Lucy Devine
If you've still got an OG burgundy passport, but you're about to swap if for a fancy blue one, then take note.
Brits have been issued a new warning about some important rules regarding passports.
When the UK left the EU in 2020, the old school red passports became a thing of the past.
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If you still had one, you could of course continue to use it, but Brits renewing or replacing their passports would be issued a blue one instead.
For those still using a burgundy passport, certain rules apply, which - if not carefully followed - could see hundreds of travellers turned away from check-in gates.
Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert from Confused.com, has spoken about some of the regulations that Brits need to be aware of.
For example, if you are about to switch up your burgundy passport for a new one, it's important not to book any travel until you have the passport in your possession.
Passport renewal times can hugely vary, so it's important to give yourself ample time.
The gov.uk website explains that you'll usually get it within three weeks, unless you need to be interviewed.
"You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks. It may take longer than 3 weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We'll tell you this within 3 weeks," they explain.
Meanwhile, Alvaro added: "It’s important to always double-check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning your trip, and leave yourself ample time to renew it if needed."
The insurance expert also warned Brits to double check their passports are still valid, before booking.
"Booking your holidays can be very exciting, and a welcome distraction to the beginning of the year blues," he explained.
"But no matter how far in advance you’re planning, it’s never too early to check your passport’s validity, so you don’t get caught out last minute."
According to the expert, a considerably high proportion of Brits interviewed claimed they had no idea their red passport had to have been issued within the last 10 years before the departure date.
He also explained that red passports must still have six months of validity left before travel.
"Our research found that less than half (43 percent) of travellers knew that if you’re heading to the EU, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before their departure date," Alvaro added.
"And if your passport doesn’t meet this regulation, it could mean you’re denied entry into the country, or may not even be allowed on the flight in the first place.
"Either way, it’s likely to lead to a lot of disruption to your holiday plans."