Passengers are being warned to make sure they have a valid passport before travelling overseas. With so many delays, cancellations and strike actions preoccupying our minds, it would be easy to forget about something so simple as a passport.
People can often forget to check the expiration date on their passports before travelling, assuming that as long as it’s in date then they will be fine. However, a lot of countries still need a certain amount of time on a passport before they allow you in.
So if you're heading somewhere exciting this summer, we have compiled a list of what some of the most popular destinations require when it comes to your passport. That way, all you have to worry about is what book to take and remember to pack sunscreen.
Read more: People with red passports urged to check this key detail
How long do I need on my passport to visit Europe?
If you are planning to travel to an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements. This means that your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country
- Valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before October 1, 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Which countries count as being in the European Union?
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
Ireland
British nationals travelling from the UK don’t need a passport to visit Ireland. However, Irish immigration officers will check the ID of all passengers and may ask for proof of nationality. You are therefore advised to take your British passport with you.
If you’re using a passport to enter Ireland, it should be valid and in date. You should also check your air or sea carrier’s terms and conditions of travel. For journeys on the island of Ireland, British and Irish citizens do not require any travel documents when crossing the land border.
Passport validity for countries outside of Europe
These are the passport rules for popular countries outside of Europe.
- Australia - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- Barbados - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- Canada - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- China - Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you enter China
- Egypt - Your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive
- India - Your passport must be machine-readable, with two blank pages for your visa and be valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India
- Japan - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- Mexico - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay
- New Zealand - If you are visiting New Zealand, your passport should be valid for three months from the date you intend to depart
- Singapore - Your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive
- South Africa - Your passport should be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from South Africa, in line with South African immigration regulations, however, it is strongly advised that your passport should have at least six months of validity from the date of entry to South Africa. Your passport should also have at least two blank pages.
- South Korea - Your passport should be valid for the duration of your entire stay in South Korea
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Thailand - Your passport must have at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry into Thailand. You may be refused entry to Thailand if your passport is damaged or has pages missing.
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United Arab Emirates - Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE. If you hold a residence permit, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months in order to travel to the UAE. If you’re transiting the UAE (and not passing through Immigration) your passport only needs to have a minimum of 3 months validity from the date of transit.
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United States - If you are visiting the USA your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. However, your passport must be a biometric ePassport with the silver camera symbol on the front
What if I need a new passport?
If you find that your passport doesn't meet the requirements before you go away, then you'll need to apply for a renewal. It costs £75.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online.
At the moment, the Passport Office urges people to allow up to 10 weeks for their new passport, though some are receiving theirs quicker whilst others are taking much longer. If you need a passport more quickly and don't have weeks to wait, it is possible to get an urgent passport.
The online premium service allows you to book an appointment at a Passport Office - the earliest appointment will be two days away - for an interview. This interview will last around 30 minutes and you'll receive your new passport at the appointment.
The alternative method is the one-week Fast Track method. This costs £142 for an adult passport and is delivered to your address within a week.
Are there other entry requirements?
Check with your travel agent or with the Foreign Office whether you need anything else to pass immigration. Some countries require a visa or still require Covid passes or proof of vaccinations.
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