Passport validity for International Travel

Are you planning an international trip? Make sure passport validity for international travel is on your checklist.

Passport validity is a crucial aspect of international travel that often goes overlooked. In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of passport validity for international travel, including the 6-month passport rule, its history, and why it matters.

Understanding these passport validity rules will save you from potential travel hassles, visa rejections, and emergency situations. You’ll feel confident and prepared for your international adventures.

Let’s dive in and uncover all you need to know about passport validity and the 6-month passport rule, ensuring your travels are smooth and stress-free.

Passport Validity for International Travel

Passport validity for international travel is the length of time an Indian passport can be used for international trips or as proof of identity until it expires. An Indian passport is valid for 10 years from the date of its issue and can be re-issued. A minor’s passport is valid for 5 years or till the child reaches 18 years of age. Even tatkal passports have a validity of 10 years. A fresh ordinary passport with 10 years of validity costs Rs. 1500. A fresh ordinary passport made under the tatkal scheme with 10 years of validity costs Rs. 3500.

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History of Passport validity

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs used to issue passports with 20-year validity back in the 1990s. The Passport validity is now reduced to 10 years since Indians change their residential address frequently. If the address is changed, the passport becomes redundant. Again, the facial features of a person will change in 20 years. You don’t need to throw away expired passports. You need to bring your old, expired passport to get your passport re-issued. Reducing Passport validity also helped to reduce the number of stolen, lost and forged passports in circulation.

The 6 Month Passport Rule for International Travel

Most countries have a 6-month passport rule. The 6 month passport rule states that your passport must be valid for another 6-month before you depart for your foreign trip. Depending on the country you are visiting, the six month period may begin on the date of your arrival or your date of departure from your home.

Not all countries follow the hard and fast 6-months passport rule. Some countries have 3 months while others have 4 months. For example, Schengen countries require Indians to have a passport validity of 3 months from the date of departure from the EU nation. The requirement for passport validity changes on the country you are travelling and your nationality. Please re-issue your passport from the Embassy/Consulate of the nation you want to visit if your passport doesn’t meet the 6-month rule. Consulates and Embassies of every country have long waiting times. So, making a fresh passport or re-issuing it should be your first job while you plan your international tour.

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Reasons Behind the 6 Month Passport Rule

Foreign countries have imposed the 6-month passport validity rule for international travel to deter people from overstaying in their country. If your passport expires during your trip, you will not be able to return home unless you receive an emergency travel document. You may be able to get a visa on arrival or renew your visa in some countries, but you cannot renew or get a passport in this way. To avoid such scenarios, countries have imposed the 6-month passport rule. Most foreign embassies and consulates will reject a visa application if your passport is not valid for another 6 months from the date of your departure.

Countries Enforcing the 6-Month Passport Rule

Some countries which have 6-months passport rule are: –

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Anguilla
• Bahrain
• Bhutan
• Botswana
• British Virgin Islands
• United Kingdom
• USA
• 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
• United Arab Emirates
• Singapore

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