Is my passport valid for travel?

Before you travel, it’s essential to check the validity of your passport.

Holidaymakers whose passports fail to meet the EU's requirements are being refused boarding. So, we advise you to always check if your passport needs renewal at the time of booking your trip, not just before heading to the airport.

It’s your responsibility to make sure your passport is valid. You can’t claim compensation if you are turned away at the airport.

What are the requirements?

Brexit brought about some changes for Jersey travellers. Our requirements for entering the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein (known as the Schengen Area) have altered since January 2021.

You can also only stay for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period in Schengen countries. Prior to Brexit, you could have stayed as long as you liked.

Holders of British and Jersey passports are now classified as third-country nationals under the Schengen Border Code.

Our passports must now meet the following criteria:

• Be issued within the last 10 years of the date of arrival in a EU/Schengen country.
• Have at least 3 months of validity remaining on the date of departure from the last EU/Schengen country visited.
• Or at least 6 months of validity if you are staying in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days - it is possible that the actual requirement checked will be at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of arrival.

It’s important to check because before 2018, passports were issued for longer than ten years – the UK Passport Office would add any validity leftover to your current passport if you renewed early.

EU countries not in the Schengen Area include:

• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus

Travel to Ireland is subject to separate Common Travel Area arrangements. British citizens don’t technically need a passport to visit Ireland – only a valid ID. However, some airlines, including Ryanair, insist you have a valid passport so it's best to carry one.

Current passport processing time

• Standard Service – approximately 30 working days (six weeks).
• Express Service – approximately ten working days (two weeks). 

Advice from the Jersey Passport Office

Always apply for a new passport at least ten weeks before you intend to travel. 

Do not book any travel until you have your new passport.