Ryanair passengers 'must confirm' as checking in now takes longer

Ryanair passengers travelling on a UK passport are required to undertake an extra step when checking in online - meaning the process may take longer. Ryanair passengers are required to check in online and print or download boarding passes, with the exception of those travelling on Flexi Plus ticket, who can check in at the airport for free.

Travellers can check in online from 60 days before their flight, if they have paid for an allocated seat. Other passengers, who will be given a seat by Ryanair at random, can check in between 24 and two hours before the scheduled time of departure.

Because of new rules that came in post-Brexit, for trips to the EU Schengen Area, British passports must be valid for at least three months following the day of departure, and have been issued less than 10 years before the date you plan to enter. Ryanair's online check-in reflects this, with an additional step for UK passport-holders.

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After filling in important details such as date of birth and passport number, travellers will be required to read the following passage: "I understand that if I am using a British passport to travel to the EU, my passport must be valid for at least three months from the date I intend to leave the EU (excluding Ireland), and my passport should be issued within the previous 10 years upon the date I arrive into the EU (excluding Ireland)", before ticking a box to confirm.

If you arrive at the airport with a passport that doesn't meet the correct requirements, you won't be able to fly. And it's unlikely your travel insurance will pay out, either.

Those planning a trip abroad should check their passport details well in advance to avoid any last-minute rushes, as it can take a few weeks to renew a passport. His Majesty's (HM) Passport Office suggests that the process of a new or replacement passport currently takes about three weeks.

It could take longer, though, "if we need more information, or we need to interview you". In such instances, the Passport Office said it will contact applicants directly.

As of April 10, 2025, fees for a new or replacement adult passport (for someone aged 16 or over) are set at £94.50 for online applications, and £107 for paper submissions. For children, the fees are £61.50 and £74 respectively.

If you require a passport urgently, you can use the Premium Service (one day), but this will cost you £222 for an adult passport, or £189 for a child's.