British Passport Query

travellite

Hi all,

I've booked a short trip to Belgium in less than two weeks, flying from Leeds/Bradford. Unfortunately, I have just looked at my passport, and there is less than six months left - it expires in May 2008. I know travelling outside of the EU can be problematic with less than 6 months left, but has anyone any experience of travelling within the EU?
If I was to reapply for a new passport it obviously wouldn't arrive in time. My only option would be to visit the passport office and apply in person I assume, or would my passport be ok for this?

Regards...

Vampgirl

You're absolutely fine in the EU so long as the passport is valid, and there are no minimum validity requirements. You don't need to get a new one before you go.

travellite

Thank you very much VampGirl. :T

I tried the UK Passport website first and all queries are via a premium rate (0907) line :eek:

Inactive

travellite wrote: »

I tried the UK Passport website first and all queries are via a premium rate (0907) line :eek:

That is a disgrace, another form of stealth tax.:rolleyes:

dzug

travellite wrote: »

Thank you very much VampGirl. :T

I tried the UK Passport website first and all queries are via a premium rate (0907) line :eek:

The UK passport web site really is the wrong place to try - you need to ask the country you are going TO - ie the Belgian Embassy.

But there's no need - Vampgirl is 100% correct in her answer. There's actually very few places that require 6 months.

BernadetteN

travellite wrote: »

Thank you very much VampGirl. :T

I tried the UK Passport website first and all queries are via a premium rate (0907) line :eek:

The Identity and Passport Service is an 0870 number, not 0907, costs 8p per minute. You can search for an alternative geographical number at :
http://www.saynoto0870.com/companysearch.php
Even 8p per minute is not too bad but they cannot offer any advice about the document requirements for any country other than the UK. The Borders and Immigration Agency / UK Borders (name a bit undecided at the moment, previously known under simple and straighforward name of UK Immigration and Nationality Directorate) will also advise only on UK andCrown territories' document policies, not those of France, Belgium, Germany or anywhere else.

moonrakerz

dzug wrote: »

But there's no need - Vampgirl is 100% correct in her answer. There's actually very few places that require 6 months.

Very true - but more and more of the airlines/shipping lines/holiday firms are stipulating this stupid six month rule - lord knows why !
It's not much good saying that the USA doesn't need 6 months left on your passport if the airline won't let you get on the plane at Heathrow.
Getting through an airport now is just so much b****y hassle !

Vampgirl

moonrakerz wrote: »

Very true - but more and more of the airlines/shipping lines/holiday firms are stipulating this stupid six month rule - lord knows why !
It's not much good saying that the USA doesn't need 6 months left on your passport if the airline won't let you get on the plane at Heathrow.
Getting through an airport now is just so much b****y hassle !

I've found that travel agents tend to state the 6 month rule for all destinations just to cover their own backs because they don't actually know which countries have min validity requirements (so I just ignore them and do my own research).

But I've never had a problem travelling when my passport was near to expiry...I always make sure I know what the requirements are and if someone at check in or immigration tried to stop me then I'd be asking to speak to a supervisor or manager pretty sharpish! Its most unlikely that the check in staff know the individual passport validity requirements for every country so they probably do the same as travel agents and just assume 6 months for everywhere, so its always worth querying them and going higher if you think they've got it wrong

judderman62

travellite wrote: »

Hi all,

I've booked a short trip to Belgium in less than two weeks, flying from Leeds/Bradford. Unfortunately, I have just looked at my passport, and there is less than six months left - it expires in May 2008. I know travelling outside of the EU can be problematic with less than 6 months left, but has anyone any experience of travelling within the EU?
If I was to reapply for a new passport it obviously wouldn't arrive in time. My only option would be to visit the passport office and apply in person I assume, or would my passport be ok for this?

Regards...

can I suggest you read my post (Post no 5) in this thread

and my posts in the threads I link to in that post.

I am a travel professional of some 29 years (yikes I'm gettin old) standing, however if you'd rather take the advice of someone not qualified/experienced to give it - you'll find many on here who will take any chance to take a swipe at the "poor" advice doled out by "semi skilled" travel staff.

Good luck - which ever way you decide :beer:

mac5543

As a qualified professional working for an Agency within the UK and on the continent, I can confirm without a shadow of a doubt that as long as your passport is still in date, then it is a valid for travel. As long as it is you in the photo then your identity and nationality is established. The US have more stringent rules but as you will be travelling within the EU then all will be OK.

dzug

judderman62 wrote: »

can I suggest you read my post (Post no 5) in this thread

and my posts in the threads I link to in that post.

I am a travel professional of some 29 years (yikes I'm gettin old) standing, however if you'd rather take the advice of someone not qualified/experienced to give it - you'll find many on here who will take any chance to take a swipe at the "poor" advice doled out by "semi skilled" travel staff.

Good luck - which ever way you decide :beer:

The gist of your posts seems to be that the travel industry is full of unqualified inexperienced or semi skilled staff, therefore ignore the rules and play safe.

Is that a fair summary?

If so it's a sad reflection on the industry. If I were in it I'd either try to do something about it or give up in despair.