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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Simon Calder

The little-known passport rule tripping up EU travellers

  • KLM now requires all passengers connecting through Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport to have passports compliant with EU regulations, even if they remain in the transit area.
  • This policy, based on EU rules, mandates passports issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after the transfer.
  • Gavin McDermott, traveling to Hong Kong via Amsterdam, was denied boarding at Leeds Bradford Airport due to his passport exceeding the 10-year issuance limit, despite its validity for Hong Kong.
  • KLM refused McDermott's reimbursement claim, citing inaccurate passport validity rules.
  • This policy affects travellers from visa-required countries, potentially boosting traffic for other hubs like London Heathrow that have less stringent transit requirements.

IN FULL

Connecting flights at Amsterdam? KLM now demands you have an EU-compatible passport

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