Six-Month Passport Validity Rule

Every country has its laws its residents and visitors must abide. For this reason, the six-month passport validity rule varies by country. Most countries apply the six-month validity rule, some recommends a one month rule, and a few require a valid passport. Nevertheless, to enter a foreign country, you must show some form of valid identification to immigration. A passport book is the most common document use unless where a passport card is accepted, a passport is not necessary. So, if you plan to travel abroad, the best advice would be to have a passport with six months or more validity.

What is the Validity Passport Rule?

The six-month validity passport rule is a law imposed by countries to any visitor coming into the country for a short time. The rule states that a passport must have some validity for up to six months before given access to enter the country. If your passport has less than six months before it expires, you may not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country of your destination.

If you are going to a country that requires at least one-month validity and your passport has less, you will not be allowed to enter the country. It is best to apply for a new passport to avoid being turned away at the airport. Or, you are unable to leave a foreign country because your passport expired.

Countries that Enforce the Six-Month Validity Passport Rule

Many countries enforce the rule. Click here to get a list of the countries that do apply the rule. If you do not see a country on the list, it can mean the country does not enforce a six-month rule but either a one month rule or just a valid passport. For confirmation, visit https://fam.state.gov/searchapps/viewer?format=html&query=d&links=D&url=/FAM/09FAM/09FAM040309.html for the complete list of countries. Keep in mind that the list can change at any time since a country can choose to change the time it requires a passport to be valid for entry.