Passport warning as government announces new rules for 26 countries

THE government has updated its latest passport warning for Britons going on vacation to Europe.
With families going abroad this week for a semester, many are being warned to check their documents to avoid problems at the border.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) shared information on these changes alongside the British Embassy in Madrid, according to the Daily Record.
They warned families should check their passport expiration dates so they are no more than 10 years old and have at least three months left.
The update, released on October 14, warns: “The rules for traveling to European countries changed on January 1, 2021.
“British nationals can travel to Schengen area countries for up to 90 days out of any 180-day visa-free period.
“This applies if you are traveling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sporting events, or for short study or training. duration.
“Check that your passport is valid for travel before booking your trip and renew your passport if you do not have enough time.”
“Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave Spain or any other Schengen country.”
This notice is in place for 26 of the countries in the Schengen area, which also includes France, Portugal, Greece and Italy.
Passports can also no longer be valid for more than 10 years, with previous rules allowing holders to continue using their old ones for an additional nine months.
These nine additional months are no longer valid.
The British Embassy is also warning Britons that travel to Spanish airports could take longer as they now have to go through queues outside the EU.
They added: “At Spanish border control you are likely to have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queuing.”
They also warned that Britons may need proof of accommodation and a return ticket to be allowed into the country.

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