Ryanair Schengen rules for Canadian passport holder - told needs 6 months validity

StuartieG2

Hi, 

We're booked to fly out to Spain next week with Ryanair (4th October, Edinburgh to Barcelona). Flying back on Sunday 13th October.

My wife is Canadian, her passport expires on 27 Feb 2025 - this will leave 4+ months of validity when we travel. (Also note it is only a 5 year passport). From researching months ago and also today everywhere suggests this is fine - non EU national with over 3 months remaining on passport on departure from the EU and over 10 years validity on entry. But Ryanair's app and now customer service are saying she needs 6 months! I know back in 2021/2022 Ryanair were incorrectly advising this but I haven't seen any recent complaints online with this issue.

When trying to check in using the app in advance I got this error:

"Passport issue

Your passport should have a validity of no less than 6 months beyond your planned exit from Spain to ensure permission for boarding.

You can proceed with the check-in process, but please ensure you have valid travel documents to present at the airport check-in desks.

Continue (the continue button doesn't work when I press it)"

Ryanair's own website guidance for non EU nationals suggests that they need a visa check, but also says you can do it online. It then says:

"To use this service (unsure if they are talking about a visa check or the online service), ensure your passport is:

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay for flights from Schengen to Non-Schengen regions.
• Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay for flights to Schengen regions.

However, if the passport verification process is not available, you must proceed to the visa check desk at the airport." (Sorry forum won't let me post links, but if you google "ryanair non EU nationals" it's the first result).

(We're used to getting a document check done for her, it's standard practice.)

Confused I messaged Ryanair customer service online chat. I was repeatedly told that my only option was for my wife to get a new passport (not sure if it is possible in the timescales as their Canadian UK embassy says there's an 8 week wait, and we fly next week).

I'm fairly sure there are misunderstandings at Ryanair on the app - and we'll turn up at the airport, my wife will get a document check done, and we can board. But I'm not filled with confidence here given how their app and customer service seem to suggest she needs 6 months validity, and the fact they have previously wrongly enforced a 6 month rule a few years back.

Any ideas on how to handle this? I'm even thinking a trip to the airport tomorrow to ask the Ryanair staff there would help (we fly in 11 days)? That way we could rebook my wife with another airline if needed?

EU rules seem clear on 3 months - it's just Ryanair who are saying 6 months. Any advice appreciated! 

Thanks, 

Stuart

StuartieG2

Just to add this seems to have been in the section which was "Verify your passport now". It let myself and my daughter do this ok, but flashed the error for my wife. I was able to go back into the app just now and try to check-in once again, I did not choose the passport validation and it confirmed (with a note saying my wife needs to confirm visa details at the airport).

But still confused that the Ryanair rep had said (even after checking with his supervisor) that my wife needs 6 months validity!

Brie

I had a similar issue a few years back (pre brexit) where my Canadian passport had about 2 months left on it to fly to Switzerland.  It took a short call to their embassy in London and they shot me back an email to confirm I just needed 30 days.  Can't remember if I was flying Ryan air or similar and it wasn't an issue.

But also it takes currently about a week to renew a passport in London if all your stuff is up to date - I did mine a few months back with no issue.  Might be best as Ryanair can be a beggar.  And now she can get a 10 year if she likes - much nicer.

StuartieG2

Thanks Brie. The link on the UK consulate page says it takes 8 weeks to process a passport - though says it was last updated in 2022. Was this in person? We live in Scotland so travel to London isn't something that is easy to do in the next few days. Also do you need to surrender your current passport when you apply for a new one? Wary that would potentially leave my wife without any way to travel if things got held up. Thanks for the advice so far!

StuartieG2

So, we double checked the EU rules, Canadian consulate also confirmed it's 3 months not 6. Turned up at the airport and had visa check done absolutely fine. So it is 3 months for anyone else in a similar situation. Thanks!

mdann52

Ryanair insist on 6 months because that's the length the border guards can choose to require if you can't present evidence of return travel. Ryanair would then be liable for various costs and fines if you got turned away.

If you go to the desk with proof of a pre-booked return, it's usually not an issue as long as you have the 3 months on the passport. It's a crude rule to avoid fines, basically.