For similar reasons I let my passport expire, I've no desire to go abroad again, too much like hard work when there is so much of the UK I've yet to visit.

However, I still had a perfectly legal paper driving license but in the eyes of the world I no longer existed if I ever needed to prove who I was for the most trivial of things.

I've now had to pay to get a photo driving license which I'll have to pay to renew every few years.

I totally agree. When I retired 12 years ago I let my passport lapse as everyone seemed to work for the TPD (Tourism Prevention Department). There's plenty of fun to be had getting to know some of the crooks and nannies of these isles

Join the club. I've got passport problems that have been the scourge of my life.

My passport (British) expired earlier this year, and I'm in no rush to jump through the stupid hoops.

Like you I don't feel an urgent need to do so, except phone call from NZ the other day   implies I should make one last trip there.

Ah well.

Quote from: EtchedPixels on Yesterday at 10:00:57 PMThey were lucky - there are people currently stuck outside the UK who can't get back in and have been trapped for six weeks by passport issues caused by recent rule changes, or misinterpretations of them.

That is very true. It never used to be this complicated. It just seems to suck all the enjoyment out of what should be an adventure. I haven't had a passport myself for quite a few years and the way things are I can't ever see myself going abroad again.

Cheers,

Chris

Perfik! Sums it up.

In some countries, you have to have 6 months validity on your passport on the day you are to leave the country.
A few years ago, I had to fly to Vietnam for work, read the visa application form it asked for 6-month validity. Check all good. Didn't read the bit about for the length of your stay. Mine rolled inside the 6 months required, 2 days before I was due to leave Vietnam.
Visa application rejected, passport returned, quick trip to passport office, expedited renewal fee paid, new passport sent to Vietnam embassy and visa granted. All over Christmas.
Note to self, read the forms properly.
As for change of passport rules for the UK, another tale for another place.

Quote from: Papyrus on Yesterday at 04:57:41 PMCautionary Tale

or,

Check your passports!

#1 stepson and family had booked a couple of weeks in Spain to stay with the inlaws. Turned up at Gatwick today and were turned away because their youngest son had less than 90 days left on his passport. The one thing they hadn't checked. Cue inconsolable despondency from the boys and deep gloom in the parents. I'm not sure if they can get any money back from the travel insurance but fortunately the holiday was fairly inexpensive. They hope they can re-book later in the summer but it will probably be more expensive then.

Looks like we are unexpectedly grand-baby sitting next week...

Cheers,

Chris

They were lucky - there are people currently stuck outside the UK who can't get back in and have been trapped for six weeks by passport issues caused by recent rule changes, or misinterpretations of them.

Been binge-watching "house" on dvd as our satellite decoder conked out. Took me a while to remember where I heard that theme tune before! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s&ra=m

Cautionary Tale

or,

Check your passports!

#1 stepson and family had booked a couple of weeks in Spain to stay with the inlaws. Turned up at Gatwick today and were turned away because their youngest son had less than 90 days left on his passport. The one thing they hadn't checked. Cue inconsolable despondency from the boys and deep gloom in the parents. I'm not sure if they can get any money back from the travel insurance but fortunately the holiday was fairly inexpensive. They hope they can re-book later in the summer but it will probably be more expensive then.

Looks like we are unexpectedly grand-baby sitting next week...

Cheers,

Chris