Consumer watchdog urges holidaymakers to renew passports by tomorrow to avoid no-deal travel shock

Millions of British holidaymakers have just two days to renew their passports if they want to travel to hotspots such as Spain and Italy after Brexit, a consumer watchdog has warned.

Which is warning that 3.5m passports holders with up to 15 months validity could be prevented from travelling to the continent if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in just a few weeks' time, despite previous government advice that only six months of validity would be required for British passports.

Until recently, those who renewed their passport before it expired could have up to nine months added to their new passport, but the government has now ruled that this time carried over will not count towards the six months that is required to travel in the EU. 

The watchdog is urging anyone unsure of their passport status to check the validity of their travel documents within the next two days to ensure they are able to travel. Anyone who is refused entry into EU countries will not be entitled to rebooking, compensation or a refund and will be left "completely out of pocket".

Which travel editor Rory Boland said: “Millions of people could find their holiday plans disrupted or worse yet find themselves stranded at the departure gate and prevented from travelling altogether if they fail to renew their passport before the cut off date.

“Anyone who thinks they might be affected should look to renew their passport today or if you already have travel plans in the near future consider using the fast track passport renewal service.”