free tool
Passport Validity Checker
The 6-month rule, the Schengen 10-year rule, duration-of-stay rules — check your passport against your destination's requirements before the airline does it for you at the gate.
Enter your passport expiry date and trip end date to check whether your passport meets your destination's validity rules.
Rules vary by nationality and can change — always confirm with the destination's embassy or your airline before booking. Many airlines enforce these rules at check-in regardless of border practice.
Schengen: two rules
Valid 3 months beyond your departure AND issued within the last 10 years on entry day. Both must pass — the 10-year rule trips up older UK passports with carried-over months.
The 6-month rule
Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, UAE, Egypt, China, India, and dozens more require 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates.
Airlines enforce it
Border guards rarely see your passport problem — check-in agents do. Airlines deny boarding for validity failures because they pay the return cost.
Renew early
Standard renewals take 3-10 weeks depending on country and season. If any check here fails or warns, start the renewal before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 6-month passport rule?
Many countries require your passport to remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival or departure date. The list includes most of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, and India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport falls short, you will be denied boarding even with a valid ticket and visa.
What are the Schengen passport rules for 2026?
Two rules apply: (1) your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area, and (2) it must have been issued within the previous 10 years on the day you enter. Note that with the EES biometric entry system now active, these checks are automated at the border.
Why does the 10-year rule affect UK passports?
Before October 2018, the UK added unused months from your old passport to the new one — creating passports valid for up to 10 years and 9 months. The EU counts from the issue date, so a passport can fail the 10-year rule while still showing months of validity. Check your issue date, not just your expiry.
Does the US require 6 months of validity on my passport?
The US has a 6-month rule but waives it for around 50 countries — including the UK, all EU members, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Citizens of those countries only need validity covering their stay. Other nationalities need the full 6 months.
How early should I renew my passport?
If your passport has under a year of validity and you travel internationally, renew now. Standard processing takes 3 weeks (UK), 4-6 weeks (US routine), or longer in peak season. Many travelers renew at the 9-months-remaining mark to never hit the 6-month rule.