When planning international travel, it’s essential for UK travellers to be well-informed about passport validity, visa requirements, and any additional entry protocols for their destinations. Below is a guide covering Europe, the USA, Mexico, Cape Verde, and Gibraltar.
Europe
Passport Validity: Post-Brexit, UK citizens are considered third-country nationals when traveling to Schengen Area countries. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the date of entry and have at least three months’ validity remaining beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area. It’s advisable to renew your passport if it doesn’t meet these criteria to avoid denied entry.
Children’s passports are only valid for 5 years.
If you do need to renew your passport, always make sure you apply in good time, you can apply online today by visiting the gov.uk website.
If you need to get a new passport urgently, you can use the 1-week Fast Track service.
Visa Requirements: Currently, UK travellers can visit Schengen countries (see below) for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is set to be implemented in the near future, although implementation dates have been delayed with no absolute date confirmed. Advice is to keep a close eye on the official EU website for current guidance. This system requires visa-exempt travellers to obtain an online travel authorization before their trip.
Once implemented, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for three years and allow multiple entries. The application process involves a fee and is designed to enhance security by pre-screening travellers.
EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES)
The EU Entry/Exit system is a new electronic system due for implementation in October 2025. It will replace the physical stamping of passports when you go through passport control when arriving in and departing from your destination. It will register all entries and exits to and from the participating European countries, which means that it will register your travel each time you cross a border within EU/Schengen area.
Once the new system is up and running, each time you go through passport control, as well as providing your passport you will also have a photograph of your face taken, and your fingerprints scanned.
Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints but they will need to have a facial scan taken.
United States
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the USA. However, it’s recommended to have at least six months’ validity to avoid potential issues.
Visa Requirements: UK citizens are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business. To do so, you must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding your flight or vessel to the USA. The ESTA is valid for two years and permits multiple entries. Ensure you apply for ESTA well in advance of your travel dates.
Mexico
Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico. Nevertheless, having at least six months’ validity is advisable.
Visa Requirements: UK travellers do not require a visa for stays of up to 180 days for tourism purposes. Upon arrival, you’ll need to complete an immigration form, known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is typically provided on your flight or at the port of entry. Keep the FMM safe during your stay, as you’ll need to present it upon departure.
Cape Verde
Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Cape Verde.
Visa Requirements: As of January 1, 2019, UK citizens can enter Cape Verde without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, travellers are required to complete a pre-arrival registration through the Electronic Travel Authorization System (EASE) at least five days before arrival. Additionally, an airport security tax (TSA) of approximately 3,400 CVE (around €30.83) must be paid, which can be done during the EASE registration process.
Gibraltar
Passport Validity: For entry into Gibraltar, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. There is no additional validity period required beyond your departure date.
Visa Requirements: UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar. Standard immigration procedures apply, and you may be asked to provide proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay.
General Recommendations
- Check for Updates: Entry requirements can change, sometimes with little notice. Always consult the official government travel advice for your destination before your trip.
- Health Considerations: Ensure you’re aware of any health advisories or vaccination requirements for your destination. Carry necessary health documentation, such as vaccination certificates, if required.
- Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
- Additional Documentation: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, or sufficient funds. Carry printed or digital copies of these documents to present to immigration officials if requested.
By staying informed and prepared, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience to these diverse destinations.
Schengen Area Countries
The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries that have abolished passport and border controls at their mutual borders. UK travellers visiting any of these countries must comply with Schengen visa and passport rules.
List of Schengen Countries (as of 2024):
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Important Notes for UK Travelers
Always check individual country entry rules, as non-Schengen EU countries like Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus have separate requirements.
The Schengen rules allow UK visitors to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
The upcoming ETIAS system (expected in 2026) will require UK travellers to obtain online travel authorization before visiting any Schengen country.
EU Entry/Exit Scheme (EES), expected implementation October 2025
Always check the governmental Foreign Travel Advice for latest updates and guidance.
All information correct at time of publishing, please check Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK for latest updates.
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