France Passport Rules for UK Travellers
Travelling to France? You do not usually need 6 months on your passport. France follows the Schengen passport rules instead: your passport should be less than 10 years old on arrival and have at least 3 months remaining after you leave the Schengen area.
France travel requirements at a glance
Less than 10 years old on arrival
3 months after leaving Schengen
Not needed for short stays
Not required yet (expected late 2026)
France passport rules: quick summary
- Issued less than 10 years before arrival
- Valid at least 3 months after leaving
- Up to 90 days visa-free in 180 days
Do you need 6 months on your passport for France?
No — not usually. France does not follow the 6-month rule used by some countries. Instead, it uses the Schengen 10-year and 3-month rules.
- Passport age on arrival
- Validity after your trip
France passport rules compared
| Rule | Applies to France? |
|---|---|
| 6-month rule | No |
| 10-year rule | Yes |
| 3-month rule | Yes |
The 10-year passport rule
Your passport must be less than 10 years old on arrival.
- Issued: 1 March 2016
- Travel: 5 March 2026
This would not be valid.
The 3-month rule
Your passport must have at least 3 months left after leaving Schengen.
- Return: 20 August
- Expiry: 10 November
This is borderline — always allow a safety margin.
Do UK travellers need a visa for France?
No visa is needed for short stays up to 90 days in 180 days.
Upcoming change: ETIAS
From late 2026, UK travellers are expected to need ETIAS approval before travel.
- Not a visa
- Online authorisation
- Free for under 18 and over 70
FAQs
Can I travel if my passport expires in 3 months?
You need 3 months after leaving, not arrival.
Does France use the 10-year rule?
Yes.
Do children need the same rules?
Yes.
Do I need 6 months for France?
No, usually not.