Brits in rush to get EU passports in run up to Brexit day
BRITS are in a mad rush to get EU passports as Brexit day fast approaches.
Applications for EU passports are soaring as Brits try to get alternative ones ahead of Britain leaving the EU on March 29 2019.
Some countries had a spike immediately after the referendum in 2016, but since then applications have continued to rise as Brits try to secure freedom to travel and work in countries across the bloc after we've left.
Theresa May has confirmed that freedom of movement will end when we leave, but Ireland, Sweden and Spain have all reported huge hikes in the Brits seeking to get their hands on their own passports so they can continue to do so.
Sweden has a record 1,859 applications last year, and 1,619 this year so far.
Ireland have had 8,400 a MONTH from Brits up to the end of December.
That's around 2,000 more a month than last year.
There's also been a sharp rise in Northern Irish citizens applying for Irish passports too - with 82,000 applications this year.
Niall Collins, the Fianna Fáil TD, said: “You will see an increase in applications after Brexit day.
"A lot of people still don’t think it will ultimately happen . . . and they are maybe just holding back pending that.”
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Brits have already been advised to renew their passports before Brexit to make sure they have at least 6 months left after March.
2million are thought to need to renew theirs in the case of being unable to travel in the case of a No Deal Brexit.
Ministers said: "If you are planning travel after 29 March 2019, and your passport will be affected by the new validity rules, we recommend you consider renewing your passport soon to avoid any delay, as the passport issuing service can get busy, especially in the spring."
Who qualifies for a passport from another EU country?
Ireland: If either of your parents was an Irish citizen born in Ireland, or you were born in Ireland to Irish parents, you are automatically a citizen. If any of your grandparents were born in Ireland you are eligible to citizenship by descent.
Italy: Italian citizenship is passed down from parent to child - so as long as you have Italian blood you could be elligible to get a passport.
Germany: If your family were stripped of German passports during the Nazi era you may have a right to re-claim German citizenship. But there are strict rules about dual nationality. This was popular for Brits last year, with a huge jump in applications.
France: Anyone who has lived in France continunually for five years ofr more to apply.
Malta and Cyprus: If you have a grandparent from there you could be elligible. The countries also offer fast-track citizenship to investors - if you have the cash.
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