Why a top children’s author was turned away from a Ryanair flight

WorldFamily & Parenting
14 Apr 2026 • 7:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Celebrated children's author Michael Rosen was denied boarding a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Bologna due to post-Brexit passport validity rules.
  • His passport, issued in March 2016, exceeded the 10-year limit for UK travellers entering the EU, despite its expiry date being August 2026.
  • Rosen posted about the incident on social media, linking it to Brexit, which resulted in him receiving significant online abuse.
  • He admitted he had not checked the travel regulations as his flight and accommodation were arranged by the Bologna Children's Book Fair organisers.
  • Despite the travel mishap, Rosen later learned he had won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, describing it as a 'happy ending'.

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