A passport's validity period depends on the holder's age and the issuing country:
- For U.S. passports, if you are age 16 or older, the passport is valid for 10 years. For children under 16, the passport is valid for 5 years
- Many countries issue adult passports with a validity of 10 years, while some have shorter periods such as 5 or 6 years depending on the country
- Some countries allow applicants to choose between 5 or 10 years of validity, often with different fees
Additionally, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates to avoid entry denial
. This six-month rule is common internationally to ensure travelers do not overstay or face issues during their trip. In summary, a typical adult passport lasts 10 years, and a child's passport lasts 5 years, but travelers should always check the specific validity and entry requirements of their destination country before traveling.
