As international travel has opened again, many have been caught out at the airport over passport rules.
Following Britain's exit from the EU, holidaymakers have been urged to brush up on the passport requirements for the country of their destination.
While the passport office has warned that there is up to a ten-week delay on passport applications, travellers have been advised to check the dates on their passport - paying close attention to the date of issue and expiry date.
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Passport holders also need to be aware that the EU only recognise a passport as valid if it's less than ten years old from the date of issue.
If your passport was issued before October 1 2018, you may have had extra months added onto the expiry date, but now they will no longer be valid.
For those jetting off to Italy this summer, here's all you need to know about the passport requirements.
Passport requirements for Italy
You will need to go through passport control on arrival and when you leave Italy where you passport will be stamped each way.
To enter Italy, your passport must be less than 10 years old before the date you arrive - check the 'date of issue'.
Your passport must also be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave Italy - check the 'expiry date'.
Gov.uk warns: "At Italian border control, you may need to:
- Show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if visiting your own property (e.g. second home).
- Show proof of insurance for your trip. Please check the guidance on travel insurance.
- Show a return or onward ticket.
- You should also be able to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The minimum amount required depends on your accommodation.
- Your host must inform the local immigration office (questura) in writing within 48 hours after you arrive at their property. They could be fined if they fail to comply with this Italian immigration law."
You can visit Italy and other Schengen areas for up to 90 days without a visa, but tourists are being warned that in May 2023 Brits will have to pay €7 for a ETIAS document to to enter any Schengen country and must register online before their trip.
Covid entry requirements for Italy
If you're going to Italy this summer, you should be aware the country's covid rules.
All passengers entering Italy by plane, ferry, train or coach must wear an FFP2 mask in order to enter the country.
Regardless of vaccination status, Italy does not require travellers to fill out a passenger locator form, or show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or covid status.
