The two passport conditions
A non-EU national entering the Schengen area needs a passport that meets two conditions at the same time. It has to be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave, and it must have been issued within the last 10 years on the day you enter.
| Condition | What it means | Checked against |
|---|---|---|
| Valid 3 months after departure | The expiry date is at least 3 months after the last day of your planned stay | The date you plan to leave |
| Issued within 10 years | The issue date is less than 10 years before the day you cross the border | The day you enter |
Worked examples
- A passport expiring on 30 June 2027, for a trip from 1 March to 20 March 2027: it is valid more than 3 months after 20 March, so the first condition is met.
- The same passport for a trip ending on 15 April 2027: 3 months after 15 April is 15 July, which is after the expiry date, so it is not enough.
- A passport issued on 1 May 2017 with an expiry date in 2028: on an entry on 2 May 2027 it was issued more than 10 years earlier, so it fails the second condition even though it has not expired.
The 10-year count runs from the issue date printed in the passport, not from the expiry date.
Visa-free travellers too
The passport rule is part of the general conditions for visiting the EU as a non-EU national. Nationals of countries that can visit visa-free for up to 90 days still need a passport that meets both conditions. A visa, where one is needed, does not replace them.
What else border guards can ask for
- A justification for the purpose and the details of your stay, including proof that you have enough money for it.
- Documents such as an invitation letter, proof of where you are staying, or a return or round-trip ticket.
- A visa, if your nationality needs one, unless you hold a valid residence permit or long-stay visa.
Entry can also be refused if there is an alert about you in the Schengen Information System.
How this fits with the day count
Meeting the passport conditions lets you be checked at the border, but it does not give you extra days. The length of a short stay is still limited by the 90/180-day rule, and the date you plan to leave is the one the 3-month validity is measured from. If you are not sure how late you can leave, work out your latest exit date first and check your passport against that date.
Use the calculator on the home page to count your own stays.
Updated: 6 November 2026