Passport question going to France

[InsiderBetty]

We are planning on going to France but I just realised my DC's passport expires mid December 2024. it was issued in 2019.

according to the fco website I think we will be fine as we are back early September but have I interpreted this right?? Is this how it works in practice or will they need 6 months left on the passport??

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements

This is what the fco says:

Passport validity requirements
France follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

so passport issued - 2019 - that's less than ten years

passport expires mid December 24 - we come back early September 2024 - should be ok right??

Easier if you use exact dates other than "mid" and "early" but yes. If the passport expires 15th December and you arrive back in the uk 14th September that's fine

Yes, it expires more than three months after leaving the Schengen area.

It's within time, just. But in your situation, if you have time, I would just get it renewed for peace of mind. That way, if you have any sudden need to change the dates of travel, you don't have to worry.