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People can often forget to check the expiration date on their passports before travelling, assuming that as long as it’s in date then they will be fine. However, a lot of countries still need a certain amount of time on a passport before they allow you in. Find out whether you can travel when your passport is about to expire with our handy guide.
How long should you have left on your passport?
Many people pack their bags for a holiday or business trip with just a casual glance at their passport expiration date, but if it’s due to expire you may be refused entry. While most countries in the European Union, as well as Australia, Canada and the USA, just need your passport to be valid for the length of your stay, other countries such as China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey need at least six months.
In general, many countries that require a visa to enter will require at least six months validity on your passport when entering the country, so make sure you find out whether your passport has long enough before it expires before you travel.
How do I find out how long I need on my passport?
The best way to find out if your passport is valid for travel to certain countries is to check the Travel Advice section of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Choose the country you’re visiting, before clicking on ‘Entry requirements’ and scrolling down to ‘Passport validity’.
Passport rules for different countries
All countries will have their own rules concerning passport validity and expiration rules. Here’s a list of the most common ones:
Australia
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Barbados
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Canada
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay, but if you have less than six months validity it may take longer to pass through immigration control.
China
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
Egypt
Your passport should have at least six months validity.
European Union
All 28 countries in the European Union require that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Those countries are:
