A slightly missed passport rule could lead to Scotland fans being banned from Germany – here’s how to check

It’s at the top of the Tartan Army’s travel checklist – along with beer money, match tickets, kilt and sporran.

No Scotland, no party – and no passport, no party.

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But simply remembering their travel documents isn’t enough for Scotland fans planning to live in Germany later this month.

When the draw was made in December – pitting Steve Clarke’s side against the hosts in the showpiece opener on June 14 – SFA boss Ian Maxwell predicted up to 100,000 fans would head to Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart.

This has now been revealed as an understatement – by half.

German police are preparing for up to 200,000 Tartan Army fanatics to follow Andy Robertson, John McGinn and co to Bavaria and beyond for matches against Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.

They go by plane, train and taxi – and one even walks.

But there’s one vital check EVERYONE needs to do before heading off on their summer adventure or risk getting caught.

In the worst cases, they might even be denied entry to the host nation itself – and forced to watch from home.

As a result of the Brexit rules now in place, fans heading to Germany must ensure their passport is within a certain date range or risk being banned at the border.

British travelers with a valid passport can travel to Germany without a visa – it’s part of the Schengen Area agreement.

But advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns that passports must expire at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

Not only that, they also have to be no more than 10 years old. Any passports renewed before October 2018 may be at risk of being affected.

Fans have also been warned about local customs and laws – although a Sunday noise ban has been delayed for the duration of the tournament.

However, too much German beer – a favorite of the Tartan Army – could come at a cost.

In Munich, anyone picked up for being too full can be taken to a “drunk tank” – known as an “Ausnüchterungszelle” – to sleep.

The next day he must pay 60 euros to secure his release.

A spokesman for Munich Tourism said: “We welcome all fans of our European neighbors to a glorious festival of football.

“We also encourage fans to immerse themselves in the rich culture that Munich has to offer.

“All visitors are asked to obey our local laws. Please make the most of our friendly welcome and not the ‘Ausnüchterungszelle’.”

He added: “Let’s go Deutschland and Schottland!”

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