Passport Validity Rules: The Six-Month Rule Explained
Updated Jun 10, 2026
One of the most common reasons travellers are denied boarding is passport validity — not the visa itself. Many destinations require your passport to remain valid for a set period beyond your departure date. Here is how the rule works.
What the six-month rule means
A large number of countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date you enter (or sometimes after you leave). If your passport expires sooner, you can be refused entry — or refused boarding by the airline — even if it has not technically expired yet.
Three-month and other variations
Not every country uses six months. Much of the Schengen Area, for example, requires three months’ validity beyond your intended departure. Some countries only require validity for the duration of your stay. Because the rule varies, always check the specific requirement for your destination.
Blank pages and condition
Beyond the expiry date, many countries require one or two blank pages for entry and exit stamps, and will refuse a passport that is torn, water-damaged, or has a detached photo. Treat a damaged passport as invalid and renew it.
How to stay safe
A simple rule of thumb to avoid trouble at the airport:
Renew your passport if it expires within nine months of any planned trip. Check the validity requirement for each destination before booking. Make sure you have at least two blank pages. Carry a digital copy of your passport separately from the physical document.