A passport is generally valid for a period of five to ten years, depending on the country of issuance and the holder's age. For example:
- In the United States, adult passports (issued to those aged 16 and over) are valid for 10 years, while passports issued to children under 16 are valid for 5 years
- Other countries may issue passports with validity ranging between five and ten years, with some allowing applicants to choose the validity period at different price points
Additionally, many countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry or departure to avoid issues with immigration or airline boarding. This "six-month rule" is common to ensure travelers have sufficient validity to cover their stay and any unforeseen delays
. In summary:
- Adult passports: typically 5 to 10 years (10 years common in the US and many countries)
- Child passports: usually 5 years
- Passport must often be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates for international entry
If a passport expires or is close to expiring, it must be renewed before travel
. This validity period ensures passports remain current and secure for identification and international travel purposes.
