
How Much Passport Validity You Actually Need
The six-month rule is common, but it is not universal and it is not always measured the same way.
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Most denied boardings are document problems, not ticket problems. This desk explains what airlines and border officers look for, and how to check requirements before you leave home.
Guides here always point back to official government sources for the final word, because entry rules change frequently and vary by nationality.

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What to carry, how long it must stay valid, and how entry requirements are usually checked.

The six-month rule is common, but it is not universal and it is not always measured the same way.
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Staying airside is not always enough. Some countries require a visa to pass through at all.
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Airlines sometimes ask before border officers do. Here is what satisfies the check.
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Passports, consent letters and birth certificates, what is needed and when.
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A water stain can end a trip at the check-in desk. Learn the threshold before you travel.
Read GuidePopular questions
How much passport validity do I actually need?
What is a transit visa and when is it required?
Does a connecting flight count as entering a country?
What documents do children need to fly?
Do I need proof of onward travel?
What if my passport is damaged?
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