yes, it is possible (but not everywhere)

It’s an unforeseen event that could simply ruin a trip. Forgetting to check the expiration date, even though it is on the first page of your passport. Or, at least, naively think that since it expires in four months, it will be enough to do it again in four months. Beginner’s mistake! Most long-haul destinations require a passport valid for 6 months after the return date of a trip. Example: for a stay planned from January 25 to 31, 2025, you will be asked for a passport valid at least until July 31 of the same year.

In terms of countries applying this 6-month rule, let us cite certain tourist destinations among the French’s favorites:Egypt (the country also accepts travelers from France upon simple presentation of an identity card, also valid for six months), the ThailandTHE UNITED STATES, Australiathe Brazilthe Tanzania or even the Vietnam.

Everyone chooses to apply the precautionary principle: during their trip, the visitor could request the extension of their visa, or have to postpone their departure for one reason or another. With a passport valid for a longer period, he is guaranteed to be able to leave without having to take the necessary steps to obtain another one urgently.

Also read
Traveling without a passport in 2025: the list of countries where it is possible (even outside the European Union)

Being tested in the Dominican Republic

However, there are countries with a more flexible entry policy. For example, some ask that the passport be valid for one month, instead of six, after return. Let’s quote theSouth Africa (small specificity: the document must contain at least two blank pages). In Tunisiathis deadline was reduced to three months on January 1, 2025.

Others, even more permissive, accept passports that expire immediately after return. This is particularly the case for Japanof the South Koreaof Argentinaof Mexicoof Guatemala, of the Seychelles, of Mauritius a you Morocco. This is also the formula currently being tested in Dominican Republic. Until November 30, 2025, for any tourist stay, it is possible to enter with an identity document valid for the duration of the stay only.

Obviously, if your passport is about to expire, it is still possible to travel within the European Union with an identity card. But for regular travelers, a piece of advice: plan ahead. Identity card or passport, it is more reasonable to plan to redo your papers one year before their expiry date. Remember that in France, before the age of 18, the passport is valid for five years. Then, this period increases to ten years.