The British traveller posted on social media that she was unable to board her flight to Spain due to the rule she was unaware of.

Her post read: “Just tried boarding a flight to Spain. My passport runs out June 2027.

“Was refused boarding because apparently it ran out in 2026 according to new European rules. Can anyone explain this to me? I’m now stuck – check your passports people. Who knew.”

The passenger was unable to board the flight due to the passport restriction that means your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date.

This rule has been tightened over the past few years as border control and flight checks are getting more stringent.

Holidaymakers have been warned of two checks everybody needs to do on their passport ahead of catching a flight.

The first being, that on the day you enter the country, are there less than six months left on your passport? If you’re heading to the EU, you must check if there are less than three months.

If this is the case, you will be unable to board.

The other check you need to do is see when your passport was issued. In many cases if your passport is over 10 years old, countries won’t let you in.

As ordinarily passports do not last for longer than this period, many people would assume they will not face any issues.

However, previously when passports were renewed any spare time on your old passport would be added on top on the new one, meaning your document could be valid for over the 10 year mark.

Failure to ensure your passport passes both of these checks it is likely you will be unable to travel.

Anyone with a new blue passport will be safe from this, those who still maintain a red passport should check the expiry date and aim to renew it at least 10 weeks before it expires.