If you haven’t travelled for a few years, there’s a little more to check before you book your next trip. Your passport, health documents and travel insurance are all worth looking at before you go.
Check your passport dates
For most short trips to Schengen countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece, your British passport must:
- have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive
- be valid for at least three months after you plan to leave
If you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may include extra months carried over from your previous passport. This can make the expiry date look fine when the passport is actually too old for Schengen travel.
Travelling outside Europe? Requirements vary, so check your destination and any stopovers on the FCDO travel advice pages.
Allow extra time at European borders
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) means many non-EU travellers will have their fingerprints and photo taken when entering Europe. You may be asked for them again when leaving.
There’s nothing to apply for and no fee, but border checks may take longer. If standing for long periods is difficult, contact your airline or airport about assistance before you travel.
ETIAS, the EU’s planned online travel authorisation, hasn’t launched yet and there’s no confirmed start date. You don’t need to apply for it now.
Renew your passport early
If your passport doesn’t meet the requirements, renew it before booking where possible. Check current processing times on GOV.UK.
A new passport will have a new number, so remember to update any existing bookings. Your name on your tickets should also match your passport exactly.
Check your health documents
Before you travel, make sure you have:
- A valid GHIC: Renewal is free through the NHS. Remember, a GHIC doesn’t replace travel insurance.
- Your medication: Keep medicines in their original packaging and check whether they’re restricted at your destination.
- A GP letter: This can be useful if you travel with regular medication or medical equipment.
- Your insurance details: Keep your policy and emergency assistance number somewhere easy to access.
Arrange travel insurance when you book
Buying travel insurance when you book means you may have cover for certain events that happen before your trip as well as during it.
Tell your insurer about any pre-existing medical conditions and let them know if your health changes before you travel. Insurance won’t usually cover you if you can’t travel because your passport doesn’t meet the entry requirements.
Ready to travel again?
A few simple checks before you book can help you avoid problems later.
Freedom specialises in travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Whether you’re travelling again after a few years away or taking your first trip since a diagnosis, we’re here to help you find suitable cover.
Entry requirements can change. This article was reviewed in September 2026. Always check the latest FCDO advice before you travel. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Thanks for reading,
The Freedom Team
