How Do I Know if My Passport Is Valid for Travel?

Your passport may still be within its printed expiry date but not meet the entry requirements for your destination.

Passport rules vary around the world. Some countries require several months of validity, while others consider when your passport was issued. You should therefore check the requirements for every country you plan to visit or travel through.

How to Check Your Passport

Before travelling, check:

• The date your passport was issued
• The passport’s expiry date
• The entry requirements for your destination
• The requirements for any countries you will travel through
• That your booking details match the name on your passport
• Whether you need a visa or other travel authorisation

Visit the FCDO foreign travel advice, select your destination and read the “Entry requirements” section for the latest information.

The rules below generally apply to people travelling on a full British citizen passport from the UK. Different requirements may apply to other passport holders.

Travelling to the Schengen Area

For most short visits to countries in the Schengen area, your passport must:

• Have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive
• Remain valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave

These are two separate requirements, so check both the issue date and expiry date carefully.

Some older UK passports were issued with additional months carried over from a previous passport. These extra months may not count towards the Schengen issue-date requirement.

The Schengen area includes popular destinations such as Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Germany. Always check the individual entry requirements for your destination before travelling.

Travelling Outside the Schengen Area

Passport requirements vary considerably elsewhere.

Some countries require your passport to remain valid for six months from the date you arrive or leave. Others may have different validity rules or require blank passport pages, a visa or proof of onward travel.

There is no single passport rule that applies worldwide. Check the latest FCDO advice for your destination rather than relying on a general “six-month rule”.

Do I Need Six Months Left on My Passport?

Not for every destination.

Whether you need six months remaining depends entirely on where you are travelling. For example, most short visits to the Schengen area require three months of validity after your planned departure, alongside the separate issue-date rule.

Other destinations may require six months or apply different conditions. Check the requirements when booking and again shortly before you travel, as entry rules can change.

What if My Passport Is Expiring?

If your passport will not meet the requirements for your journey, you will need to renew it before travelling.

Allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. A renewed passport will have a different passport number, so remember to update your airline, travel provider or booking if necessary.

You can find current application information on the GOV.UK passport renewal page.

What if My Passport Is Lost or Stolen Abroad?

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are away:

• Report it as lost or stolen as soon as possible
• Contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate
• Check whether you need an Emergency Travel Document
• Contact your Travel Insurance provider before paying any costs or changing your arrangements

Some Travel Insurance policies may cover certain costs associated with a lost or stolen passport. Limits, excesses and exclusions vary, so check your policy wording.

Can Passport Problems Affect My Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance does not replace the need to meet your destination’s entry requirements.

If you cannot travel because your passport is expired or does not meet the applicable rules, your cancellation costs may not be covered. Cover differs between policies, so check your policy wording or contact your insurer if you are unsure.

Travelling against FCDO advice may also affect your cover.

Passport Checklist

Before your next holiday:

• Check your passport’s issue and expiry dates
• Read the entry requirements for your destination
• Check the rules for any countries you will pass through
• Make sure the name on your booking matches your passport
• Check whether you need a visa or travel authorisation
• Leave enough time to renew your passport
• Arrange suitable Travel Insurance as soon as possible after booking

Passport and entry requirements can change. This article was reviewed in July 2026. Always check the latest FCDO advice and confirm the requirements with your travel provider before travelling.