Just because your passport is still valid doesn’t mean you’re in the clear for that upcoming international trip. Ahead of your next flight, you’ll want to make sure your passport is in compliance with these five rules to ensure your travels go according to plan.
1. Not meeting the 6-month passport rule
Some countries require you have at least six-months validity on your passport from your date of entry or exit.
So if your passport expires in December 2025 but you have an international trip booked for August 2025, you may not be permitted to board your flight if the country your traveling to requires six-months validity.
Again, this isn’t the case for all destinations so be sure to double check ahead of your trip to avoid any problems.
2. Not meeting the 3-month passport rule
Similar to the six-month passport rule, some countries only require three-months validity beyond your date of arrival or last day of your trip.
3. Insufficient blank passport pages
Even if you’re cleared for the three-or six-month validity rule, not having enough blank passport pages could disrupt your travel plans. Every country requires a certain amount of blank passport pages for entry.
For example, Germany requires two blank passport pages to visit. Meanwhile, Japan only requires one blank page. You can go on the U.S. Department of State website and enter your destination to learn how many blank pages you’ll need to enter.
4. Violating the 90/180-day rule
This rule is specific to the Schengen Area, limiting travelers to a maximum stay of 90-days within any rolling 180-day period.
If you have stayed for a maximum of 90 days within a rolling 180-day period, you will need to wait another 90 days before entering into Schengen countries again. Non-compliance with the 90/180-day rule can lead to deportation, fines, future entry bans, and future visa complications.
You can use the EU Schengen calculator to ensure your upcoming travel dates are eligible within the 90/180-day limit.
New security measures, such as EES (Entry/Exit System) intend to better prevent and detect overstayers.
5. Missing a required visa or travel authorization
Your passport may be valid for months or years to come, but if your destination country requires a visa or travel authorization and you don’t have it, you could still be denied entry.
For example, Brazil just ended visa-free travel for Americans this April. Prior to this spring, Americans were able to visit the South American country with only their valid passport. However, now travelers must obtain an e-visa before their visit. Other countries like the United Kingdom now require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for U.S. citizens, and 30 more European countries will soon demand an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization).
Be sure to check if your destination requires any sort of visa or travel authorization before booking.