Passport query

[Boxster5]

Our passports are due for renewal next year.
Last time we applied, they were issued in January 2015 but the expiry date is April 2025 so I assume we applied early.
We’re off to South Africa 31st January returning 20th February.
South Africa states that you need 30 days remaining on your passport following the departure date and 2 blank pages so in theory we should be OK if they use the expiry date.
We don’t want to be applying too early but don’t want to fall foul of the regulations.
Anyone have any experience of this?

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Boxster5 said:

Our passports are due for renewal next year.
Last time we applied, they were issued in January 2015 but the expiry date is April 2025 so I assume we applied early.
We’re off to South Africa 31st January returning 20th February.
South Africa states that you need 30 days remaining on your passport following the departure date and 2 blank pages so in theory we should be OK if they use the expiry date.
We don’t want to be applying too early but don’t want to fall foul of the regulations.
Anyone have any experience of this?

I think giving an expiry date of 10 years from when you're last one expired, was an EU thing which is no longer valid. So your passport will actually not be valid after Jan 25 despite having an expiry date of April 25.

I might have some or all of that wrong, probably best do further research.

Edit: The above only applies to EU visits. EU rules mean that your UK passport is not valid 10 years after issue, regardless of expiry date.

Edited by TwigtheWonderkid on Wednesday 20th March 17:42

[cuprabob]

My understanding is that the 10 year from issue date restriction is just for countries within the EU and therefore does not apply to South Africa.

As far as I can see your passport will be fine as it will have more than 30 days validity from the date you plan to leave SA.

[Boxster5]

Thanks guys - that’s how I read it.
I remember there was a fuss made about the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet refusing passengers travel within the EU when the passport issue date had reached 10 years.
So it sounds like an EU thing - ah Brexit, the gift that keeps on giving!

[Guyr]

You can renew a passport at any time, so I'd just do it now.

As it's only valid to Jan 25 for EU and you need 3 months remaining when returning, it might need replacing by Oct '23 if you need EU travel. By the time you get the passport application done, you'll only be losing a few months. (South Africa would add a few months)

There's little upside to risking passport renewal timing, given they only cost £8 per year!

[Elderly]

Put your passport details, destination country and travel dates into the IATA website ( I can’t remember exactly where ) and it will give you the information you require.
Screen grab the (3?) pages to show any person who queries your passport validity at any checks.

[Boxster5]

Well I’ve just suddenly realised.
We’re flying from the UK via Frankfurt to Cape Town so the EU restriction will apply.
If we were travelling via Heathrow perhaps not an issue.

[renmure]

Slightly at a tangent but I renewed my Passport online last week and it arrived in the post today. 7 day turn-around.

[craig1912]

Boxster5 said:

Well I’ve just suddenly realised.
We’re flying from the UK via Frankfurt to Cape Town so the EU restriction will apply.
If we were travelling via Heathrow perhaps not an issue.

Unless you are not entering Germany and just transiting.

https://cheapholidayexpert.com/blog/is-your-passpo...

[Road2Ruin]

I would just do it early, to be sure. Travelling is stressful at the best of times. I saw someone last year rejected at the gate, because of this EU 10 year rule. I felt really sorry for him and his wife.