Can you travel on a European passport that is about to expire?

[pupuce]

My DS (Dutch nationality) - 5yo has a passport that expires in a couple of days I think... we leave next Wednesday for the continent.... can we travel or does he need a new passport (which we are deseperatly trying to get but are officially too late - no chance of finding out if anyone is sleeping with the Dutch ambassador - à la Blunkett )
I remember being told that I could travel with an out of date passport up to 6 months past its expiry date... has that changed ? Does anyone know ?
Thanks.....
A very nervous pupuce... thinking she might not be able to go on holiday next week!

I think it's a new passport.

I applied for a new passport for DDS last thursday, new one arrived this morning! DS did have six months left on his. but is in Canada for 3 months so must have six months to run on it.

Likewise DD, she comes home tomorrow fromFrance, so we have to send it off asap as she cannot return to France in January without six months on it, doesn't help you much but I think it is a new passport.

BTW, I rang the passpor offce, very helpful and I could have gone down to London or peterborough to get a new one same day for £72

Depends on where you are going. I think you might be ok of you are going to the EC (although not entirely sure) as in theory you don't have to have a passport - you could travel with an id card from other countries. I would phone and ask the passport agency (or maybe your travel agent) just to be sure...

Seems like I will need a new passport.... how can I convince them to do it quickly... any tips ????? what would you say... I know they CAN do it but it is at their dicrestion....

discretion...

When I went to florida, my passport expired two days before we flew back. I had to get a new one, but I told the people at the postoffice that I was going the following week so they did it very quickly and got my new one a couple of days later

phone them and make an appointment

It is not a UK passport...

When I renewed my passport (not english..) it only took a couple of days without even being in a hurry. I had to turn up in person though both times (apply and collect)

Where are you going and is that country part of the Schengan agreement? I think the Netherlands is and if the country you are visiting is also a member then I don't think there is a problem - but don't quote me!

Am awaiting confirmation but it seemd DH was successful...... they said they would do it today but he hasn't rung to say it is in hand !
Shengen countries don't need passports IF you travel by car (as there are no borders anymore).... airplanes make it international flights.
We definitely need a valid passport.... the stress was high but even if we don't get it today... theye were willing to do it ASAP.... so we shoudl be all right !
DS got a day off school, travelling in London so for him this was fab!

DH is back - for £22 they have prolonged it for 1 1/2 month !