The "6-month passport rule" mandates that your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from a foreign country. However, this requirement varies among countries, and some may enforce a three-month validity instead. It's crucial to verify specific requirements based on your destination and nationality by checking with the relevant embassy or consulate. This rule aims to prevent travelers from being stranded abroad if unexpected delays occur, such as overstaying due to an expired passport. Here is a list of countries where this rule typically applies:
Countries requiring 6-month passport validity:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Anguilla
- Bahrain
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Canada
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Côte D’Ivoire
- Curacao
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nicaragua
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saint Lucia
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Taiwan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- United Arab Emirates
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
Always confirm these requirements before travel to ensure a smooth journey and avoid potential complications.