How Long Do You Need on Your Passport to Travel?: US Citizens

Did you know that countries have varying criteria when it comes to how close your passport is to expiring?

When traveling abroad, countries can require your passport to be issued within a certain time frame and/or a specific period away from its expiration date.

Simply having your passport, even if it's still valid, may not be sufficient when heading overseas.

In this guide, we will look at the passport requirements for US citizens when traveling to popular destinations. With that being said, always check with the embassy of your citizenship and the embassy of your destination regarding the latest travel requirements.

How long do you need on your passport to travel?

How long you need on your passport depends on your nationality and destination. You can find this by searching for the entry requirements for the country/countries you will be visiting.

With that being said, here are the passport entry requirements for some of the most highly traveled tourist destinations.

Please note: The travel requirements listed below are for US citizens.

Argentina

To travel to Argentina as a US citizen, your passport must be valid at the time of entry. You also must have a minimum of 1 blank page. US citizens can enjoy visa-free travel in Argentina for up to 90 days.

Australia

When traveling to Australia as a US citizen, your passport needs to be valid at entry with at least one blank page. Keep in mind that you may will need a visa or ETA (travel authorization) in order to visit.

Austria

Austria is one of the 29 countries in the Schengen area. All Schengen area countries require at least 3 months of passport validity beyond your planned date of departure from the zone as well as issuance within the last 10 years. You must also have at least two blank pages in your passport. Starting in 2025, US citizens will need to make sure they have ETIAS for Austria before their trip.

If you plan to spend more than 90 days in Austria, you will need to apply for an Austrian visa.

Belgium

As Belgium is a Schengen member, your US passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from Belgium. Your passport must have at least two blank pages. It must also have been issued within the last 10 years. For US citizens, the 12 page US emergency passport isn't valid for visa-free entry.

Like the other Schengen countries, you will need a visa to travel to Belgium if you plan to stay there for more than 90 days. Beginning in 2025, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS in order to travel to Belgium.

Bulgaria

One of the newest members of the Schengen area, Bulgaria now follows Schengen guidelines. Your passport must have been issued within the past ten years and have 3 months of validity beyond your departure date. Beginning in 2025, US citizens will need to apply for ETIAS for Bulgaria travel.

Many travelers will need a Schengen visa to travel to Bulgaria, such as citizens of India and China, but US citizens don't, so long as their stay is under 90 days in length.

Canada

To visit Canada, your US passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and you must have at least one blank page. If you want to stay longer than 180 days, you will need to apply for a visa.

China

When traveling to China, your US passport needs to have 6 months of validity left and at least two blank pages. US citizens will need to apply for a visa before heading to China.

Croatia

Croatia is a member of the Schengen area, therefore the entry requirements are the same as other Schengen countries. Visiting Croatia requires a passport with at least 3 months of validity that has to have been issued within the last 10 years.

A Schengen visa for Croatia is required for citizens from several countries, including China, South Africa, and India, but not for US citizens, so long as your trip is under 90 days. In 2025, you will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Croatia.

Czech Republic

As a member of the Schengen area, to visit the Czech Republic your passport needs to have been issued within the past 10 years and have at least 3 months left beyond your departure from the Schengen area before it expires.

Like other countries in the Schengen area, non-EU citizens will require a Schengen visa unless they are a citizen of a visa-exempt country. US citizens are exempt, meaning you only need a visa for the Czech Republic if you plan to stay in the zone longer than 90 days.

Denmark

Your passport needs to have been issued within the previous 10 years, as Denmark is a member of the Schengen zone. Additionally, it needs to have a minimum of 3 months before it expires, beyond the end of your trip. You must have sufficient space remaining in your passport for stamps.

Along with your passport, travelers from some countries (including China, South Africa, India, and others) must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Denmark. US citizens only need a visa to visit Denmark if they plan on staying in the zone for more than 90 days.

Egypt

When traveling to Egypt, your US passport must an expiration date that's at least 6 months after your arrival date. It also needs to have to have at least one blank page. Be aware that US citizens need a visa in order to travel to Egypt.

Estonia

Estonia is a member of the Schengen area, thus it has the same entry requirements as other Schengen members. Visitors' passports must be valid for 3 months after their stay in the area with issuance in the last 10 years. One blank page per stamp is required.

US citizens do not need a visa to go to Estonia, so long as they don't stay longer than 3 months (90 days). Some travelers may be required to apply for a visa to visit Estonia, including those with Indian or Chinese passports.

Finland

To travel to Finland, your passport needs to be valid for the entire length of your stay and an additional 3 months after your departure, however, 6 months is recommended. Additionally, your passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 years.

According to the US government, you need two blank pages in your passport per stamp. The same as other Schengen countries, some travelers will need a visa to visit Finland. US citizens only need a visa to visit Finland if they plan on staying in the Schengen area more than 90 days.

France

France is a country within the Schengen area, so it falls under the Schengen entry requirements. This means that, when traveling to France, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and an additional three months after your departure. It needs to have been issued in the past ten years and you'll also need at least 1 remaining blank page.

For US citizens, a 12-page emergency US passport isn't valid for entry. Additionally, US citizens can travel to France without a visa, so long as their trip doesn't exceed 3 months (90 days).

Germany

All travelers heading to Germany must have passports that were issued within the last 10 years. On top of that, your passport can't expire within 3 months of leaving the Schengen area (Germany or any other country in the zone). Make sure that you have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.

Pay attention to Germany visa requirements. Many travelers can't visit Germany without a Schengen visa. This includes citizens of China, India, South Africa, and other countries. US citizens do not need a visa to visit Germany unless they plan on staying for longer than 90 days.

Greece

In order to visit Greece, your passport must be valid for an additional 3 months after your stay, though 6 months is recommended. Furthermore, it needs to have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least one blank page available per stamp (so, entry and exit).

US citizens don't need a visa when traveling Greece, unless your trip in Greece/the Schengen area will be longer than 90 days.

Hong Kong

To visit Hong Kong, your US passport needs to be valid for 1 month after you leave the country. Make sure you check all entry requirements when planning a trip to Hong Kong. US citizens can travel to Hong Kong without a visa for up to 90 days.

Hungary

Hungary is a member of the Schengen area. This means that your passport is required to be valid for an additional 3 months after you leave the Schengen area, though 6 months is recommended. It also needs to have one blank page available per stamp (entry/exit) and an issue date within the last 10 years.

Many non-EU citizens will need to apply for a visa before visiting the Schengen area. US citizens can visit Hungary for up to 90 days without a visa.

Iceland

To visit the Nordic island of Iceland, your passport needs to have an original issue date less than 10 years ago. Not only that, the expiration date needs to be an additional 3 months beyond the last day of your trip. With that being said, having 6 months of validity is recommended. Also, make sure that you have at least 2 remaining blank pages in your passport for each stamp.

Take note that while many non-EU travelers will need an Iceland visa, US citizens do not (so long as your trip doesn't exceed 90 days in length and isn't to work or study).

India

When traveling to India, your US passport needs to have at least 6 months of remaining validity, as well as a minimum of two remaining blank pages. Many travelers require a visa to visit India, including US citizens.

Indonesia

To visit Indonesia, you must have at least 2 remaining blank pages per stamp. Your US passport's expiration date can't be within 6 months of your arrival date into Indonesia. Note that many travelers will need to apply for a visa to travel to Indonesia, including US citizens.

Ireland

While a member of the EU, Ireland is not a member of the Schengen area, thus it has its own entry requirements. To visit Ireland, your passport needs to be valid during the entire duration of your visit and have at least one blank page available. US citizens do not need a visa to visit Ireland for up to 90 days (for tourism/visiting).

Italy

The entry requirements are the same as other Schengen countries. Travlers to Italy need to have a passport issued within the last 10 years that has 3 months of existing validity beyond their stay, as well as at least two blank pages.

Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt will need to apply for a visa before visiting Italy. This includes citizens of India, South Africa, China, and several other nations. US citizens don't need a visa to visit Italy for less than 90 days.

Japan

All US citizens heading to Japan need to have passports that are valid for the entire duration of their stay and have at least one blank page. US citizens do not need to apply for a visa to travel to Japan.

Latvia

As a member of the Schengen area, Latvia has the same requirements that other Schengen countries have. Travelers to Latvia need to have a passport that was issued to them fewer than 10 years ago. It needs to be valid for 3 additional months beyond your stay and have at least one blank page per stamp (one for entry, one for exit).

Ensure that you check all of the travel requirements to Latvia. Many travelers require a Schengen visa to visit. US citizens do not, so long as their stay is under 90 days in length.

Liechtenstein

US citizens headed to Liechtenstein will need to show a passport that's expiration date is beyond 6 months after they leave the Schengen area, which Liechtenstein is a part of. In addition to that, make sure that you have at least one blank page in your passport for a stamp and that your passport was issued less than 10 years ago.

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Liechtenstein for 90 days or fewer.

Lithuania

To travel to Lithuania, your US passport needs to have been issued less than 10 years ago and not expire soon (within 6 months of your departure from Lithuania). You'll also need to have two blank pages.

Many non-EU travelers are required to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Lithuania, such as Indian and Chinese citizens. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Lithuania (90 days or fewer).

Luxembourg

Make sure that your US passport doesn't expire within 3 months of your departure from the Schengen zone, which Luxembourg is a part of. When traveling to Luxembourg, you need to travel with a passport that was issued less than 10 years ago and has at least 2 blank pages left.

Some travelers require visas when traveling to Luxembourg; US citizens do not for stays under 3 months (90 days specifically) in length.

Malaysia

When traveling to Malaysia, make sure that your US passport has at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your arrival and that you have at least one blank page. US citizens don't typically need a visa if their stay is less than 90 days.

Malta

US citizens must adhere to the regulations of the Schengen zone when traveling to Malta. This means you need to have a passport issued less than 10 years ago that has a minimum of 3 months of validity beyond your intended departure from the zone. You also need to have at least 1 blank page left in your passport.

Like other Schengen countries, many non-EU travelers need a visa to visit the island. US citizens do not need a Malta visa for tourism or visiting, so long as they stay fewer than 90 days.

Mexico

When visiting the beautiful country of Mexico, US citizens must travel with a passport that is valid at the time of entry and has two blank pages (one for entry, one for exit). US citizens will need a visa to visit Mexico for longer than 180 days.

Morocco

To travel to Morocco, your US passport needs to have at least 6 months of validity left when you arrive in the country and at least one blank passport page. US citizens do not need a visa to visit Morocco unless staying longer than 3 months (90 days specifically).

The Netherlands

The Netherlands are part of the Schengen zone. Because of that, your US passport needs to have been issued within the past 10 years and your passport must remain valid for 3 months post-travel. You also need to have a blank page for your entry stamp. C

itizens of many countries will need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to the Netherlands, including India, China, and more. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the Netherlands (90 days or less).

Norway

If you're traveling to Norway, your US passport needs to abide by the Schengen regulations. It needs to have been issued no longer than 10 years ago and remain valid for the entire duration of your trip, as well as the three months after. You also need to have a minimum of 2 blank pages left. I

f you're a citizen of a non-EU country that isn't visa-exempt, such as India, you will need a visa to travel to Norway. US citizens are visa-exempt, meaning they can travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days without needing a visa, so long as their trip is for tourism/visiting purposes.

The Philippines

US citizens traveling to the Philippines must have a visa with at least 6 months of validity left and enough room for a passport stamp. Many travelers to the Philippines will require a visa. US citizens do not need one, so long as their trip is less than 30 days and for tourism.

Poland

Poland is a Schengen country, so Schengen entry rules apply. US passports must be valid for your entire duration and 3 months beyond. In addition to that, your passport needs to have been issued within the last two years and have at least one blank page left.

Keep in mind that a Schengen visa is required for citizens from specific countries, such as China or India. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Poland (90 days or less).

Portugal

Your US passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your stay in Portugal and have been issued within the last 10 years. You also need two blank pages, minimum.

Citizens from specific countries, like the US and UK, are exempt from visas for short stays in Portugal (under 90 days). Others are not exempt, like those with Indian or Chinese passports. In that case, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa before visiting Portugal, as it is a member of the Schengen zone.

Romania

To travel to Romania, your US passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond the end of your trip. It also needs to have been issued in the past 10 years and have 2 blank pages (one for each stamp, entry and exit).

Because Romania is now a member of the Schengen area, many travelers will need to apply for a Schengen visa before their travels. This includes citizens from South Africa, China, India, and more. US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Romania (for up to 90 days).

Singapore

Make sure your US passport has at least 6 months before it expires when traveling to Singapore, and two blank pages or more. As long as you're staying for fewer than 90 days for tourism, US citizens do not require a visa to visit Singapore.

Slovakia

When traveling to Slovakia, a country in the Schengen zone, make sure your US passport was issued to you less than 10 years ago and has 6 months of remaining validity after your departure date (from the zone). Make sure you have a blank page for a passport stamp.

If you're a citizen of specific countries, such as China or India, you will need a Schengen visa to travel to Slovakia. US citizens do not need

Slovenia

Like the other Schengen countries, when traveling to Slovenia your US passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 years. It also needs to have at least 3 months before it expires from the date you leave your trip in the zone. Make sure you have a blank page for a passport stamp and that you've checked any visa requirements, as many non-EU travelers require a visa in order to travel to Slovenia.

US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Slovenia, unless they're planning on staying in the Schengen zone for more than 90 days or to work or study.

South Africa

When visiting South Africa, your US passport needs to be valid for an additional 30 days post-travel. You also need to have 2 consecutive blank pages.

US passport-holders don't need a visa when traveling to South Africa (for trips 90 days or less).

South Korea

To visit South Korea, your US passport needs to be valid during the entire duration of your stay and you need to have at least two blank pages. Make sure you check all travel requirements while planning your trip to South Korea.

Spain

Spain is a member of the Schengen area. To travel there, your US passport needs to have a minimum of 3 months' validity beyond your travel dates and issued within the last 10 years. The US government recommends 6 months of validity on your passport. In addition to the expiration and issuance criteria, you also need to ensure that you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport.

Make sure you check all of the travel requirements before heading to spain, as many non-EU citizens will need a visa for Spain. US citizens do not require a visa for Spain (up to 90 days for tourism).

Sweden

To travel to Sweden, make sure that your US passport doesn't expire for at least 3 months after leaving the country or Schengen area in general. With that, your passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 years in order to visit Sweden, and have room left for entry stamps.

Citizens of many countries require a Schengen visa in order to travel to Sweden. US citizens do not need a visa for trips to Sweden that are up to 90 days. Learn all about the Sweden visa requirements here.

Switzerland

When traveling to Switzerland, your US passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least one blank page. The validity needs to extend 6 months from your intended departure.

Before traveling to the Schengen area, make sure you check to see whether or not you need a visa. US citizens do not need a visa when visiting Switzerland (or the Schengen area in general) so long as the trip is for tourism and doesn't exceed 90 days in length.

Taiwan

When heading to Taiwan, your US passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and you must have at least two blank pages remaining. US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Taiwan, so long as their stay is under 90 days.

Thailand

Your US passport needs to have at least 6 months left before it expires on your arrival date into Thailand. Two blank pages are also required (one per stamp).

US citizens don't need a visa for Thailand for trips up to 60 days in length.

Turkey

Make sure that your US passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your arrival into Turkey. You'll also need at least one page for entry and exit stamps. US citizens do not need a visa for Turkey for stays under 90 days.

United Kingdom

To travel to the UK (which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), your US passport needs to be valid for the entire length of your stay and have at least one blank page.

US citizens do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom, but you do need to apply for pre-travel authorization (called ETA).

Vietnam

When visiting Vietnam, make sure your US passport has 6 months of validity left and one blank page, minimum. Keep in mind you will need to apply for a visa before traveling if you are a US citizen.