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Passport validity by country

Passport validity for the USA

For many nationalities — including British, EU, Canadian and Australian citizens — the US only requires your passport to be valid for the length of your stay. Others need 6 months' validity beyond their stay.

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The rules at a glance

  • Many countries are exempt from the 6-month rule: your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
  • Other nationalities need 6 months' validity beyond the end of the stay.
  • Visa Waiver travellers also need an approved ESTA and an e-passport.

What applies to your passport

British passports

  • The UK is in the Visa Waiver Program, so your passport just needs to be valid for your whole stay.
  • You also need an approved ESTA, which is linked to your passport number.

EU passports

  • Most EU countries are in the Visa Waiver Program too, so the same 'valid for your stay' rule applies.
  • A few nationalities need a visa instead, which usually means 6 months' validity — check your country's status.

US passports

  • You can return home any time before your passport expires — the 6-month rule applies to visitors from other countries, not to US citizens.
  • A child's US passport lasts only 5 years, so keep an eye on it before family trips.

Don't get caught out

Airlines check passport validity at check-in and can refuse boarding. Add your passport to DocsPocket and you'll be reminded 12 and 6 months before it expires.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need 6 months on my passport to visit the USA?

Not if your country is exempt (this includes the UK and most EU countries) — then it must be valid for your entire stay. Otherwise, 6 months beyond your stay is required.

Does my ESTA end when my passport expires?

Yes. An ESTA is linked to your passport, so a new passport needs a new ESTA. This applies to British, EU and other Visa Waiver travellers alike.

General guidance only. Entry and passport rules change — always confirm with the official government website of your destination and your passport office before you travel.