Hi Polar, I know travel agents usually say you require 6 months expiry on date of return.

The Passport Office has some details here http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/faqs-foreign-travel-specified-validity.asp

Looks like you need to check with Spanish Consulate or Embassy.

Kath HT Admin

looks like you are ok Polar . scroll down to passport validity ,but I would still double check with the embassy

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386442

lyn

Thanks Lyn
Kath x

The whole point of the EU is that it guarantees freedom of movement between people of member states. Since both Ireland and Spain are in the EU, nobody can insist on any period of validity other than the passport being valid on the day you travel. Travel agents just say the 6 month thing to everybody to save any problems arising if you are ill or whatever, which delays your return.

Thanks guys, as I said Im Irish flying from Ireland, the web links are all regarding UK british passports etc. am I still ok?

There is no problem from the side of passport control etc an EU country can not set/amend requirements for validity of another member states passport holder. Any issue may have would be from your carrier or travel company so it may be best to double check with them.

Have checked with embassy who said its fine
When rang passport office they said check with embassy

Travel company say passport control would stop me

No one seems to have a clue what their on about in travel company / passport office

Im goin with the embassys say

Do you think this is right ????

They wont give it to me in writing as they think Im mad as it is eu regulations that and eu member from ireland does not need any validity bar one day after their return date to ireland on their passport

Yes ignore travel company and believe embassy! Like I said - eu members travel freely between member states. They cannot stop you if you have a passport valid on the day of travel!

All sounds like you.ll be fine to travel, i think there is a threas somewhere that discussed the whys and hows of tour ops having this policy. Enjoy looking forward to your hols, and we'll see you here soon!

And remember to post back on how it went for the benefit of other members.

luci

Having the same queries over my husbands passport. We travel to GC on 26th April and his expires Oct 8th 08. He is working in Ireland at the mo and has passport with him, so I cannot send it off at present.
I have just checked on Forgein and Commonwealth Office website and its says;

Passport validity

A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Spain. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

This is current too.

Do you guys think that we will be ok? Thomas Cook say 6 months, so I dont know who to believe!!

European law requires only that the passport is valid to date of exit. Not sure why the T/O's require the 6 monhs. I'm guessing it may have to do with insurance and or changes to the booking but not sure. but passport control here will not/can not give you problems as long as it is valid for the dates of travel.