Going to France in May, passport expires in Aug. Do I need to renew?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 87
Going to France in May, passport expires in Aug. Do I need to renew?
Hello all!
I will be traveling to France for ten days departing in mid-May and my passport expires in mid-August. Do I have to renew my passport?
Thanks in advance!
I will be traveling to France for ten days departing in mid-May and my passport expires in mid-August. Do I have to renew my passport?
Thanks in advance!
#2
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,027
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: France is party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter France for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. A passport is required and should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Anyone intending to stay more than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa issued by one of the French Consulates in the U.S., prior to departure for France. This also applies to anyone considering marriage in France.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP, 2mm; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 325
Technically speaking, you should renew before going for the reasons the previous poster mentioned.
That said, I've previously entered EU countries (post 9/11) when my passport was within 6 months of expiration. I didn't know the 6 month rule at the time. The EU country's immigration pointed out the expiration date to me, then stamped me in. Given that you're entering France, speaking French to the immigration officer will help considerably.
It would be safer to renew ahead of time, of course, and two weeks ought to be plenty of time to renew.
That said, I've previously entered EU countries (post 9/11) when my passport was within 6 months of expiration. I didn't know the 6 month rule at the time. The EU country's immigration pointed out the expiration date to me, then stamped me in. Given that you're entering France, speaking French to the immigration officer will help considerably.
It would be safer to renew ahead of time, of course, and two weeks ought to be plenty of time to renew.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
The sort of weird name given to the list of countries which extend passport validity for an additional six months after expiration.
Info here--
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf
Info here--
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf
United States law requires that a travelers passport be valid for six months beyond the last day the traveler intends to be in the U.S. The effect of this law is that a traveler who is traveling on a passport with less than six month validity may find that the period of authorized entry is limited to coincide with the expiration date of his passport.
To address this issue, the United States has agreements with many countries whereby the U.S. considers those countries passports valid for six months beyond their date of expiration. This gives U.S. immigration authorities leeway to authorize a visit that extends beyond the date of expiration, if appropriate.
- All of the countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program except Brunei have this agreement with the U.S.
- Many other countries have agreements as well. See the list of countries.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/104770.pdf
- If your country of nationality is not on the list, you should be certain that your passport is valid for six months beyond the last day you intend to be in the U.S. If necessary, you may wish to obtain a new passport to address any concerns you may have.
* traveling for business, pleasure or transit only.
* staying in the US for 90 days or less.
To address this issue, the United States has agreements with many countries whereby the U.S. considers those countries passports valid for six months beyond their date of expiration. This gives U.S. immigration authorities leeway to authorize a visit that extends beyond the date of expiration, if appropriate.
- All of the countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program except Brunei have this agreement with the U.S.
- Many other countries have agreements as well. See the list of countries.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/104770.pdf
- If your country of nationality is not on the list, you should be certain that your passport is valid for six months beyond the last day you intend to be in the U.S. If necessary, you may wish to obtain a new passport to address any concerns you may have.
* traveling for business, pleasure or transit only.
* staying in the US for 90 days or less.
#7
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,399
Moving this thread to the France forum. Thanks for your understanding.
Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator
Jouy31
TravelBuzz moderator
#8
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Home
Programs: AA, Delta, UA & thanks to FTers for my PC Gold!
Posts: 7,676
Never heard of it until today. Glad to know my country is part of the club. I learned something new today on FT! Again!
I do read it won't expire till Aug and your stay in France is only 10 days. But you never know what may happen that requires a valid passport. You may not have enough time to renew it in June before your next international trip.
Don't know how long it will take to renew your passport right now though. They might not be as backup but 3 weeks might be pushing it.
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BRU
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#10
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Deep in the heart of...DL country.
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 3,838
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: France is party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter France for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. A passport is required and should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Anyone intending to stay more than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa issued by one of the French Consulates in the U.S., prior to departure for France. This also applies to anyone considering marriage in France.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements
#11
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: France
Programs: United Plus
Posts: 1,761
I would renew, even if only for peace of mind and no stickiness at check-in.
Once, a ticket agent didn't want to book for me because one of my children's passports was almost expired. We're U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. so we were fine but don't risk it.
Once, a ticket agent didn't want to book for me because one of my children's passports was almost expired. We're U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. so we were fine but don't risk it.