Passports generally last for a fixed period depending on the holder's age and the issuing country:
- U.S. passports are valid for 10 years for adults aged 16 and older, and 5 years for children under 16
- Some countries have different validity periods; for example, German biometric passports are valid for 6 years for applicants under 24, and 10 years for older applicants
- UK passports issued after 2018 are valid for 10 years ; those issued before may have validity up to 10 years and 9 months due to added time from previous passports
Additionally, many countries require that your passport be valid for a certain period beyond your travel dates, commonly at least six months after your planned return date, to avoid entry denial or boarding refusal
. Some countries require only three months or validity for the entire stay, so checking the destination’s specific requirements is important
. In summary:
- Adult passports typically last 10 years.
- Child passports usually last 5 years.
- Validity requirements for travel often include having at least six months remaining after your trip.
- Always verify specific country entry rules before traveling.
This ensures your passport remains valid for the duration of your trip and complies with international travel regulations.
