So UK passports but Swiss C Permits .. Travelling around CH - FR - It - DE etc.

During the summer we cross the various borders many times .. Just noticed that the UK passport of on of my kids just expired. ..

So is that a big deal? In 8-9 years we've never been asked for a passport .. But officially was is the position .. Can we just cross the borders with ID .. does it matter? Normally we keep the passports in the car if we're going on a trip .. but wait it's expired .?

I haven't been asked for it at a border crossing (except the UK border) in 20+ years. But of course, the day you don't have it, someone will want to see it...

https://www.ch.ch/en/travelling-abroad.
according this this i would say you need a valid passport.

second that, worst case you call embassy to sort it out

It isn't just the border crossing, although that's the most likely point something would happen.

In many countries you must have a valid identity document with you - France for example - and an expired passport isn't valid.

Swiss C permit is not officially ID so it would probably be down to luck if they accept it. Within Schengen there's probably a decent case to be made that a Swiss permit is worth more now than a UK passport, but passport control isn't the place to try that discussion...

Well, if you get caught what is the worse that could happen? They send your kid off to gaol for duration? Just look at that as a cultural experience, opportunity to try new foods, speak another language, meet new people.

Mum and dad get a chance to learn of cultural differences and how bureaucracies compare across Western Europe. Plenty to learn about judicial systems too.

Hey! Look on it as an opportunity.

Not been asked for years and even if, probably a cursory glance hence may not even notice its not valid. I would not worry too much and just get a new one done asap.

K

Your passport around Shengen areas is your car's Swiss number plate...

Especially during Covid times, I would never travel without a valid passport. I am also from a non-Schengen country, with an EU C-permit so traveling without a passport was never a possibility, but I would be very reluctant to try it now.

Thanks people ..

As I said we've never been asked for a passport, any of us.. We cross to France at least 1-2 time per month and generally don't even take a passport.

We only might take them when going a longer trip like vacation where it would be a spoiler to be turned back!

We'll soon see what happens

As long as you stay in Schengen you’ll be OK. But keep informed, if one of the neighbouring countries introduces a Covid Certificate check they are going to want some ID too.

I forgot my passport when traveling to Italy once and it wasn't an issue - had my husband look up the law and it is indeed necessary to have your passport with you as a C permit holder when traveling.

Most likely they will give you some trouble IF you are stopped, but other than that, I can't imagine for two children with an expired passport it should be such an issue. I'd call up the embassy just in case ...

Best wishes on your upcoming trip!

You’re not likely to be asked but it is a legal requirement to carry official ID with you and a Swiss residence permit doesn’t count.

I am assuming the UK one is their only passport? If so you need to get it renewed ASAP as you need a valid ID document even for Switzerland.

Divonne was checking two days ago around 11am, there was a line of cars, too. I'd take another crossing

It's a requirement and with covid anything they might check documents more seriously.

I've been randomly checked in France before, never directly at the border.

Can you get an emergency passport at the embassy?

If you do travel before renewing your child's passport, I would at least bring any other forms of identity that you have for him or her. For example, birth certificate, etc. That way at least it might be more easy to prove that he or she is indeed your child and to help prove who he or she is, if need be. Also, don't forget health insurance cards.