When Does Your Passport Expire? Why It Matters More Than You Think
You're booking a holiday. Flights are sorted, hotel looks great, and then you remember: when does my passport actually expire?
If you're like most people, you have no idea. And that's a problem, because passport expiry isn't as simple as "the date on the page."
The 6-Month Rule
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Some require 3 months. A few don't care at all.
This means a passport that expires in 4 months is effectively useless for most international travel, even though it's technically "valid."
Countries with 6-month requirements:
- United States (for visa waiver visitors)
- Most of Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, etc.)
- Most of the Middle East
- Brazil, Argentina, and much of South America
Countries with 3-month requirements:
- Most of the EU/Schengen area
- South Africa
- Australia (for some visa types)
Countries that just need validity for your stay:
- UK (for most visitors)
- Canada
- Japan
The Real Cost of an Expired Passport
Getting caught out isn't just inconvenient. It's expensive.
- Denied boarding: Airlines check passport validity before you fly. No valid passport, no flight. No refund.
- Emergency renewal: Fast-track passport services cost 2-3x the normal fee.
- Lost bookings: Hotels, tours, and connecting flights don't care why you missed them.
When to Renew
The simple rule: renew when you have 9 months left.
This gives you:
- 6 months of "usable" validity for travel
- 3 months buffer for processing time
- Peace of mind
Most passport offices let you renew up to 9 months before expiry, and any remaining time gets added to your new passport.
Stop Thinking About It
The whole point of this app is that you shouldn't have to remember this stuff. Add your passport to your tasks, confirm when you've renewed it, and we'll remind you when it's time to think about it again.
No calendar entries. No mental load. Just a quiet nudge when it matters.