Traveling to the Netherlands with an expired French ID card that has extended validity

Hi there,

The Netherlands is one of the countries that hasn’t officially taken a position on accepting French ID cards with extended validity (+5 years). However, it seems to be tolerated, and it’s recommended to carry the explanatory notice about the law that extended the validity of ID cards—especially in case of a police check during your stay in the Netherlands. The main concern seems to be about legal status in the country. Air France (apparently) indicates that boarding is possible. Has anyone had experience traveling by plane under these conditions, and can someone confirm whether it’s possible to visit the Netherlands (by plane with Air France) with an expired French ID card (based on the date printed on it) but with validity extended by 5 years? It’s hard to get a definitive answer, which is why I’m asking fellow travelers for their experiences :) Thanks in advance for your feedback! Audrey

Hi Audrey,

There are no identity checks within the Schengen Area, except for occasional spot checks under special authorization, so there’s no systematic "identity check" at boarding. French airlines have a sort of routine where they do something that resembles one at boarding. Your national ID card is valid, so there’s no reason this little check should be a problem. On the way back, I don’t think anyone will ask you for a document to board. I’ve got some experience with Schiphol, and the Schengen boarding gates are automatic, with no staff intervention. No one has ever questioned the validity of my ID anywhere else in the Netherlands, by the way.

Don’t worry.

Michel

Hi Michel,

Thanks so much for your reply.

I’m still worried about being denied boarding either in France or on the return from Amsterdam.

Even the French Consulate in Amsterdam isn’t giving a clear answer.

It sounds like you’re saying there shouldn’t be any issue at the airport boarding with an ID card that has extended validity—did I understand that right?

Thanks

I’m still worried about being denied boarding either in France or on the return from Amsterdam.

No, that won’t happen, and it’s never happened to anyone. And in Amsterdam, no one will even ask you for any documents.

Michel

Michel,

I like your reply... but

The Consulate just got back to me: "Hello, To travel to the Netherlands, you must have a valid ID document. The Netherlands does not recognize the extension. Best regards, Administration of French Nationals ED" So I’m a bit confused :(

They can’t tell you anything else.

Michel

Okay, thank you.

I’ll try to check with Air France.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Hi there,

The risk is not being able to board in Amsterdam for the return flight.

Hello,

Hello The risk is not being able to board in Amsterdam for the return flight.

No, that risk is negligible. For a whole host of reasons, the main one being that within Schengen Europe, there are really two worlds when it comes to free movement: France, Spain, Italy, probably Greece and Portugal, and the others. In Amsterdam, boarding is done through automated gates—there’s no staff checking anything. This is even more certain with a regular airline, especially if you’re not checking any luggage—which seems likely for an Amsterdam-Paris trip.

Even if you imagine Dutch authorities exceptionally checking—at Schiphol, it’s the gendarmerie, I think—I can’t see them holding back a Schengen passenger who’s otherwise in order, for such a trivial reason.

Michel

Hello,

Thanks for your feedback.

Indeed, I imagine they have other things to worry about than detaining someone for this reason... My only goal is to visit and return in time to take the kids to school Monday morning.

There won’t be any checked baggage, and Air France said it’s okay... the consulate gave vague and sometimes contradictory answers, but one of them mentioned checking with the airline (I gather it may depend on the carrier).

The diplomatie.gouv website’s Netherlands page refers to the national ID card and its extension in the entry conditions, and obviously, to avoid any questions, everywhere says it’s best to have the "correct validity date"... There’s also an official notice on the subject in French, English, and Dutch, which implies it’s possible but you may need to justify the extended validity if asked.

In conclusion, from my research, I’ve gathered that this could be an issue for long stays (studies, work...) or if there’s a police check, but for a short tourist stay in the Schengen area, I should be fine.

Finally, Michel’s advice seems wise and practical, which is reassuring.

Time will tell if I worried for nothing.

Have a great day and thanks for your replies!

Hello, The risk is not being able to board the return flight in Amsterdam.

No, that risk is negligible. For a whole host of reasons, the main one being that there are really two worlds in Europe’s Schengen area when it comes to free movement: France, Spain, Italy, probably Greece and Portugal, and then the others. In Amsterdam, you board through automated gates—they’re automatic, and there’s no staff to check anything. This is even more certain with a regular airline and if you don’t check any baggage—which seems likely for an Amsterdam-Paris trip.

Even if you imagine Dutch authorities *very* exceptionally checking—at Schiphol, it’s the gendarmerie, I think—I can’t see them detaining a Schengen passenger, who’s otherwise in order, for such a trivial reason.

Michel