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If you’re travelling overseas any time soon, it’s important to know your passport will be valid for your trip. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date. With a long wait to renew British passports, that can cause problems – especially for quick breaks. Luckily, some countries do not require 6 months of passport validity – here’s everything you need to know.
What is the 6-month passport rule?
UK adult passports are valid for 10 years from their date of issue, and children’s passports for five. The 6-month passport rule means your passport must be valid for at least 6 months either from your date of arrival or departure, depending on the country.
Most countries require 6 months’ passport validity to make sure it’s valid for your entire visit. A passport expiring while you’re overseas can cause big problems for immigration officials, not to mention for you! It can cause delays, missed flights, and an expensive administrative headache.
8 incredible countries that don’t require 6 months of passport validity
Haven’t got 6 months of validity on your current passport but want to travel anyway? Don’t despair. There are many amazing destinations that require only 3 months validity – or less.
Germany
Passport validity: 3 months from departure date
Europe’s most populous country, Germany is also one of its most diverse. The buzzing cities of Hamburg and Berlin, the rolling heartland of Nordrhein-Westfalen, the black forests and beer festivals of Bavaria. One thing is consistent though. Wherever you go, you’ll find a warm welcome, hearty food, and culture by the bucketload.
My pick is a road trip along the Rhine from Cologne through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Beset with castles and thick with vineyards, it’s a spectacular slow-paced journey through UNESCO World Heritage territory. If you don’t fancy flying into Cologne, take the Eurostar and rent a car right outside the main station.
Morocco
Passport validity: 3 months from arrival date
A country of high adventure and high romance, Morocco ranges from Atlas Mountain peaks to Western Sahara sands. Between is an intoxicating blend of ancient cities, ramshackle coastal towns and wild beaches, scented by the waft of bubbling tagines and mint tea. Today, it’s a cinch to get to and around, with cheap flights and a decent transport infrastructure.
Start in the Pink City: Marrakech. Get lost in the ancient tangle of pungent medina streets. Wander the Jardin Majorelle. Soak in a hammam and splurge on sundowners with mountain views at the El Fenn Rooftop Bar.
Iceland
Passport validity: 3 months from departure date
Extraordinary and in many places unpronounceable, Iceland is as close as you’ll get to visiting another world. A three-hour flight will see you to the capital Reykjavik, a launching point into the bounty of natural wonders nearby.
For first-timers, the Golden Circle earned its name with good reason. Take a tour of Iceland’s big-hitting attractions – Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, and Þingvellir National Park to name just a few. All are incredible. For repeat visitors, the 828-mile Ring Road only extends the magic further.
Spain
Passport validity: 3 months from departure date
The world’s second most visited country is popular for good reason. World Heritage cities, world-class beaches, world-beating cuisine – Spain has them all and much, much more.
If you can overlook the treasures of Barcelona and Madrid. If you can resist the allure of glistening Andalucían beaches. If you can quell the urge to explore pulsating Balearic islands, head for the Basque treasure of San Sebastián. A global gastronomic capital, check in to the wonderful Lasala Plaza and prepare to gorge on pintxos.
Albania
Passport validity: 3 months from departure date
The majesty of Albania is finally getting the recognition it deserves, yet it remains off many people’s radars. It’s hard to understand why, as this gem of the Balkans has it all. Epic scenery from the Albanian Alps to Adriatic beaches. Fortress towns and ancient ruins. Stunning food and prices that put its neighbours to shame.
Make some time for Tirana, the stunning capital. But for something extraordinary, base yourself in ancient, mountainous Shkodër and explore its nearby attractions. None is more jaw-dropping than the village of Theth.
New Zealand
Passport validity: 3 months from departure date
The land of the long white cloud is an adventure at every turn. It is rightly renowned as an adrenaline junkie’s paradise with an epicentre in the South Island’s Queenstown. Ski, bungee, skydive, jetboat, paraglide – the list of ways to get your heart pumping is endless.
For something more serene and cerebral, the Bay of Islands in the North Island’s north is a window into Māori history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where modern-day Aotearoa (Māori for New Zealand) was signed into existence. Explore sacred coves on a traditional waka canoe and dine like a king at a hāngī feast.
Costa Rica
Passport validity: 1 day after departure date
One-quarter of this paradise in the heart of Central America is protected by reserves and natural parks. Costa Rica is incredibly verdant, rich in wildlife and blessed by both Pacific and Atlantic coasts. For many, it’s the epitome of what a tropical holiday looks like.
Nowhere is that truer than the Nicoya peninsula’s Guanacaste Province. A designated Blue Zone (where people live longer), its dense jungles teem with life and its deserted beaches are tropical and wild. And you can fly there with a passport that’s valid until just one day after you leave.
Japan
Passport validity: Duration of stay
I’ve never been anywhere that blends ancient with modern so seamlessly as Japan. It’s a combination that manifests in a uniquely sophisticated, welcoming culture and makes it my favourite country to travel in.
Tokyo is the epitome of that appeal. Indescribably huge, and incredibly friendly, it is a forever-changing mass of contradictions that somehow delivers on every level. Glistening towers rub shoulders with intricate temples, cosplay enthusiasts walk side by side with salarymen, and every street is a new experience. And it’s home to some of the best hotels in the world.
What are the different passport validity rules around the world?
With different countries imposing different rules on the length of their visitors’ passport validity, it can quickly become confusing. Here’s a breakdown of how long your passport has to be valid for different countries.
Countries that require 6 months of passport validity
The majority of countries require 6 months’ passport validity before they’ll let you enter. Among them, you’ll find Algeria, Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, and much more.
To make it a little broader, most countries in Central and North Africa, Southeast Asia and South America require 6 months of passport validity for travellers crossing their borders. You can check the specific entry requirements of your destination country on the gov.uk website.
Countries that require 3 months of passport validity
There are more than 50 extraordinary countries that require just 3 months’ passport validity. That includes all the countries within the Schengen area, and much more.
While most countries require that your passport is valid for 3 months after you leave them, you’ll find a few that require a 3-month passport validity from your arrival date into the country, such as Belize, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nauru, Syria, Eswatini and Uzbekistan.
Countries that require passport validity for the duration of your stay
Some countries are more relaxed about passport expiry dates, asking for them only to be valid for the length of your stay. Among these countries, we can mention Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and the US. Check the entry requirements of your destination country on the gov.uk website.
Specific cases
Some countries do not follow the previously mentioned passport validity rules. Instead, 6 countries have specific validity requirements for travellers:
- Chile: passport must be valid until you leave the country.
- Costa Rica: passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave.
- Maldives: passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives.
- Micronesia: passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 120 days after the date you arrive.
- South Africa: passport must be valid at least 30 days after the date you leave.
- Turkey: passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 150 days after the date you arrive.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/
The foregoing article was last updated on 6th of February 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
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