What is the 6 month rule for passports?

Asked by: Aubree Schuster Jr.  |  Last update: August 7, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (64 votes)

The 'Six-Month Rule' stipulates that your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your entry or departure to or from the international destination. If your passport expiration date is sooner than six months from your date of arrival, you may not be admitted.

How strict is the 6 month passport rule?

The six-month passport validity rule is a regulation many countries impose to reduce the risk of travellers overstaying their visas or becoming stranded. If your passport is set to expire less than six months after your trip, you could be denied boarding or entry.

What countries require a U.S. passport to be valid for 6 months?

Countries That Require Passports to Be Valid at Least 6 Months After Departure Date
  • Cambodia.
  • China.
  • Egypt.
  • India.
  • Indonesia.
  • Jordan.
  • Kenya.
  • Morocco.

Can I leave the USA with less than 6 months on my passport?

If you are age 16 or older, your passport is valid for 10 years. Your child's passport (age 0-15) is valid for 5 years. Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.

Do you have to wait 6 months to use your passport?

Six-month validity rule for your passport

Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not let you board if this requirement is not met. If you were age 16 or older when we issued your passport, your passport is valid for 10 years.

What Is The Six-Month Validity Passport Rule?🤔

16 related questions found

Can I travel to Mexico with less than 6 months on my passport?

All foreigners, regardless their nationality, are required to present a valid and not expired passport or travel document when entering Mexico (traveling by air, land or sea). The Mexican government only requires that your passport must be valid during the entirety of your trip.

Does the U.S. enforce the 6 month passport rule?

Please note that the six-month validity requirement does not apply to American travelers. They can enter the US or Canada up until the day their passport expires.

Can I return to U.S. with passport expiring in 6 months?

U.S. Passport Validity

Travel to the U.S.: You may travel to the United States on your U.S. passport up until the day on which it expires.

What if my passport is less than 6 months?

It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be renewed for another 10 years. Q: I am Indian Passport holder and my passport has less then 6 months validity, Can I travel with this passport ? A. For any international travel Passport Must by valid for minimum 6 months, so you can not travel on this passport.

How close to passport expiration can I travel?

The six-month rule is a common requirement that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry or departure to or from the country you are visiting.

How many months in advance should I renew my passport?

How far in advance can I renew my passport? There is no limit on how early you can renew your passport, but the U.S. Department of State3 suggests renewing it nine months before the expiration date.

Do passports have to be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into the UAE?

Passport validity requirements

To enter the UAE , your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive. If you have a residence permit, your passport's expiry date must be at least 3 months after the date you arrive in the UAE .

Have minimum 6 month passport validity?

For example, you can't enter some countries if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport from the date you intend to leave that country. This may apply when you're transiting or stopping over in the country. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel.

Can I travel to Europe if my passport expires in 6 months?

You could also be denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area. Some airlines require your passport to be valid for six months to allow boarding. For this reason, we recommend that your passport have at least six months validity remaining whenever you travel in Europe.

Can I cruise with less than 6 months on my passport?

In order to sail, a guest must meet the requirements below. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends.

Can I leave USA with less than 6 months on passport?

If your passport is set to expire in six months or less, you may not be able to fly to or from the countries of your choice.

Can I fly with less than 6 months on my passport?

In normal circumstances, you can't travel with a passport that expires in less than six months. However, a country with an active agreement with your destination country may allow it. You may even enter with an expired passport in some countries as long as you still have the document with you.

Do you need an original birth certificate for a passport?

Original Birth Certificate (if born in the United States); or Old (undamaged) passport; or Original Certificate of Citizenship or FS-240, DS-1350 ( if born outside the US ); or Original Certificate of Naturalization issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Office.

Which countries do not require 6 months of U.S. passport validity?

Although popular, the six-month passport validity rule isn't universal. Some countries, like Australia, Mexico, Canada, and Schengen countries, allow US passport holders to enter even if their documents expire in under six months.

Do US passports have a grace period?

You don't have to rush to renew your passport the moment it runs out. If you got it within the past 15 years, the State Department says you can renew it by mail. Passports are good for 10 years, so that five-year window is like a little grace period.

Can I travel to Mexico if my passport expires in 3 months?

The Mexican government only requires that your passport is valid during the entirety of your trip. Please contact the airline(s) you will be flying on to ensure that they let you board the plane as the United States does have a six months validity rule for passports that may apply.

Does American Airlines require a 6 month passport rule?

Keep in mind: Some countries require your passport to be issued at least 6 months before the day you arrive. Check your destination's requirements if you're unsure. Passports must be kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations.

How fast can I get a passport?

Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks and does not include mailing times. Mailing times may add 2 weeks on to the total time to get your passport. You can expedite at an acceptance facility or expedite a renewal by mail.

Does Delta have a 6 month passport rule?

Delta recommends passports have at least six months validity beyond travel, as that guarantees access to even the most restrictive countries and is an easier message to people who might not check the county specific rules - however it is only a recommendation and Delta will only require you meet the countries entry ...