Passport Validity

Passport Validity

Passport validity is the specific period of time for which the issued passport remains effective. The validity can vary depending on the country of issue and the type of passport (ordinary, diplomatic). In general, most passports remain valid for 10 years. Passports for minors may be issued for 5 years.

With a valid passport, you are allowed to enjoy international travel to numerous destinations – it serves as an identification tool for customs officials. A passport is also essential while completing a visa application procedure, as the approved visa is always connected to the passport number.

You cannot travel abroad with an expired passport. The only solution is to obtain a new passport since the validity period of your document cannot be renewed. When your passport expires, visit the nearest passport office and complete the application for a new document.

What is the passport validity?

The passport validity period indicates the time for which your passport remains in force. During this period, you may enjoy traveling abroad hassle-free and proceed with a visa application (if necessary).

The validity of your document is indicated by the passport expiry date visible on the biometric data page of your passport – it usually is the very first page of the document and it contains all your personal details, including name, surname, date of birth, and nationality.

How long is the passport usually valid?

Normally, once issued, a passport remains valid for a time period of 10 years. However, there are some exemptions from this rule – examples include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, China, India, and many more.

Passports for children are usually issued for 5 years. The reason behind this regulation is the fact that children’s appearance can change very fast as they are growing up, and their photographs in the official document must remain up-to-date.

Some countries issue passports for infants. The standard validity of such a passport is up to 2 years.

What is the six-month passport validity rule?

There are some countries around the world that allow a foreigner to cross their borders only if the traveler’s passport remains valid for at least six months from its expiration date. Otherwise, they cannot enter the country. The reason for this rule is to ensure the timely return of the traveler to the country of origin.

However, there are various passport validity requirements depending on the country. It is highly recommended to check the current entry requirements before leaving for a journey abroad. Some countries require you to have a passport valid for at least three months, not six.

Other destinations do not enforce any requirements concerning the validity of the visitors’ passports. These countries will allow you entry as long as your document remains in force.