Christmas market trips: passport rules for UK travellers
Most of Europe's best-known Christmas markets are in the Schengen area, so the same two passport checks apply almost everywhere: your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive, and still valid for 3 months after the day you leave.
Check your passport before you book
Most winter trips to Europe use the Schengen rules. Your passport must be issued less than 10 years before you arrive, and expire at least 3 months after you leave.
Christmas market destinations
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, Munich | Nuremberg, Cologne, Dresden, Munich | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Austria Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| France Strasbourg, Colmar, Paris | Strasbourg, Colmar, Paris | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Czech Republic Prague | Prague | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Hungary Budapest | Budapest | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Belgium Brussels, Bruges | Brussels, Bruges | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Poland Kraków, Wrocław | Kraków, Wrocław | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Denmark Copenhagen | Copenhagen | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Switzerland Basel, Zürich, Montreux | Basel, Zürich, Montreux | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Italy Bolzano, Merano, Trento | Bolzano, Merano, Trento | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Netherlands Amsterdam, Maastricht | Amsterdam, Maastricht | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Croatia Zagreb | Zagreb | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
Tips for this trip
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for a Christmas market trip?
Not for Schengen countries such as Germany, Austria, France, the Czech Republic or Hungary. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.
My passport expires in March. Can I go to a Christmas market in December?
Only if it expires at least 3 months after the day you leave the Schengen area and was issued less than 10 years before you arrive. For example, if you leave on 12 December, it must expire on or after 12 March.
Do I need ETIAS for a Christmas market trip?
No. ETIAS has not started yet and no start date has been confirmed.
Will I have my fingerprints taken at the border?
Yes, on your first visit since the Entry/Exit System (EES) started. Your record is then valid for 3 years.
More winter travel guides
Passport rules are checked against GOV.UK foreign travel advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you travel.