English edition · checked 2026-10-18

Check passport validity, visas and transit rules before departure

An unexpired passport may still fail an airline document check or destination entry rule. Check the full itinerary against official requirements for your nationality and document type.

An unexpired passport may not be enough

Some destinations require validity beyond the arrival or departure date, blank pages, a visa, an electronic travel authorisation, or other documents. Requirements depend on nationality, residence status, destination, transit points, purpose and length of stay.

Check each part of the itinerary

1. List the exact passport or travel document you will use. Confirm that booking details match it, especially if you have dual nationality or a name difference.
2. Check the destination government's rules for passport validity, visas, electronic authorisations, blank pages and supporting documents.
3. Check every transit point, including terminal changes, overnight connections and separate tickets that may require entering the country.
4. Repeat the check for return and onward destinations; validity may be measured from different dates.
5. Ask the operating airline to verify the same nationality, document, itinerary and stay length it will use for check-in.
6. Save the official pages and application confirmations, then check for updates again before departure.

Do not rely on a universal six-month rule

Passport-validity rules vary. The IATA Travel Centre can help check passport, visa and health requirements using information drawn from official sources. Confirm the result with the destination government or embassy and the operating carrier for your exact route.

Official sources

• IATA Travel Centre
• GOV.UK foreign travel checklist
• U.S. Department of State international travel checklist

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