FAQ

I have pre-settled status and am going abroad soon, but my passport expires within 6 months. Does it need to have three / six months validity to be able to come back to the UK?

Countries have different rules about passport requirements.

To travel to the EU as a non-EU national (and British citizens are now non-EU nationals of course), you need a passport which was issued within the previous 10 years and which is valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting. See this 'Your Europe' page for more details (including information about whether a visa is also needed).

Other countries have different rules, for example six months from the date of entry. Check this Gov.UK website, or the government website of the relevant country. 

When travelling to the UK, people are required to have passports (or national identity card) valid for the length of their stay (see https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk).

In the case of people who have immigration status in the UK, the "length of stay" doesn't apply. So as long as your passport (or national identity card) is valid when you come back to the UK, there should be no problem.

See our FAQ I have (pre-) settled status. Can I use my EU national identity card to enter the UK? for important information about use of national identity cards after 31 December 2025.