A couple from Hertfordshire were turned away at an airport and denied boarding due to a lesser-known Brexit regulation concerning passport validity, despite investing around £1,000 in a planned three-day trip to Athens, Greece. Paul Mason, aged 59, and his partner Zoe Rooney, aged 47, intended to travel for a concert, but encountered complications just minutes before boarding.

The issue was linked to a 10-year passport validity rule, which stipulates that passports must not only be issued within the last 10 years but also must have a minimum of three months’ validity beyond the date of return. This rule applies to all EU countries, including Greece, but notably excludes Ireland.

Paul described their experience as making them “feel like criminals.” He recounted that when they booked their flights online, there were no warnings about Zoe’s passport validity, and both had passed check-in and security checks before being stopped at the gate. The realisation of the problem only came when they were on the brink of boarding their flight.

Zoe’s passport, issued on November 19, 2014, is set to expire on August 9, 2025. Reflecting on the situation, she expressed her embarrassment, stating, “I had no idea about the rule.”

In a response to the incident, a spokesperson from Ryanair clarified that the airline must adhere to regulations set by the European Commission Migration and Home Affairs Office. They noted, “Passports must meet the requirements for travel from the UK to the EU…and it is each passenger’s responsibility to ensure that their passport is valid for travel in line with the relevant State requirements at the time of travel.” The spokesperson added that these requirements are clearly outlined on Ryanair’s website, and passengers receive reminders during the booking process through pop-up messages.

The situation highlights an important aspect of international travel regulations following Brexit, where travellers may find themselves unprepared if they are unaware of specific passport requirements.

Source: Noah Wire Services