EU rule could see Brits turned away for holidays for three years

People who are planning to travel to Greece, Spain, France and more this year must follow a specific rule that came in after Brexit if travelling on a UK passport - or risk being banned from EU countries for three years.

Millions of Brits are expected to flock to Greece, Italy and other parts of the Schengen Area for holidays this summer, to soak up some sunshine and some culture. But it's essential for visitors to be aware of the latest travel requirements, particularly since Brexit.

Before the UK left the EU, British passport holders could enter Greece and other EU countries without a stamp - and stay for an indefinite period. However, under current rules, British travellers are limited to a maximum 90-day stay within any 180-day period in Greece and other Schengen Area countries.

Additionally, UK passports must meet specific criteria, including a "date of issue" within the past 10 years and an "expiry date" of at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in a lengthy ban, as warned by the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office advises travellers to such nations: "If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days."

"If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years."

The Schengen area is made up of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, as well as four non-EU nations: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.