Can I Still Use My Burgundy Passport?

Now the UK has left the European Union there are extra things to take into account when travelling to an EU country. No more lining up with the EU passport holders and cruising through passport control! But If you still have a burgundy passport that still says EU on it you may be wondering… Is it still valid? Can you still line up using the EU lines? Read on to find out!

So can I still travel on my Burgundy Passport?

The short is yes you can! Burgundy Passports are still valid for travel as long as you have at least six months of validity from the date of entry into the country & it is less than 10 years old.

Will I need a visa to travel to Europe?

No… If you are a British national you will be able to visit Europe with a visa but only for a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day period. If you want to live, work or study in Europe or stay for longer than 90 days in a 180 day period you will need a Schengen visa.

From 2022 you will need to apply online for an ETIA visa waiver before travel to any European country. This is similar to the USA’s ESTA and will require a small fee of around 7 euros. Once you have your ETIA visa waiver it could possibly be valid for 3 years or until the end of the validity of the travel document registered during the application.

How do I get a new passport?

Remember you only need a new passport if it no longer meets the rules above or it’s been damaged, stolen or lost! Your burgundy passport will still be accepted as per normal.

If you need a new one you can either apply online or fill out paper forms, which can be obtained from your local Post Office. A standard 34-page passport costs £75.50 applying online or £85 by paper form. It will also now be in the new (or old depending on which way you look at it) colour of blue!

Featured image is by freeimageslive.co.uk – DawnyH