Passport Validity Rules (6-Month Requirement)

Limited

International routes typically need 6 months validity from arrival; domestic flights accept any unexpired passport.

Quick answer

Most international destinations expect your passport to remain valid for six months beyond the day you land. Domestic flights only need a passport that hasn’t expired yet, but because airlines must follow the stricter rule of the toughest transit country, they check the six-month buffer at the departure counter.

This buffer gives immigration enough confidence that you won’t overstay accidentally. If your passport expires a month into a three-month trip, the host country risks being stuck with a traveller the system can’t track. That’s why airlines would rather offload you at check-in than pay fines at the destination.

Some countries (Schengen, UK, Singapore) also demand blank pages for stamps or visas. If your booklet is almost full, renew it together with the validity issue—fresh booklets arrive within a week under Tatkaal.

Use the ‘return date + six months’ formula. If the resulting day falls after your expiry, you’re safe. If not, book a renewal slot immediately and carry the receipt to the airport in case the new passport arrives right before departure.

Renewal readiness

✔Count six months from your intended return date; if the passport expires earlier, apply for renewal.
✔Gather old passports with visas—you may need them for Schengen/US interviews even after renewal.
✔Print your appointment receipt and keep digital copies in DigiLocker.

At the airport

✔Carry both old and new passports if the new one arrived after you obtained visas.
✔Show evidence of renewal (SMS or acknowledgement) if you are flying domestically during processing.
✔Check blank pages: some immigration desks insist on two free pages facing each other.

Destination-specific validity cues

Region	Requirement	Notes
Schengen	3 months beyond return	Airlines still enforce 6 months to stay safe.
Middle East	6 months beyond entry	Certain visas need an extra blank page for residence stickers.
South-East Asia	6 months typical	Visa-on-arrival counters refuse shorter validity.

Do this

✅ Set a reminder on your phone 9 months before expiry so you have cushion for busy seasons.
✅ Use the Passport Seva portal’s police verification tracker to avoid last-minute surprises.
✅ Carry passport photos and photocopies whenever you visit an FRRO or embassy.

Avoid this

⚠️ Don’t book non-refundable international tickets if your passport is within the danger window.
⚠️ Avoid stapling boarding passes to passport pages; it tears the lamination.
⚠️ Don’t ignore minor damage—torn lamination + low validity equals instant denial.

FAQ

Q. Is the six-month rule written anywhere?

Yes. Immigration advisories from MEA and most embassies explicitly state it. Airlines add the rule into their contracts of carriage because they pay heavy fines if a passenger is sent back for insufficient validity.

Q. What if my visa appointment is before I can renew?

Apply for renewal first; most consulates won’t accept passports with less than a year left. If you already have a visa, carry both passports—old for visa, new for travel.

Q. Does the rule apply to domestic flights?

No. Any unexpired ID works domestically. Still, if you plan an international trip soon, renew early so you don’t scramble later.

Tips before you fly

✈️ Write the expiry date on the inside cover using washi tape for quick reference.
✈️ If FRRO delays verification, escalate via the Passport Seva call centre with your file number.
✈️ Use VFS walk-in services (where available) for urgent visa transfers to the new passport.

Related YourTravelGuide guides

Passport photocopy do’s & don’ts Printed ticket rules Digital ID acceptance

Official references

Last updated on 4 Dec 2025

India DGCA guidelines — simplified

Verified on: 5 Dec 2025

Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.

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