How old can a UK passport be to enter the Schengen area (10-year rule)?
The short answer
For UK passport holders, GOV.UK says the passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive in the Schengen area. It must also have an expiry date at least three months after you plan to leave.
The two tests
GOV.UK's travel advice for France sets two separate tests for UK passport holders entering the Schengen area.
First, the date of issue must be less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Second, the expiry date must be at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. The page says the expiry date does not need to fall within 10 years of the issue date.
- Issue date: under 10 years old on the day you arrive.
- Expiry date: at least three months after you plan to leave.
- The page says passports renewed before 1 October 2018 may have an older issue date, which can make them invalid for Schengen entry.
How to check
The page advises confirming with your travel provider that your passport meets the requirements, renewing through the GOV.UK passport service if needed, and contacting the French Embassy in the UK if you are unsure how the rules apply to you.
EES and extra time
The same page says the EU Entry/Exit System is replacing manual passport stamping for short stays. On a first visit you may be asked to register fingerprints and a photo at a booth before the immigration desk. It is free, and the page recommends allowing extra time at the border.
US and EU travellers
This page is written for UK passport holders. It does not set out rules for US or EU passport holders, so check your own government's advice and the official EU pages. Rules change, so check the official page before you travel.
Sources: GOV.UK: France travel advice, entry requirements. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 10-year limit include extra months carried over from an old passport?
The page says passports renewed before 1 October 2018 may have an older issue date that makes them invalid for Schengen entry. Look at the date of issue printed in the passport, not just the expiry date.
Do I need three months left on the passport?
Yes. GOV.UK says the expiry date must be at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Will I be refused entry with an older passport?
The page says you will be denied entry without a valid travel document, and it lists the 10-year issue date test as a requirement.
Who can I ask if I am unsure?
GOV.UK suggests checking with your travel provider and contacting the French Embassy in the UK.
Does this page mention ETIAS?
No. The official page does not mention ETIAS.