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Europe Visa Check

Passport Validity Checker

Check if your passport meets entry requirements for the Schengen Area, UK, or Ireland

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Why Check Your Passport Before Traveling?

Having a passport that isn't expired isn't always enough. European countries have strict rules about passport validity that catch thousands of travelers off guard every year.

The most common surprise is the Schengen 3-month rule — your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. And the 10-year issue rule means even a passport with a valid expiry date can be rejected if it was issued more than 10 years ago.

Passport Rules at a Glance

Schengen expiry rule 3 months Beyond your departure date
Issue date limit 10 years Schengen & UK
UK requirement Valid for stay Plus 10-year issue rule
Ireland requirement Valid for stay No extra margin needed

Schengen Area Passport Rules

All 30 Schengen countries share the same passport requirements (it's an EU-wide regulation). Your passport must meet all three conditions:

  • Not expired on your travel date
  • Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area
  • Issued less than 10 years before your departure date

The 10-year rule exists because some countries (notably the UK before Brexit) added extra validity months when renewing passports early. Schengen countries ignore those bonus months.

The 10-Year Rule Trap

If you renewed a UK passport before Brexit, you may have received up to 9 extra months of validity. Your passport might show a valid expiry date but still be rejected at the Schengen border because it was issued more than 10 years ago. Always check the issue date, not just the expiry.

United Kingdom Passport Rules

The UK's passport rules are simpler than Schengen but still include the 10-year issue date check:

  • Not expired on your travel date
  • Valid for entire stay — no extra months required beyond your departure
  • Issued less than 10 years before your departure (for non-British nationals)

Ireland Passport Rules

Ireland has the simplest requirements of the three:

  • Not expired on your travel date
  • Valid for entire stay

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so the 3-month and 10-year rules do not apply. However, Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area with the UK.

Common Passport Mistakes

  • Only checking the expiry date: The 10-year issue rule can invalidate an otherwise valid passport
  • Confusing departure date with arrival: Schengen checks validity from when you leave, not when you arrive
  • Assuming all of Europe has the same rules: UK, Ireland, and Schengen each have different requirements
  • Waiting until the last minute: Passport renewal can take 4-6 weeks or more

Tips for Hassle-Free Travel

  • Check early: Verify passport validity at least 3 months before booking flights
  • Renew proactively: If your passport has less than 6 months validity, renew it now
  • Know your departure date: For Schengen, the date that matters is when you leave the area
  • Check for both destinations: If visiting the UK and Schengen on the same trip, check both sets of rules

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Schengen 3-month passport rule?
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen Area. For example, if you're departing Europe on June 15, your passport must be valid until at least September 15.
What is the 10-year passport issue rule?
Schengen countries and the UK will not accept passports that were issued more than 10 years before your travel date, even if the passport shows a later expiry date. This commonly affects UK passports that were renewed before Brexit and received extra months of validity.
Does Ireland require 3 months passport validity?
No. Ireland only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and does not apply the 3-month or 10-year rules.
My passport expires in 4 months. Can I travel to Europe?
It depends on your destination. For the Schengen Area, you need at least 3 months of validity beyond your departure date — so 4 months would be tight but potentially valid for a short trip. For the UK or Ireland, your passport just needs to be valid during your stay.
How long does passport renewal take?
Processing times vary by country, but typically 4-6 weeks for standard service. Many countries offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Always apply well in advance of your travel date.

Related Information

ETIAS Guide Schengen Countries UK Travel Requirements Check Your Requirements

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