As you plan your trip, be sure to check the requirements for your destination.
With U.S. outbound international travel on the rise—according to Allianz Partners USA, summer travel to Europe is projected to rise by 10 percent in 2025—it’s more important than ever to double-check your travel documents. Before booking an international trip, it’s essential to check passport rules and expiration requirements—otherwise, you could be denied entry at your destination.
As Ravi Kumar owner and global visas and passports advisor at A1 Passport & Visa New York City explains: “Most of our customers in these situations complain that the airline did not inform them when purchasing tickets about the validity rules for passports, and the airline says that their job is only to sell tickets, not to deal with immigration requirements of destination nations.” Travelers are ultimately responsible for carrying out due diligence.
To get the most accurate, up-to-date information, check the immigration website of the country you’re visiting—it’s the best way to avoid any unexpected hiccups. Travelers who do not meet the entry requirements will often be denied boarding. He tells what to do if there is an oversight and the traveler slips through. Travel + Leisure The traveler will “be refused entry at the destination, and forced to buy a return flight to their country of origin on the spot.”
When that happens, it’s more than just stressful—it can upend your entire trip and lead to unexpected expenses. Kumar states that travelers are often forced to cancel or delay their trips due to passport validity requirements.
If your passport is set to expire soon and you have an international trip on the horizon, don’t fret—there are a couple of ways to fast-track renewal. Kumar recommends making an appointment at your nearest government passport agency. However, availability may be limited and there are certain requirements. You can also use a third party passport expediting service.
Countries Requiring a Valid Passport for Entry
Passports that are expired can ruin your plans for travel. You will need a valid passport at your arrival in these countries and throughout your stay. You should also check if there are any additional entry requirements for your destination. In the United Kingdom, U.S. citizens must obtain an entry visa as of this past year. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of arrival. U.S. citizens are allowed to visit Japan for up 90 days, without a visa. However, they must present proof of a return or onward ticket at the time of entry.
- Anguilla
- Aruba
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Cayman Islands, British Overseas Territory
- Colombia U.S. Department of State recommends six months’ validity)
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Mexico
- Montserrat
- Nicaragua
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- United Kingdom
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Countries that require at least three months of passport validity
Are you planning a European vacation? Note that your passport must be valid for at least three months after your arrival—a requirement enforced by all 29 Schengen Area countries. Additionally, U.S. citizens will be required to apply for travel authorizations through the Schengen Area beginning in late 2020. European Travel Information and Authorization System Before visiting any European country, including those listed below, you should obtain an ETIAS before travelling.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The three-month rule is enforced in several other countries, including:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Honduras
- Panama
- Turks and Caicos
- New Zealand
Countries that Require a Minimum of 6 Months Validity on Passports
These destinations require a passport to be valid for at least six additional months beyond the date of arrival. They are less forgiving and require extra planning. Check your passport early in advance, and renew it if necessary.
- Antigua Barbuda
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Fiji
- French Territories of the Pacific (including French Polynesia)
- Grenada
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
- Vietnam
The Bottom Line
Passport validity laws can vary from one country to another and may change. As a rule, you should always have a passport with at least six months validity before traveling abroad.
