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Original poster

Honest advice please- passport

18 replies

TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:27

Hi,

So I’ve screwed up and DS is due to go on holiday with my mum in a week and a bit. I’ve realised his passport is due to expire in November so he only has 4 months instead of 6 left. I can’t get another passport as there’s no appts left before they go. Is he going to be turned away at the airport?

Don’t judge me, I know I fucked up. I just need to know if there’s any chance he can still go and how strict they are on the 6 month thing?

OP posts:
DesperateForSun · 16/08/2021 12:29

They are 100% strict - can you apply for one urgently?

Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:30

I can’t as he’s a child the one week fast track is the only option and there isn’t any appointments. Normal passports are taking 10 weeks apparently, and I can’t do an emergency same day one as they are adults only.

OP posts:
ThatSunnyCorner · 16/08/2021 12:30

Check here check-passport-for-travel-to-europe.homeoffice.gov.uk/

You'll probably get lots of answers, but this will give you the one that matters. Fingers crossed!

squee123 · 16/08/2021 12:33

Have you tried for appointments elsewhere in the country? My friend had to travel from London to Cardiff to get her kid sorted. Which isn't ideal but better than missing the holiday

Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:34

I’ve just done that, thanks @ThatSunnyCorner. I’m even more confused. It says that they recommend that we renew but it still has the 3 months validity they recommend for travel. So does that mean he can still travel with that passport as it has 3 months left?!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:35

Nearest and soonest is Belfast which requires a flight, on the 2nd September so after they are due back home.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:36

I’ve attached the advice.. anyone?!

Honest advice please- passport
OP posts:
PeonyTime · 16/08/2021 12:38

Where are you trying to fly to? Passports need different times left posttravel depending in destination.

If the web link says it's ok for travel to your destination, it's good to go.

Renew when you get home if you need a valid passport soon - they suggest renewing as it's not going to be valid everywhere.

Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:41

@PeonyTime they are going to Spain. I’m going to renew as soon as they get back as my other DC’s passport runs out in March. I thought I’d done them both at the same time but obviously not. Properly stressing, but there’s just nothing I can do.

OP posts:
messybun101 · 16/08/2021 12:42

Where is he flying to?
The rules re 3 months remaining on the passport is from date of flight out must have 3 months, so long as your passport does not run out before you come home.

Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:43

Also, just a quick rant. Does anyone else think it’s ridiculous that a document that’s a right faff and costs an arm and a leg runs out 6 months before it actually runs out?!

OP posts:
Original poster
TheTempest · 16/08/2021 12:44

@messybun101 interesting. They fly on the 24th august until 31st. And it runs out on 25/11/21. So there’s 3 months left just. Do you think it’ll be ok?

OP posts:
EileenGC · 16/08/2021 12:48

@TheTempest

Also, just a quick rant. Does anyone else think it’s ridiculous that a document that’s a right faff and costs an arm and a leg runs out 6 months before it actually runs out?!
It’s a faff, but it’s so people aren’t without a valid passport if they decide to stay in the country (EU territory in this case) for the maximum visa period.

Before Brexit it wasn’t an issue because you could travel as much as you wanted to the EU. Now there’s a limit so they don’t want you overstaying illegally basically.

I travel outside of Europe for work and each summer we’re reminded to check the passport has 6 extra months from date of last scheduled trip. Embassies won’t even issue visas without the 6+ month validity.

freelions · 16/08/2021 12:49

I know of 2 families who have been stung by this in the past month and were not able to travel as one of their DC's passports only had 3 months left

I would not take the risk. If you can't get an appointment then your DS won't be able to go. You can't really put your DM in the position of being at the airport with your DS and being told he can't travel.

EileenGC · 16/08/2021 12:49

[quote TheTempest]@messybun101 interesting. They fly on the 24th august until 31st. And it runs out on 25/11/21. So there’s 3 months left just. Do you think it’ll be ok?[/quote]
It says ‘from the date that you return’ sadly Sad so it needs 3 months from 31st August.

messybun101 · 16/08/2021 12:52

[quote TheTempest]@messybun101 interesting. They fly on the 24th august until 31st. And it runs out on 25/11/21. So there’s 3 months left just. Do you think it’ll be ok?[/quote]
Yes
For Spain he needs 3 months valid from the return flight date so should be fine. If his cloth home is 24 aug, 90 days gives him to 22 Nov. He will actually have 93 days left when he flies home

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

Honest advice please- passport
messybun101 · 16/08/2021 12:53

Sorry op I made a mistake I though his return was 24 aug not 31st...
he wouldn't have enough days left

EileenGC · 16/08/2021 12:53

@messybun101 they return on the 31st, so it’s under 90 days.

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