Passport 6 Month RulePassport 6 Month Rule
Europe

Passport validity rules for United Kingdom

The UK doesn't enforce the 6-month rule — your passport just has to cover your stay. But your return journey may be a different story.

The rule

Must be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

United Kingdom check

Can I travel to United Kingdom?

Must be valid for the whole duration of your stay.

Enter your passport dates above to see if you're good to go.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need 6 months on my passport for the UK?
No. The UK only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay. There is no 6-month rule for visiting the United Kingdom.
Can I enter the UK with a passport expiring in 1 month?
Yes, as long as the passport covers the full length of your trip. UK Border Force will let you in even if it expires the day after you leave.
Do EU travellers need 3 months left to enter the UK?
No. The UK is no longer in Schengen — the 3-month rule does not apply when entering the UK from anywhere.
What about flying back home from the UK?
That depends on the destination country's rules — not the UK's. If you're flying to a Schengen country or a 6-month-rule country, check that destination's rule.
Is the UK part of the Schengen Area?
No. The UK has never been part of Schengen. UK entry rules are entirely separate from EU rules.

Related reading

The 6-month rule, explained
Why countries enforce it and how to tell if you meet it.
The "six-month club" countries
Full list of countries that strictly enforce the rule.
What happens if you're short
Denied boarding, refused entry — the real consequences.
Airlines vs border guards
Why your airline can refuse you boarding even when the country wouldn't.
All passport rules by country →
Browse every destination in one list.

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