Renewing passport before next year?

[mickey house]

My passport doesn't expire until next year and I'm not even sure I would use it next year, but I received a text apparently from HM passports regards renewing it earlier than planned (by the end of this year - Brexit).

What is the advantage (if any) of renewing my passport potentially a couple of years before I might realistically need it?

[Mazbar]

I can tell you 1 speed. My wife needed a new passport so we did it online. Uploaded a picture the site tells you if it is likely to be acceptable. Paid and she had her new passport within 10 days you only have to post you old one to them for it to be cancelled. This has to be one of the few government websites that works how it should.

[mick]

Mickey

I'm no expert on travelling to the EU but from what I've read on here over the past year I believe that the EU may require 6 month's grace on a UK passport. That may even have been the case during the current transition period.

So if you fancy a few cognacs in Paris or some genuine tapas in Madrid within 6 months of it's expiry it maybe worth thinking about it.

You may not be too worried about renewing your ESTA yet.

Mick

[EssexSue]

Originally Posted by mick

Mickey

I'm no expert on travelling to the EU but from what I've read on here over the past year I believe that the EU may require 6 month's grace on a UK passport. That may even have been the case during the current transition period.

So if you fancy a few cognacs in Paris or some genuine tapas in Madrid within 6 months of it's expiry it maybe worth thinking about it.

You may not be too worried about renewing your ESTA yet.

Mick

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Oh Mick what I wouldn't give to be drinking Pernod in Paris right now!

[Elmhurst 5]

Mine runs out in Feb 2021, so going to renew in December as hopefully I can get to ski in February.

[madasahat]

cant wait to get my blue one

[400ixl]

Absolutely none if you don't plan to use it in the next 2 years. It would be a new paperweight.

Equally unless you are planning go to (or transfer) via the EU before it expires it does not need renewing 6 months before it expires. US only requires it to be valid for your trip.

It would only be if we leave the EU without a deal (or a deal that mandates 6 months) that you cannot use it up to its end date for the EU.

There is also no carry over of non expired months as there was 10 years ago.

Only reason to do it before it expires (or if the 6 month requirement becomes real) is to be ready for any impromptu travel you may want to do.

[400ixl]

Originally Posted by madasahat

cant wait to get my blue one

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You mean your black one which may mean you can not go through the shorter queues at EU border controls from next year.

[madasahat]

Originally Posted by 400ixl

You mean your black one which may mean you can not go through the shorter queues at EU border controls from next year.

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the new passport is blue and no problem queuing for 30 min extra for all the benefits it gets us

[Posiesmum]

Originally Posted by madasahat

the new passport is blue and no problem queuing for 30 min extra for all the benefits it gets us

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I’d be genuinely interested to know what ‘benefits’ are available in having a blue passport. My old pre EU passport was black, by the way (I still have it).