Passport Requirements for Holiday Travel

How long will my passport need to be valid for when I travel?

Passport validity rules for Europe

Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, UK passport holders are now treated as ‘third-country nationals’ by EU and Schengen countries. This means the rules for entry have changed, and many travellers are still being caught out.

Passports issued after 2018 are valid for exactly 10 years. However, if your passport was issued before September 2018, it may appear to be valid for up to 10 years and nine months. This is because, under the old system, up to nine months of validity from your previous passport could be added to your new one.

Although these passports may still be valid for travel to many destinations worldwide, the rules are stricter for Europe. For travel to EU and Schengen countries, your passport must meet the following requirements:

• It must have been issued less than 10 years before your date of departure
• It must be valid for at least three months after your planned return date

In addition, UK travellers can now stay in Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Before Brexit, there were no such limits on stays.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the GOV.UK website.

Passport validity rules for the rest of the world

Below are the passport requirements for UK travellers visiting some popular destinations outside Europe:

United States
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is recommended to have at least six months’ validity remaining.

Canada
Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, with six months’ additional validity recommended.

Australia
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

New Zealand
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Japan
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. While there is no strict six-month rule, extra validity is advisable.

China
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Thailand
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of entry.

United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
A minimum of six months’ validity from the date of entry is required.

Indonesia
Your passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival.

India
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date you arrive.

Countries without a six-month validity requirement

Some countries do not require six months of passport validity. These include Albania, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. However, for EU and Schengen countries, you must still meet the specific rules on passport age and remaining validity.