Anyone planning a trip overseas is being urged to check that their passport is still valid. Depending on your destination, you may need to renew it sooner than expected.

Travellers heading to France, Spain, or other Schengen countries are reminded that these nations follow strict rules. Your passport must be less than 10 years old when you arrive. In addition, if you renewed your passport before October 1, 2018, the issue date may now exceed this 10-year limit.

Your passport must also be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area - though this expiry does not need to fall within 10 years of the issue date.

In other places, like Cyprus,you need to have "at least one blank page for stamping". So if you need to get a new passport, here's what you need to know before you're set to travel abroad.

How long did it take to get my blue UK passport?

I applied for a new passport on July 13 last year and sent off my old one the following day, as required, since you can't hold two passports at the same time. The Passport Office confirmed it had been received on July 15.

On July 23, I was informed that my application had been approved, followed by another update on July 24 confirming that my passport had been printed. It arrived the very next day with a new photo I'd taken at home.

In total, the entire process took less than two weeks, and I didn't even use a fast-track service. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and straightforward the whole process was.

You can check how long it will take to get a passport before you apply. And if you need a passport urgently, you can opt for their Online Premium or 1-week Fast Track services. They warn: "Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one."

How to apply for a new UK passport?

You can submit an application via the GOV.UK website. It caters for various needs, whether you need to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport, and you can also pay for it online.

How much does a UK passport cost?

If you're looking to save money, it's worth knowing that it's £12.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post. The prices below rise on April 8, 2026.

Adult (16 and over) standard 34-page passport




Adult (16 and over) 54-page frequent traveller passport




Child (under 16) standard 34-page passport




Child (under 16) 54-page frequent traveller passport




Passport for people born on or before 2 September 1929

£94.50 (online)	£107 (paper form)
£107.50	£120
£61.50	£74
£74.50	£87
Free	Free

Can I get my passport quicker?

If you're due to travel abroad soon and are concerned it won't arrive in time, you can opt for a premium service. Again, costs are set to increase on April 8.

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When you'll get your passport What it costs


Standard





1 week Fast Track





1 day Premium

Usually within 3 weeks - it will be delivered securely to your home	£94.50 (or £107.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)	No appointment needed
Delivered by courier to your home 1 week after the appointment	£178 (or £191 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)	Appointment needed
Collect it 4 hours after your appointment	£222 (or £235 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport)	Appointment needed

Can I get a free passport?

Anyone born on or before September 2, 1929, can apply for or renew a British passport at no cost, as long as they are a British national. They're also entitled to use the Post Office's Check and Send service free of charge, along with complimentary secure delivery.

Charges will still apply if you require an urgent passport or opt for a frequent traveller version, which includes 54 pages rather than the usual 34.