Friday 28 October 2016

Passport Expiry Dates and Blank Pages In Different Countries

passport

Passport expiry date and beyond blank pages rules varies from different country to country.

Many travellers are unaware of the rules surrounding passport expiry dates and how many blank pages you need before you jet out of the country.

This was highlighted in a recent case, when a man was was denied entry to his British Airways flight from Heathrow to Nice - despite holding a valid passport.

It turned out to be an error on behalf of the airline, proof that there is much confusion between officials and foreign governments on passport rules.

Contrary to what happened to this particular BA passenger, any UK citizen travelling within the EU needs only to have a passport valid for the duration of their stay.

This is subject to change after Brexit action but passport holders can at least travel freely under this rule over the next few months.

According to the European Commission, even if your passport is only valid until the day after you return home, you should still be able to travel.

Outside of the EU, the rules differ drastically.

Many travellers are unaware that UK citizens entering certain countries need at least six months validity on their passports from the date of entry.

This rule applies to Brazil, Ecuador, Turkey, the Middle East & Asia.

Anyone travelling to New Zealand needs a passport valid for a minimum of one month from the date of exit.

Similarly in South Africa, a minimum of 30 days from the date of exit is required on the document expiry date.

Despite needing an ESTA visa to visit the USA, your passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

The FCO website explained: "You don't need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this."

But any travellers with an old passport will not be allowed entry to America - only biometric passports are accepted as of April 1, 2016.

When it comes to blank pages on passports, the rules are a little more subjective.

The FCO recommends travellers keep at least two blank pages in passports on arrival to any country.

Anecdotal evidence suggests some UK citizens have been turned away for having only one page or less left blank.

For more information on expiry dates and blank pages in each different country, check the FCO website's country-by-country guide.

Rules are often subject to change and according to airlines, it's the passenger's responsibility to have documents in order before heading abroad.

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