Winter & Christmas travel › Ski holidays: passport rules for UK travellers

Ski holidays: passport rules for UK travellers

Most ski resorts popular with UK skiers are in the Schengen area — including Switzerland and Norway, which are not in the EU. Andorra is outside Schengen, but you must travel through France or Spain, so the same rules apply. A few destinations, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and long-haul resorts, have their own rules.

When to go: The European ski season usually runs from December to April, depending on the resort and snow conditions. School holiday weeks, especially February half-term, are the busiest.

🎄 Choosing where to ski? See our guide to the best ski resorts in Europe 2026/27, with season dates, airports, transfer times, train options and a map.

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.

Example: arriving 10 February 2027 and leaving 17 February 2027, your passport must be issued after 10 February 2017 and expire on or after 17 May 2027.

Check my passport All country rules

The Alps and Pyrenees

Destination	Where to go	Passport rule
Austria St Anton, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Ischgl	St Anton, Kitzbühel, Mayrhofen, Ischgl	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
France Les Trois Vallées, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Chamonix	Les Trois Vallées, Val d'Isère, Tignes, Chamonix	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Switzerland Zermatt, Verbier, St Moritz	Zermatt, Verbier, St Moritz	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Italy The Dolomites, Cervinia, Sestriere	The Dolomites, Cervinia, Sestriere	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Andorra Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal	Grandvalira, Pal Arinsal	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Germany Garmisch-Partenkirchen	Garmisch-Partenkirchen	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Spain Sierra Nevada, Baqueira-Beret	Sierra Nevada, Baqueira-Beret	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →

Eastern Europe and Scandinavia

Destination	Where to go	Passport rule
Bulgaria Bansko, Borovets	Bansko, Borovets	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Bosnia and Herzegovina Jahorina, Bjelašnica	Jahorina, Bjelašnica	10-year rule + 90 days after leaving	Full rules →
Poland Zakopane	Zakopane	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →
Norway Trysil, Hemsedal	Trysil, Hemsedal	10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen	Full rules →

Long-haul skiing

Destination	Where to go	Passport rule
Canada Whistler, Banff	Whistler, Banff	Valid for length of stay + eTA check	Full rules →
USA Colorado, Utah	Colorado, Utah	Valid for length of stay	Full rules →
Japan Niseko, Hakuba	Niseko, Hakuba	Valid for length of stay + blank page	Full rules →

Tips for this trip

Count from the day you leave SchengenIf you combine resorts or add a city stop, the 3-month expiry check is counted from the day you finally leave the Schengen area, not the day you leave the resort.

Andorra means France or SpainThere is no airport in Andorra. You travel through France or Spain, so you must meet Schengen entry rules — including the 10-year issue rule.

Get insurance that covers winter sportsStandard travel insurance often excludes skiing and snowboarding. Check your policy covers winter sports, and off-piste if you plan to go.

Working a ski seasonVisa-free visits do not allow you to work. If you plan to work a season in the EU, Switzerland or Norway, you need the right visa or permit first.

Long-haul needs a travel authorisationCanada (if flying) needs an eTA and the USA needs an ESTA or visa. Apply well before you travel, and again if you renew your passport.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 6 months on my passport for a ski trip to France or Austria?

No. For Schengen countries your passport must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.

Is Switzerland in Schengen?

Yes. Switzerland is not in the EU, but it is in the Schengen area, so the Schengen passport rules apply and your days there count towards your 90 days in any 180.

What passport rules apply for Andorra?

Schengen rules, because you must travel through France or Spain: less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for 3 months after you leave the Schengen area.

What are the passport rules for skiing in Bosnia?

Your passport must be less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 90 days after you leave Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must also register with the police within 72 hours; hotels usually do this for you.

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Passport rules are checked against GOV.UK foreign travel advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you travel.