Passport help

ginge51 · 14-07-2008, 23:19

Hi all

I'm hopefully off on holiday next Tuesday but just remembered about my passport expiry date.
It expires on the 8th of September this year but I've been told that the passport has to have at least 3 months or more left on the passport before you go on you're hols?
Is this true?

Thanks

**Matt D** · 14-07-2008, 23:25

I think it depends on which country you are going to.

ginge51 · 14-07-2008, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

I think it depends on which country you are going to.

I'm off to Portugal Albufeira mate.

**Matt D** · 14-07-2008, 23:37

Looks like you're in luck

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-...uirements&pg=4

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCO

Passport validity

A valid British passport must be held for entry to and exit from Portugal. There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.

---------- Post added at 23:37 ---------- Previous post was at 23:34 ----------

Bit more Googling, out of curiosity:

For the US you need 6 months.

EU countries, it seems it just needs to be valid for the trip, due to the Schengen Agreement or something.

ginge51 · 14-07-2008, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Looks like you're in luck

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-...uirements&pg=4

---------- Post added at 23:37 ---------- Previous post was at 23:34 ----------

Big more Googling, out of curiosity:

For the US you need 6 months.

EU countries, it seems it just needs to be valid for the trip, due to the Schengen Agreement or something.

Thanks Matt

Next Tuesday will be me 1st hol in 10 years :o
Can't wait

**Matt D** · 15-07-2008, 00:29

Enjoy!

15-07-2008, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Looks like you're in luck

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-...uirements&pg=4

---------- Post added at 23:37 ---------- Previous post was at 23:34 ----------

Bit more Googling, out of curiosity:

For the US you need 6 months.

EU countries, it seems it just needs to be valid for the trip, due to the Schengen Agreement or something.

Nice one Matt. Coincidentally helpful to me too.

**Matt D** · 15-07-2008, 00:51

No prob.

Although from a bit more looking, it does seem that some EU countries do have a minimum validity requirement. But I think that most don't.

In any case, the easiest way of checking - for wherever you're going - is via the Foreign Office:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-...ce-by-country/

Watching You · 15-07-2008, 11:04

Quote:

I'm hopefully off on holiday next Tuesday but just remembered about my passport expiry date.
It expires on the 8th of September this year but I've been told that the passport has to have at least 3 months or more left on the passport before you go on you're hols? Is this true?

Yes, depending on where you are going you will need additional six month period (US, Australia), also if you are crossing (overland) certain countries. However, what is not widely known is that an expired passport can still be used to get you home from some countries.

If you are concerned by not having a valid passport, you can obtain a replacement passport in one day if you are prepared to pay Ã‚Â£100 + for the privilege or best save the money to pay your fuel surge charges.

Saaf_laandon_mo · 15-07-2008, 11:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginge51

I'm off to Portugal Albufeira mate.

Nice choice of place to visit. If you are going with kids make sure you visit Aqualand - definately worth the entrance fee if you like water slides and stuff.

http://www.aqualand.pt/algarve/index.php?wlang=en

DaiNasty · 15-07-2008, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Watching You

However, what is not widely known is that an expired passport can still be used to get you home from some countries.

That surely should be common sense. You're not going to suddenly stop being the person you were last week just because an expiry date has passed.

**Damien** · 15-07-2008, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

For the US you need 6 months.

For the US you seem to need to have to a never ending list of requirements, visas, paperwork. I swear they are trying to prevent tourism all together.

danielf · 16-07-2008, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

For the US you seem to need to have to a never ending list of requirements, visas, paperwork. I swear they are trying to prevent tourism all together.

Not really, most EU countries fall under the visa waiver programme, which means you can pretty much hop on a plane and go there. Fill in the form on the plane saying you are not planning moral turpitude, and have not been arrested for a crime that carries > 5 years imprisonment, and they will usually let you in.

Anonymouse · 16-07-2008, 07:13

And so they should! Ye gods, do they want tourists or do they not?

TheNorm · 16-07-2008, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymouse

... do they want tourists or do they not?

Yes and no.

Quote:

...We are just about the only country that doesn't have a national tourism office....

Travel and tourism is one of the US's biggest industries but spending falls far behind the $60 million budget of Canada. Even Fiji spends $10 million.

http://www.travelmole.com/stories/108294.php