Help me out here as I am going to France in June 2026. My passport expires March 2027. I have read that I am ok as it expires 9 months from my return date. The rule is 3 months, am I correct.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1521 posts
According to the US State Department:
"Must have 3 months validity beyond date of departure from the Schengen area."
https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/france.html
Posted by
Maryland
143 posts
I believe you are good until December 2026.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8908 posts
You will be fine.
A good rule of thumb is 6 months left on your passport at initial departure, that allows your 90 days in the Schengen area plus 3 months required.
While information from embassies and official sounding places is all good fun, in the end, it is whether your airline allows you to fly. If they look at your passport at check-in, and it does not match their rules, you don't fly, and what a border control person might say is moot.
You can go on your airlines website, many have a place to input passport and travel info, and indicate whether you are OK or not.
Posted by
Singapore
1010 posts
"While information from embassies and official sounding places is all good fun, in the end, it is whether your airline allows you to fly."
The rule for the Schengen area is 3 months' validity from date of departure. Anything else is not relevant. The airlines go by what the legal requirements are.
For reference, here's what the EU itself says:
"Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU"
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm