Validity of ‘European’ British passports

My British passport is still valid for several years but it says Euro­pean Union on the cover – will this cause problems after Brexit? D.W.

Oliver Rowland
Published Modified

No. The European Commission states British passports issued before Brexit will remain valid for travel.

However passports should have a minimum six months’ validity left if you are travelling into the Schengen area, including France, after Brexit.

The UK will continue issuing burgundy passports, but without the words ‘European Union’ after Brexit. This autumn it plans to change to blue ones.

These will be made by Gemalto, a Dutch-based international firm which also has a headquarters in France and several factories around the world.

It would not confirm rumours they will be made in France, but says they will be ‘personalised in the UK’ so all UK data stays in the country.

passport paperwork practical travel q&a europe

passport paperwork travel q&a europe