Passport Validity Checker
Airlines deny boarding over validity rules, not visas. Enter your expiry and trip, pick the destination, get a clear yes/no with the exact date your passport must clear.
| Rule applied | — |
| Passport must be valid through | — |
| Verdict | — |
| Cushion (days past required date) | — |
| Renew by (routine 4-6 wk + mail) | — |
| Days left on passport | — |
US adults: 10-year passports. Renewal at 12 months-to-expiry is safe for any destination rule. Kids under 16: 5-year, new book every renewal.
How the math works
6-month rule: expiry ≥ departure + 6 months. Schengen: expiry ≥ exit + 3 months (plus 90/180-day stay clock, separate rule, see Schengen days tool). 9-month covers long-stay visa countries. Valid-through-stay: expiry ≥ return.
Renew deadline: departure − 8 weeks for routine (4-6 wk processing + mail both ways). Add time for visa-country appointment queues.
Provenance: State Department passport validity guidance (travel.state.gov, Nov 2026), Schengen border code Art. 6 (3 months validity beyond intended departure from EU), country rule lists from State advisories; Japan 90-day exemption per MOFA entry rules. Per-country enforcement changes, verify before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does my passport need to be valid for international travel?
For most countries, six months beyond your entry date. Schengen Europe wants three months valid beyond the day you leave Europe. A handful of destinations, including Japan for some visas, China, and India, want six months beyond entry too, plus blank visa pages.
Which countries require 6 months validity on a US passport?
Roughly 40+ countries enforce the 6-month rule, including China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, South Korea (exempt), Japan (exempt, stays under 90 days). Airlines deny boarding on this rule, not immigration: you fail at check-in.
How early should I renew my passport?
Renew at 12 months before expiry for frequent travel, 9 months for a scheduled trip. Routine processing takes 4-6 weeks in 2026 plus mail time, expedited 2-3 weeks. US passports are valid 10 years for adults, 5 for kids under 16, children's passports never renew, new book every time.
Can I travel with a passport expiring in 3 months?
To Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, Australia and Schengen yes, valid through the stay (Schengen needs 3 months validity past your exit). To most of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America no. Airlines check the entry date, not the departure date.