Having a valid passport is essential for travelling overseas, however, it can be confusing to know how long you need left on your passport to travel to certain countries.
Travel experts at Iglu Cruise have revealed which countries require a three and six-month passport validity, as well as what to do if your passport expires before your next holiday.
Which Countries Have a Three-Month Passport Validity Requirement?
The countries which require you to have a passport with a period of at least three months upon arrival:
(It should be noted that while a three-month passport validity is required, having six months on your passport should be advised if you plan to travel for up to 90 days).
- Albania
- Lithuania
- Austria
- Luxembourg
- Azerbaijan
- Malta
- Belarus
- Moldova
- Belgium
- Monaco
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Netherlands
- Finland
- France
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Germany
- Greece
- Poland
- Portugal
- Iceland
- Italy
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Kuwait
- Spain
- Latvia
- Sweden
- Lebanon
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
Before Brexit, Brits could travel to countries in the EU up to the expiry date on their passport. However, EU regulations now classify UK citizens as third-country nationals, which simply means someone from a country outside of the EU.
Though British citizens can enter the EU with three months of validity on their passports, the UK government recommends that they have six months of validity. This allows a passport holder to travel for 90 days (the maximum number of visa-free days a UK citizen can visit Europe) and still exit with a valid passport.
Outside of the EU, rules can be even stricter, with other countries requiring six months validity on your passport as a minimum to enter.
What Countries Have a Six-Month Passport Validity Rule?
The countries which require you to have a passport with a period of at least six months upon arrival:
- Canada
- United States
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Venezuela
Passport Validity FAQs
Could You be Denied Entry to a Country if Your Passport is About to Expire?
Yes, you can be denied entry to a country if your passport is expired or about to expire. Some countries also require a visa, which you won’t be able to get if your passport is due to expire, so make sure to check your expiration date before you plan your next holiday.
How to Get an Emergency Passport
If your passport is about to expire and you need a new one as soon as possible, don’t panic, you’ll be able to request an emergency passport. You can do this on the GOV UK website but will need to book the appointment up to three weeks in advance.
There are two ways to get an emergency passport. Firstly, you can get your passport on the day of your appointment at your nearest passport office if you’re just renewing your passport. Alternatively, you can get your passport delivered to your house within 7 days of your appointment at the passport office if you need a new passport with a different name or change in personal details, or if you’re replacing a lost or stolen passport.
