I searched and found nothing quite like this guide, so I thought I'd post this link to a recent article from the Points Guy. It's concentrated on US passport holders and includes countries besides European ones. There are many variations among them. As always, before going anywhere verification of these timeframes is needed. Here's the link. I hope it's helpful. There are embedded links for more detailed information.
Posted by
Green Bay
21217 posts
I just traveled to Switzerland and back with less than 6 months left on my passport. I checked with Switzerland and they said 3 months after intended stay. I had a round trip ticket and I had no problems.
Saturday, the passport, application, and check was off to the National Passport Processing Center for renewal.
Posted by
Western Canada
3511 posts
Thanks for this, Lo.
I had just been thinking I might need a new passport before my next trip to Europe.
For Canadians visiting Italy, it seems we need our passports to be valid longer than 3 months.
This link is about the future ETIAS we will all need, but it does mention passport validity as well.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8156 posts
Also don't forget to check the expiration date on your driver's license if you are renting a car.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4871 posts
ETIAS was put on hold this year, yet again, when the authorities realized Hey there are Olympics in Paris!
But it will resurface eventually, since it appears we make Euros apply for a similar "visa" when visiting us.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20452 posts
phred, the EATIAS visa will resurface later this year I suspect.
For passport questions, I trust this site. These are they guys most (if not all) of the world's airlines are connected to for validation of travel document requirements. In other words when the guy at the checkin counter or the gate checks your passport, it is IATA sofware that is being used to confirm if you are permitted to enter the counrty (fly to) that you are boarding a plane to.
The IATA is nice enough to give passengers access to the same database so you can check when planning or before you get to the airport.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8121 posts
To Mr E's point about the IATA site, I agree, with the exception that it is open to interpretation by your airline.
When questions come up about "Do I have enough time on my passport?" there is always a flurry of answers linking embassy sites, or advice to call this embassy or the other, but really, it comes down to your airline. If they refuse you boarding, you are not going anywhere, you will never have the chance to face a border agent. So if you have a question, they are the likely first place to inquire. That answer may be a link to the IATA site, or they may simply have a flat policy, like the 6 Months. Of course knowing the actual time periods are valuable, since many do cross borders by land during their trip.
The other wrinkle, though a rare occurrence, is that you can no longer enter the US on an expired passport, you would need to renew before return.
Of course the obvious answer is never have to cut it that close. Nothing wrong with renewing your passport a year early if needed; it is not a drivers license where you need to have it expiring to renew.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20452 posts
I don't know that the IATA software can be modified by "the airline" (maybe, but why take the liability?) and I doubt the ticket agent is going to interpret anything. IF the terminal his boss said to use says you aren't getting on the plane, then you aren't getting on the plane. I suspect you would have to convince IATA that they are incorrect.