How remaining validity is measured
Some destinations measure validity from arrival, others from departure or the end of the authorized stay. Transit-country rules can also apply even when you do not leave the airport.
Do not rely on a general six-month rule. Verify the destination, transit and airline requirements for the exact dates of travel.
Blank visa pages
A blank page is a page without visas, stamps or endorsements. Some authorities require one or more unused pages for a physical visa or border stamp.
Facing blank pages may be requested for certain visa labels. Confirm the requirement before submitting the passport.
Damage and alteration
Water damage, detached pages, peeling laminate, an unreadable machine-readable zone, punctures or an altered photograph can make a passport unusable.
Do not repair a passport with tape, glue or handwriting. Ask the issuing authority whether replacement is necessary.
Old and new passports
A valid visa in an expired passport may sometimes be used together with a new passport, but acceptance depends on the issuing country and whether personal details changed.
Carry both documents only when the responsible authority confirms that the visa remains valid.
When to renew
Renew early when the remaining validity is close to the destination’s minimum, pages are nearly full, the booklet is damaged or the holder’s details need correction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the passport expiry date the last day I can travel?
Not necessarily. A destination or airline may require additional validity beyond the trip dates.
Do stamps on a page mean it is no longer blank?
Yes. A page containing any stamp, visa or endorsement should not be treated as blank.
Can I use a visa in an old passport?
Sometimes. Confirm with the visa-issuing authority and airline, especially when the name, nationality or passport details changed.
Should I renew before applying for a visa?
Renew first when the passport will not meet the destination’s validity or blank-page requirement during the intended trip.
Related passport guides
African Passports: Types, Validity and Travel Guide
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Types and Travel Documents Explained
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →How to Read a Passport Biographical Page
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Issuance, Renewal and Replacement
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →From Travel Letters to Biometric Passports
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Passport Stamps, Entry Records and Corrections
Open the related passport guide and check the document details that affect travel.
Read guide →Official-source checklist
- National passport or immigration authority
- Ministry of Interior or Foreign Affairs
- Embassy or consulate serving the applicant
- ICAO travel-document standards and official airline document guidance
Passport rules, application procedures, validity requirements and fees can change. Confirm current instructions with the responsible authority before applying or travelling.