So your trip is booked and you’ve got your passport ready. The expiration date has at least three to six months left on it from your date of entry, but there’s one more thing you need to look out for. If you don’t have two blank pages on your passport, some countries could deny you entry.
It’s important to remember that trips are supposed to be these wonderful life experiences, not hair-pulling, stressful ordeals. So in oder to ensure you’re all set for your next travels, here’s everything to know about this crucial passport rule so your trip goes as smoothly as planned.
Can I travel with less than two blank pages on my passport?
The answer is yes and no. Certain countries in the EU require a minimum of two blank pages in your passport for entry, while others require one or none. So really, it all depends on where you’re going. The best way to know is by going onto Travel.State.Gov and typing in your destination country. There, you will see how many blank pages on your passport the country or countries you are traveling to require for entry.
You should also be aware of the 90/180 rule if you’re traveling to the Schengen area.
Which countries require two blank passport pages?
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Germany
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
Countries like Luxembourg, Malta, Greece, Denmark, Estonia and more only require one blank page in your passport. Be mindful that all countries (even outside of the EU) have their own standard on how many blank passport pages can grant entry.
If you’re in need of a new passport, you can now renew yours online again!
Which countries don’t require a blank passport page for entry?
Countries like Sweden (EU) and the Philippines (non-EU) don’t require a blank page on your passport, just space for entry and exit stamps.
Do all countries stamp passports for entry and exit?
Some countries are beginning to phase out passport stamps, opting for a more digital record of entry and exit. For example, Singapore, Israel and Australia have already introduced digital systems to track such records.
These more modern technologies help efficiency, security, and environmental considerations. Overall, getting your passport stamped when entering or exiting a territory is necessary for reasons such as proof of entry and exit, immigration control and personal record.
Moreover, did you know that the U.S. passport is one of the strongest in the world? Find the entire list of the most powerful passports here.
And just because summer is coming to its unofficial end with Labor Day weekend ahead of us, that doesn’t mean travel has to stop! In fact, fall can be a great time to score deals on trips as the demand for bookings tend to drop this time of year.