HM Passport Office has incorrectly told parents that their child’s passports was no longer valid for travel to the EU, according to the Independent.
The newspaper said it had been contacted by one family that was told by the Passport Office that their child’s passport wasn’t valid for a cruise to Spain and Portugal because it was more than five years’ old.
In fact, under post-Brexit rules, passports must be no more than 10 years old for entry to the EU and, separately, they must be valid for at least three months when they return.
Since all children’s passports are issued for a maximum of five years and nine months, they automatically pass the first test.
In the case reported to the Independent, the child’s passport was issued on 20 May 2018 and expires on 20 December 2023, so it is valid for travel to the EU up to 20 September this year.
However, the Independent said it had seen emails that showed HM Passport Office had repeatedly insisted the child’s passport wasn’t valid for the family’s £5,000 cruise this month.
The family almost cancelled the holiday since there wasn’t enough time to apply for a new passport, but decided to go ahead after contacting the Independent, which assured the parents the document was valid.
The newspaper says holidaymakers who have cancelled holidays based on incorrect advice from HMPO can claim compensation from the Government.
Travel Gossip has approached the Home Office for a comment.
