Human Passport Validity

[Jo001]

I had it fixed in my mind that to enter the EU, passports had to have at least six months validity before expiring, on the date of arrival in the EU.

We were going to miss our deadline, because we had to postpone our trip due to a sick dog (now doing a lot better but that's a whole other story).

It was actually our vet that said he thought we'd be okay because he was sure it's only three months validity thats needed. I looked online and he seems to be right.

But, me being me, I'm second guessing myself and wondering where I got the idea of six months from. Can anyone put me out of my misery and reassure me? Or am I just losing the plot?

 

[TJBi]

I had it fixed in my mind that to enter the EU, passports had to have at least six months validity before expiring, on the date of arrival in the EU.

We were going to miss our deadline, because we had to postpone our trip due to a sick dog (now doing a lot better but that's a whole other story).

It was actually our vet that said he thought we'd be okay because he was sure it's only three months validity thats needed. I looked online and he seems to be right.

But, me being me, I'm second guessing myself and wondering where I got the idea of six months from. Can anyone put me out of my misery and reassure me? Or am I just losing the plot?

It's a bit more complex than that:

"Passport validity requirements
France follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)"

Entry requirements - France travel advice

FCDO travel advice for France. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

You may have had the notion of 6 months because:
"If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. "

Entry requirements - USA travel advice

FCDO travel advice for USA. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

 

[Jo001]

I think we are okay. Passport issued 29 June 2016, and expires 29 September 2026. We expect to go at some point over the next week or so, all being well, and return in the middle of May.

Just having a wobble, thanks for the reassurance!