We are going to France for three weeks in June, 2003. My 10 year old's passport expires in January 2004. I've heard/read that it can be risky to travel with a passport that will expire in 6 months. With tighter security everywhere should we get my daughter a new passport for our trip? Thanks for the help.<BR>Connie

Connie, you will be perfectly fine travelling with her passport. Just take care of it when you get back from your trip. If you are really worried, renew it now--it only takes 6-8 weeks, and then you'll be safe for another 5 years! But really, nothing will happen if her passport is up to date.

Think they are good for 10 years not 5

Adult passports are good for 10 years, but kids' for only 5.

Try to get a new passport for him. Most countries, including France, I believe, do not allow you to use a passport that will expire a certain amount of months AFTER your travel. (I can't remember for France if it's 3 or 6 months). It doesn't make a lot of sense, but my best guess is it's in case your travel plans change and you stay longer.

Thanks for the replies. Has anyone else heard about what Susan had to say? Of course I don't want to get a new passport if I don't have to. Thanks.

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I'm almost sure that the requirement is that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end of your trip. This is certainly the rule for most EU countries. I would get a new passport rather than worry about it. <BR>Carolina

In the UK if one has less than 9 months remaining on a passport the agency will renew it and add 9 months to the 10 years normal lifespan so that you don't lose out and are encouraged to renew earlier and when you have time rather than at the last minute via their fast track service.<BR>Don't know if US does similar.

Your daughter will have to get a new passport next year anyway, so just get it in the spring and you won't have any worries when you're traveling. It's very easy.

Dear Connie:<BR><BR>I am assuming you are a US citizen. From what I could see from a quick glimpse at the website for the French embassy in Washington (ambafrance-us.org), you daughter's passport must be valid for at least 3 months AFTER your date of departure from France. That means if you will be in France during June, her passport must be valid at least through September. You should be OK with her passport expiring in January. You might want to call the embassy to make sure the information is still accurate.

Thanks to everyone for your help. <BR>Connie