When you’re not travelling, it’s easy to tuck your passport away and forget all about it. A year passes, maybe even two, before you get to take your next big trip, so why would you need your passport?
Suddenly, you’re rummaging through all the drawers and then sigh in relief, your passport doesn’t expire until a month after your upcoming holiday is over. Crisis averted! Or is it?
Rules and regulations today are constantly changing, and Remitly wants to help you stay informed so you aren’t scrambling right before you travel. Being turned away at the airline counter is the last thing anyone wants.
Our latest guide on passport validity lays out the truth behind the six-month rule, when to renew, and other important factors to consider before you head to the airport.
The universal 6-month rule: Fact or fiction?
Just before heading off on a three-month trip around Southeast Asia, I discovered I’d need a visa upon arrival in Vietnam. Frantic, I thumbed through my almost full passport to make sure I had at least one empty page, only to notice there was less than a year before it expired.
All of this wouldn’t have been a problem, but as I was leaving that afternoon, I started to panic. Thankfully everything worked out, but the stress took a toll on me and made it impossible to enjoy the first week of my long-awaited trip.
Every country has its own rules, so while the 6-month rule doesn’t apply for all countries, it does apply for many (including Vietnam!).
To enter the UK, for example, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. The UK government’s website details requirements for travellers from different countries and regions, but does not specifically require a passport with at least six months of validity before entry.
So, although it’s not a universal requirement, UK citizens travelling abroad should be aware of this rule and how it might affect their travels.
The last thing you’ll want is to disrupt your trip before you’ve even left the country.
Country-specific passport validity requirements
One size does not fit all—many countries can require as many as 12 months of validity before they let you cross their borders.
If you’re travelling to multiple countries on your trip, the best course of action is to check each destination’s embassy website. There you’ll find the most up-to-date information before heading off.
Let’s take a look at the requirements for a few countries and areas to give you a better picture.
European Union (EU)
- Schengen Area: Passports must be issued within the last 10 years and valid until the end of your stay, plus 3 additional months. Note that while part of the EU, Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen Area, with Ireland only requiring a passport to be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Non-Schengen countries: There are 11 countries outside the Schengen Area, excluding microstates and Russia. Albania, for example, requires UK passports to have 3 months of validity from the departure date.
North America
- United States: Along with your ESTA visa waiver, your passport must have 6 months of validity while visiting the US.
- Canada: Passport must be valid throughout the length of your stay.
Asia
- Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines: 6-month validity required.
- Japan Passport must be valid throughout the length of your stay.
- India: Passport must have an expiry date 6 months after the date you arrive.
Australia and New Zealand
- New Zealand requires 3 months’ validity from the day you plan to depart the country.
- Australia, like many other countries, requires passports to be valid for the duration of your stay, but six months is highly encouraged.
After you’ve checked your destination’s requirements, you should compare them to your airline’s rules. This is because airlines may enforce stricter rules, so even if a country allows for shorter validity, an airline can refuse boarding if your passport is too close to expiry.
Beyond expiry dates: Other passport considerations
Now that passport validity has been sorted, let’s consider a few other factors when preparing for your holidays.
Picture it: you’re standing in line to check in for your flight, pulling out a water-damaged passport with a faded cover. The country and emblem are so faint that you can barely make them out without looking inside.
If you’ve travelled like this before and got through, luck was on your side, as this is just one of many reasons you might be denied boarding.
How many pages are enough?
Many countries require one or two blank pages for visa stamps. Bali, for instance, requires one empty page for your visa on arrival. South Africa, on the other hand, requires two.
Having only some space on already filled pages can cause a big headache if you get caught out.
Passport Condition
If your passport is ripped, water-damaged, or heavily worn and faded, it may be refused—even if it’s technically valid. Border officials have a wide range of discretion, which means many airlines err on the side of caution.
Keeping your passport in a waterproof travel wallet and in a safe, dry place at home should be enough to prevent it from unnecessary damage.
Of course, accidents happen—if it does while travelling, notify the airline and contact the nearest embassy to make sure you don’t have any issues when you arrive at the airport.
Brexit considerations
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, here are some considerations before travelling:
- Passport must be issued within the last 10 years
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure
- Old burgundy UK/EU passports are still valid as long as they haven’t expired (but this might be happening soon, so check and see!)
- In 2026, an ETIAS visa waiver will be required to enter countries in the EU and will be linked to your passport.
Dual citizenship
For dual citizens, check which of your passports provides the best entry rights when booking your tickets. The information you enter must match what you use at the border—so no switching passports at the last minute.
For example, if you’re a dual US citizen travelling to the US, it’s a good idea to use your US passport. This also helps you avoid the ESTA requirement.
If you’re travelling to China for holiday, check the requirements for both of your passports and then choose which you think is best to travel with.
Passports for children
Children’s passports generally are only valid for 5 years. The difference between a 12-month-old and a child at 20 months can be quite large, so passports must be updated sooner than adult passports.
Be sure to check when your child’s passport expires and update it as early as possible to avoid paying extra costs to fast-track the process.
What happens if your passport doesn’t meet requirements?
There are a few scenarios that can occur if your passport doesn’t meet the necessary requirements. You may be denied boarding or refused entry, and may face deportation and financial consequences.
It’s a good idea to read exactly what your travel insurance covers, as many do not cover financial loss when you’re turned away because of passport validity.
The stress of missing out on a trip you might’ve been waiting for all year can be heartbreaking. That’s why we create these guides here at Remitly—because we want you to be prepared and get the most out of travel!
Renewing your passport: timing and options
Regardless of validity requirements, the UK government advises renewing your passport if you have less than 9 months remaining.
Many seasoned travellers might even suggest renewing once you’re within 12 months of expiration.
Wait times can vary, and as a passport is one of the most important documents you’ll own, it’s best to ensure it’s always up-to-date with plenty of time before expiration. You never know when you might need to take a last-minute trip to see a loved one—the last thing you’ll want is a passport days away from expiring.
UK passport renewal methods
- Online renewal: The easiest route for renewal is to request a new passport online and upload all necessary documents. The fee is £94 GBP.
- Postal application: Paper applications can be sent through the post office and paid by debit, credit card, or cheque. The fee is £107 GBP.
- One-week service: The one-week service to receive a new passport costs £178 GBP and is delivered by courier.
- One-day premium service: If you have an urgent matter that needs a fast turnaround, you can receive a new passport within one day of your appointment. The fee is £222 GBP.
Emergency travel document (ETD):
- If you need to travel for an urgent matter within 6 weeks or your passport has been damaged or stolen, you can request an ETD. As of 2025, the fee is now £125 GBP.
How to avoid delays
If you’re in a time crunch, make sure you’ve met all the requirements before submitting your application to avoid holding up the process.
- Ensure your photo meets passport photo requirements
- Double-check that your details match your birth certificate or previous passport
- Wait to book flights until you’ve received your renewed passport
Travel smarter: Your passport checklist
To avoid last-minute stress, be proactive in your planning!
Create a checklist for everything from blank pages and passport expiration dates to transit requirements. Two to three months before you’re set to depart, double-check that everything is in order, especially your passport.
You can also revisit embassy or government websites to ensure rules haven’t been updated or changed.
The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s travel advice is a great place to start when planning trips outside of the UK, and blogs like Remitly can be useful resources if you’re unsure where to start with planning a trip.
Other habits you might consider include setting a reminder for when your passport is within 12 months of expiring. All of these tips can help make travelling a much smoother process.
Travel with confidence
When I first started travelling, I was wary of all the rules and regulations. Which visa did I need? How many pages were left in my passport? But that was before our current digital age. Now it’s easier than ever to keep on top of changing information with one click.
But even with the ease of the internet, it can feel overwhelming to gather all the information if you don’t know where to start.
After years of travelling and three filled passports, I’ve learned that preparing as much as possible before I book my flight and head out the door will save me a lot of time and stress.
If you want to travel with confidence, travel smart:
- Check your passport’s expiry date
- Verify destination and transit requirements well in advance
- Renew early—preferably with 9 to 12 months remaining
By following these few steps, you’ll avoid the heartbreak of being denied boarding, wasting money, and having cancelled plans.
Have questions about visas? Need more resources? Check out our blog for more information and how-to guides.
FAQ
How long does my passport need to be valid for travel?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months when entering. However, this rule varies by country, so it’s best to check, as some countries may require 12 months.
Can I travel if my passport expires in 3 months?
It depends on your destination and airline. When planning your trip, check government or embassy websites to see if you need to renew your passport.
Which countries require 6 months’ passport validity?
Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and most other countries in Asia require passports with a 6-month validity to enter.
What should I do if my passport expires while I’m abroad?
If your passport expires while travelling, contact the nearest UK embassy or consulate to request an emergency passport or travel document