the time of entry and during your period of residence in the territory of another Member State. It does not need to have any clear pages.

Blue264

Those are the rules regarding residency and working in the EU.
The issue we are dealing with is a holiday with a beginning and a definate end. It would be exceedingly foolhardy to go on a family holiday when your passport is due to expire before the return journey.

If you disagree with the advice of the Foreign Office, by all means feel free to take it up with them.

jammin_2

Blue264 wrote: »

Those are the rules regarding residency and working in the EU.
The issue we are dealing with is a holiday with a beginning and a definate end. It would be exceedingly foolhardy to go on a family holiday when your passport is due to expire before the return journey.

They are the rules regarding the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. The purpose of entry and of stay (not exceeding 3 months) is irrelevant.

Blue264 wrote: »

If you disagree with the advice of the Foreign Office, by all means feel free to take it up with them.

I wouldn't waste my time. National authorities frequently misinterpret EU law.