If you are sitting there reading the headline ‘what is the six months passport rule’, you may be feeling confused. If you have a 10 year passport, it is valid for 10 years right! Wrong, many countries have a six months passport rule, meaning you must have six months or more of validity left on your passport so you can visit. Read on to find out why.

 

What is a Passport?

 

Firstly, what is a passport? Don’t laugh, I have had many people ask me why they need a passport to travel abroad. So a passport is basically your identity in a little book. Yep, having a passport means you have jumped through hoops providing different forms of identity (birth certificate, drivers licence, bank account, etc). to confirm the details in the book are true. It means all you need to do when you travel to another country is to provide your passport which confirms that you are you.

 

Why do you need a Passport?

 

Simple. A passport is your identity. A passport is required for you to travel to a different country. It is required for when you apply for visas, as a visa is issued to your identity.

 

How Long does a Passport Last?

 

Most passports issued are valid for 10 years. Meaning you can travel to and from different countries on the passport. But there is a catch, many countries have a six months passport validity rule.

 

The Six Month Passport Rule

 

Although a passport is technically valid until its expiry date, many countries require at least six months of validity on the passport. But why? Well, the six months is a buffer incase for some reason you get caught in the country. For instance, if you fall sick or have an accident and need to stay longer. This rule also supports immigration and border control by ensuring individuals leave within their permitted timeframe and avoid becoming stranded abroad due to an expired passport.

 

Can I travel if my passport is expiring within six months?

 

It depends on your destination. Some countries allow travel if your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. However, many others enforce the passport six month validity rule. So the moral of this tale is, before you travel, check the expiry date of your passport before you book anything. Then, find out whether the country you want to travel to enforces the six month passport validity rule. Once known you can then organise and pay for your trip. Or choose another country. Or apply for a new passport.

 

When should You renew your Passport before travelling?

 

To avoid issues from international entry requirements, it is best to renew your passport at least six months before the expiry date. Especially if you are heading to a country that enforces the six months passport validity rule.

 

Get ready to travel

 

It can be stressful getting organised for a trip abroad. Avoid the stress of last minute issues with the six month passport validity rule by ensuring your passport has the right validity for your trip. Such a small detail, can have a big impact on your travel plans. An impact that can easily be avoided by checking you have 6+ months of validity left on your passport.