We were turned away from our £3,000 dream holiday because of a little-known Brexit rule - we're being made to feel like criminals
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A couple were turned away from their £3,000 dream holiday because of a little known Brexit passport rule. Allan Wilson, 64, and his wife were 'made to feel like criminals' over the mistake which left them unable to board their cruise. P&O Cruises has turned down Mr Wilson's demand for a refund.
![[P&O Cruises has turned down Mr Wilson's demand for a refund]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/10/93453911-14224071-image-a-16_1735037952153.jpg)
Mr Wilson has been trying to convince his wife Vivian to go on a cruise trip for 43 years, and she finally agreed to join him on a 10-night cruise for her 72nd birthday. However, Mrs Wilson was turned away at the terminal on October 26 because her passport was more than ten years old, despite its expiry date being May 2025.
![[A rule change post-Brexit means that for travel to the EU, even if a passport has more than six months left until expiry, it cannot be older than 10 years]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/10/93453915-14224071-image-a-17_1735037954445.jpg)
The couple missed out on their cruise around Spain, Portugal and France, but neither P&O Cruises nor Mr Wilson's insurance company are planning on giving them a refund. The companies say the situation is the couple's fault but P&O Cruises has issued refunds in the past for the same situation.
![[P&O Cruises told Mr Wilson via email that it is 'ultimately the responsibility of the guest to ensure that their travel documents are current']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/10/93453909-14224071-image-a-18_1735037989713.jpg)
A rule change post-Brexit means that for travel to the EU, even if a passport has more than six months left until expiry, it cannot be older than 10 years. Vivian Wilson was turned away at the terminal on October 26 because her passport was more than ten years old, despite its expiry date being May 2025. PIctured: Mrs Wilson ad Allan Wilson.
![[When travelling to the EU, British holidaymakers should be aware of the '10-year rule', and pay close attention to their passport's issue date and expiry date]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/11/82986501-14224071-image-a-36_1735040330285.jpg)
P&O Cruises has turned down Mr Wilson's demand for a refund. A rule change post-Brexit means that for travel to the EU, even if a passport has more than six months left until expiry, it cannot be older than 10 years. Mr Wilson said: 'We were made to feel like criminals, I've never experienced the likes of it.
![[Some holidaymakers have been unable to board their flights and trains due to confusion over EU passport rules]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/11/82950161-14224071-image-a-35_1735040316266.jpg)
