British author with passport in date refused entry onto flight because of little-known rule

When you're packing to go on holiday, you probably make sure you've got all the essentials: passport, money, clean clothes.

Have you checked your passport's validity recently?

It might not have as much time left on it as you think...

A British author has been caught out by a little-known rule, which meant he was refused boarding for his flight to Bologna.

Even if your passport is still technically in date, it might not be enough for you to travel on.

Writer Michael Rosen went to X about the problem: "Ha! I’ve just been refused entry onto a plane from Stansted to Bologna because my passport issue date is March 2016. The expiry date is August 2026 but the rule is 10 years from issue date."

He finished by writing: "Another Brexit benefit. Apparently. Go home now."

The rule has changed for passports issued post-Brexit (Photo by Anna Barclay/Getty Images)

He shared the awkward moment on social media, and from the replies it seems he's not the only one to have been caught out by this sneaky rule change.

Another holidaymaker wrote: "Was escorted out of the airport... had to exit back through border control. Where the gentleman who checked my passport hadn't even heard of the 10 year rule."

"I was aware of the six month rule, but that doesn't mean it's not a daft rule. It's entirely reasonable to assume that you can use something up to its expiry date," insisted another.

Another X user wrote: "It’s more common that you might assume: around 200 British travellers per day are turned away from flights to the EU due to passport issues. That’s around 100,000 UK holidaymakers annually due to post-Brexit 10-year validity-period rules."

Rosen replied to another commenter, confirming he 'was turned away and have come home. There was nothing I could do.'

Holidaymakers are being urged to check their passport has enough time on it (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

It follows the HM Passport Office issuing a warning before Easter to try and prevent people from getting caught out.

They warned Brits to 'check your passport now,' in addition to a link to the government website where you can renew, replace or update your passport.

This is due to the regulations which were brought in post-Brexit, which means that Brits travelling to the Schengen region must double double check that their passport was issued less than 10 years before the departure date and must be valid for at least three months after you return.

The issue has caught out many holidaymakers, as previously British passports were valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

This is because time could be carried on from a previous passport.

The rule is even more important if you're travelling to Thailand, China, Australia, India, the UAE or Indonesia, as you need a minimum of six months left on your passport from the date of your arrival.