UK passport travel rules
6-month passport rule: which countries require it?
Egypt, Thailand and the UAE require at least six months from arrival for standard tourist visits. It is not a worldwide rule — the destination and the date used both matter.
Check your destination and passport dates
Enter travel dates and the passport expiry date to see the result.
What is the six-month passport rule?
Some countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond a specified date, even when your holiday is much shorter. An unexpired passport alone is not enough. For the tourist destinations below, that date is your arrival date.
For example, arriving on 10 January 2027 means your passport must expire no earlier than 10 July 2027 under a six-month-from-arrival rule. It also needs to remain valid for your whole trip. Use your actual arrival date if an overnight flight arrives after your UK departure date.
Which countries require six months from arrival?
These examples cover standard tourist visits on a full British citizen passport. They are not a complete list of every country's rules.
| Destination | Required validity | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | At least 6 months from arrival | FCDO advice for Egypt |
| Thailand | At least 6 months from arrival | FCDO advice for Thailand |
| United Arab Emirates | At least 6 months from arrival | FCDO advice for United Arab Emirates |
UAE residents and travellers transiting without passing immigration have different requirements. Temporary, emergency and other passport types can also have different rules.
Where the six-month rule does not apply
- Spain, Greece and other Schengen destinations: at least 3 months after leaving the Schengen area, plus an issue date less than 10 years before arrival. Read the EU 10-year rule guide and official Spain entry requirements.
- Turkey: at least 150 days after arrival and at least one blank page. See Turkey passport guidance and FCDO Turkey advice.
- United States: valid for the planned length of stay for British visitors. See USA passport guidance and FCDO USA advice.
Before you travel
- Check each traveller's passport, including children's passports.
- Check transit countries, blank pages, visas and entry authorisations separately.
- Use the actual destination arrival and exit dates, not just the dates your flights leave the UK.
- Confirm the latest FCDO entry requirements and your airline's document checks.
Not enough validity remaining?
Renew before travelling if your passport will not meet the destination's rules. See the UK passport renewal and urgent options guide; appointments and delivery before your trip are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
This tool gives guidance based on published FCDO entry requirements. Rules can change at short notice. Always check the official GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.