Passport validity checker
Enter your passport expiry and travel date to see if it meets the destination's validity rule: six months for most countries, three for Schengen. Free.
How the passport validity check works
Enter your passport expiry date, the date you travel and the destination. The checker applies that destination's remaining-validity rule and tells you whether the passport passes, by how many days, and what to do if it does not.
Most countries require six months of validity beyond your arrival or departure date; the Schengen Area requires three months beyond the day you leave; a few, such as the United Kingdom, only ask that the passport is valid for the whole stay. Airlines enforce these rules at check-in, so a passport that fails the rule means a denied boarding, not a refused visa.
Common rules at a glance
| Rule | Applies to | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Six months beyond arrival | UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, most of Asia and the Gulf | Expiry date must be at least six months after the day you land |
| Six months beyond departure | Canada (recommended), many African destinations | Expiry date must be at least six months after the day you leave |
| Three months beyond departure | Schengen Area | Also issued within the last ten years |
| Valid for the stay | United Kingdom, United States (for most nationals), Australia | No extra buffer, but renew before travelling if close to expiry |
If your passport fails the check
- Renew before you apply: visa stickers are placed in the passport, so a renewal after approval means a transfer request
- Indian passports: Passport Seva tatkal renewals are typically issued in one to three working days
- Keep two blank pages facing each other for sticker visas and entry stamps
Questions, answered
How much passport validity do I need to travel?
Six months beyond your arrival date for most countries. The Schengen Area asks for three months beyond departure and the UK only for the length of the stay. Check the destination page for the exact rule.
Does the six-month rule count from arrival or departure?
It depends on the country. Gulf and South-East Asian destinations count from arrival; Canada and several African countries count from departure. The checker applies the right one.
Can I apply for a visa with a passport that expires soon?
You can apply, but the visa validity is capped at the passport expiry and many consulates refuse passports with under six months left. Renewing first is safer.
Is this tool free?
Yes. It runs in your browser with no sign-in and nothing is stored.
How many months must my passport be valid for travel?
Most destinations require six months beyond the date you arrive or leave; Schengen states require three months beyond your planned departure; a few accept validity until the day of departure.
Is passport validity counted from arrival or departure?
It depends on the destination. The checker applies the rule the destination publishes: six months from arrival for most of Asia and the Gulf, three months from departure for Schengen.
Do I also need blank pages?
Yes for sticker visas and most entry stamps: usually two facing blank visa pages. E-visas and ETAs do not need a page but border officers may still stamp.
What if my passport fails the check?
Renew before applying. A visa issued on a passport that is about to expire is usually cancelled with it, and airlines deny boarding when the validity rule is not met.