How Long is a Passport Good For? Validity Rules by Country

One of the most common questions travelers ask is how long is a passport good for? Whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended stay abroad, understanding passport validity is essential.

Every country issues passports with different timeframes depending on the traveler’s age and passport type. Additionally, many destinations enforce a six-month passport validity rule, requiring that your passport remains valid beyond the dates of your trip.

• Understanding Passport Validity and Why It’s Important
• Passport Validity by Age and Type
• Passport Validity by Country
• Six-Month Rule Explained
• Traveling Close to Passport Expiry
• Passport Renewal: When and How
• Emergency and Temporary Passports
• Diplomatic and Official Passports
• How Passport Validity Impacts Visas
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Passport Validity and Why It's Important

Passport validity refers to the period during which your passport is legally recognized as proof of identity and citizenship as well as acceptable to use for international travel.

Once your passport expires, it’s no longer accepted to use for international travel, visa applications, or re-entry into your home country.

A valid passport helps prevent fraud and ensures you can be identified while abroad.

Countries set time limits to maintain document security and to comply with international agreements.

Passport Validity by Age and Type

Adult passports

Most countries issue adult passports valid for 10 years. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. In Canada, adults over age 16 can choose between a 5-year or 10-year validity period.

Child passports

Children under 16 are typically issued passports with a shorter validity period of 5 years. This ensures their photo and personal information remains up to date as they grow older since their appearance will more frequently change year upon year.

Temporary and emergency passports

Temporary passports are typically valid for 1 year or less. These types of passports are issued in urgent situations, such as lost or stolen passports right before travel is to commence.

Passport Validity by Country

Most EU and Schengen Area countries require passports to be issued within the last 10 years. Ireland could be considered an exception as they sometimes tend to accept passports that are older.

United States

For a U.S. passport:

• Adults (age 16 and over): Valid for 10 years
• Children (under 16): Valid for 5 years

The U.S. Department of State recommends renewing your passport at least 9 months before it expires, especially if you plan to travel internationally.

United Kingdom

For UK citizens:

• Adults (16 and over): 10 years validity
• Children (under 16): 5 years validity

Before 2018, if you renewed your passport early, any remaining validity (up to 9 months) used to be carried over. This rule no longer applies, so the new expiry date is always 10 years from the date of issue.

Canada

Canadian citizens can choose between:

• 5-year adult passport
• 10-year adult passport
• 5-year child passport

Check out our Canadian passport guide for deeper insight.

Australia

Australian passports are valid for:

• 10 years for adults
• 5 years for children under 16

European Union (EU)

Most EU member states issue:

• 10-year passports for adults
• 5-year passports for minors

If you have dual citizenship, check both passports’ expiration dates before traveling.

Six-Month Rule Explained

One of the most misunderstood aspects of passport rules is the six-month validity requirement.

Many countries require your passport to be valid at least six months beyond your intended departure date.

This is to avoid people overstaying with an expiring passport card and to ensure travelers can leave the country without delays when they need to or even at short notice.

Examples of countries enforcing this rule:

• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• China
• United Arab Emirates
• Philippines
• Vietnam

If your passport card has less than 6 months’ validity, airlines may refuse to board you, and border agents can deny you entry. Even if your destination doesn’t require six months of validity, some airlines still enforce this rule as a precaution.

Traveling Close to Passport Expiry

While some countries technically allow entry with passports valid up to your return date, this can be risky and isn’t advisable.

This can cause issues like visa applications being denied if your passport expires too soon, airlines not allowing you to board flights or being turned away by immigration officers at the airport.

To avoid surprises, renew your passport at least 6 to 12 months before the expiration date of your passport book.

Passport Renewal: When and How

Renewing your passport before it expires is critical for stress-free travel and maintaining valid visa status.

How early should you renew your passport?

Many countries recommend starting the passport renewal process at least 6 to 9 months before your passport book’s expiration date. If you travel frequently or have upcoming trips, renew your passport even earlier.

Renewal before expiry

Yes, you can renew your passport anytime, even if it still has years left.

Benefits of early passport renewal:

• Ensures compliance with 6-month validity rules.
• Allows time for potential processing delays.
• Prevents urgent last-minute passport applications.

Renewing early does not reduce your next passport’s validity. A new passport will be valid for the full term from the issue date (5 or 10 years).

Renewal process: step-by-step

Here’s what most countries require:

1. Complete a passport application form for renewal (online or paper).
2. Submit your current passport (unless it was lost or stolen).
3. Provide updated passport-sized photos.
4. Pay applicable fees.
5. Submit supporting documents if needed.
6. Wait for processing of new passport, which can take 4 to 6 weeks for standard service or 1 to 3 weeks for expedited service.

Note that processing times can double during peak travel seasons.

Renewing a child’s passport under age 16 usually involves a few extra steps:

• Both parents (not just one parent) or legal guardians typically must provide consent, either in person or by submitting notarized authorization forms.
• You’ll need to submit the child’s birth certificate or proof of relationship.
• Child passport renewals cannot always be done by mail. For example, in many countries (including when renewing a U.S. passport), they must be processed in person.
• For adopted children, you must also include certified adoption papers or adoption decree confirming legal custody or guardianship.

Emergency and Temporary Passports

When you lose your old passport or need to travel urgently, you may qualify for an emergency or temporary passport.

Why are they issued?

Common scenarios include:

• Lost or stolen passport right before travel
• Family emergencies requiring immediate departure
• Damaged passports

How long do they last?

Emergency passports usually have a validity of 3–12 months, depending on the issuing country.

Are there any limitations?

Some countries do not accept temporary passports for entry or visa-free travel.

This is due to security concerns and the limited validity of this type of passport book. These passports may lack the security features of regular passports and have a short validity period, making them less reliable for international travel.

Diplomatic and Official Passports

These specialized passports are issued to:

• Diplomats
• Consular staff
• Certain government employees

These are typically valid for 5 years, though this varies by country and type of diplomatic role. Though diplomatic passport cards often come with special privileges, but they are only valid for official travel purposes.

How Passport Validity Impacts Visas

Many visa applications require a minimum amount of validity remaining on your passport. This is commonly:

• 6 months past your planned departure date.
• 3 months for the Schengen Area (Europe).

If your passport expires sooner, your visa application will almost certainly be denied.

Examples:

• Schengen Visa: Passport must be valid at least 3 months after you leave.
• Portugal D7 Visa: Passport should have at least 6 months’ validity when you apply and when you enter the country.
• Greece Golden Visa: Passport must be valid for at least 12 months at the time of your residence permit application and for the duration of your initial residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does passport validity vary by country?

Yes, every country sets its own rules. Always check with your government’s passport agency (for example, if you’re a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Department of State would be your go-to resource).

How long is a U.S. passport good for?

• Adults (16 and older): 10 years
• Children (younger than 16): 5 years

How long is a UK passport valid?

Ten years for adults, 5 years for children.

How long is a Canadian passport valid?

5 or 10 years for adults, 5 years for children.

How long is an Australian passport valid?

10 years for adults, 5 years for minors.

Can I travel with a passport that expires in 6 months?

It depends on the country. Many nations require at least 6 months of remaining validity.

How close to expiration can I travel internationally?

Ideally, you should have 6 to 12 months of validity. Traveling closer to expiration is risky and may result in denial of boarding.

Do all countries require six months' passport validity?

No, but many do. Always check your destination’s rules.

What happens if my passport expires while I’m abroad?

Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for emergency assistance.

How can I check my passport expiry date?

Look at the expiry date printed on the identification page of your passport.

Can I renew a passport before it expires?

Yes, early renewal is recommended.

How early should I renew my passport?

6 to 12 months before expiration.

What is the grace period after passport expiry?

There is no grace period, expired passports are invalid.

Is my passport still valid after 10 years?

No, it expires on the date shown.

Does renewing my passport extend the validity?

Renewal gives you a new full validity period, starting from the issue date.

How long is an emergency passport valid for?

Typically 3 to 12 months.

How long does a temporary passport last?

Usually up to 1 year.

How does an invalid passport affect visa applications?

Insufficient validity often leads to visa rejection.

Do minors get shorter passport validity periods?

Yes, usually 5 years.

Does passport validity affect visa-free entry?

Yes. Most visa-free agreements require at least 6 months of validity.

What are the passport validity requirements for Schengen countries?

3 months beyond the date you plan to leave.