Travel Safe

Visa and passport

Visa and passport. What should you bear in mind?

passport expiration travel to spain

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Passport requirements to visit Spain

lucia lagunas reyes - Our Passport requirements to visit Spain lawyer expert

  • ☎️ How Much Should You Have Left on Your Passport Before Flying to Spain?
  • ✅ How Long Before You Renew Your Passport?
  • ☝️ More about Visas and Types of Visas
  • 🌍 The Visa Note
  • 👍 What Are The Types and Cost of Visas?
  • 🌟 What Are the Entry Requirements in Response to COVID-19?
  • 😊 What Are the Testing Requirements?
  • ⏰ Additional points to bear in mind when travelling to Spain
  • ☝️ Conclusion about travelling to Spain passport requirements

According to reports, at least 82 million people visited Spain in 2018 alone. Millions of tourists from different parts of the globe visit Spain for many reasons, such as to explore the historic cities, to soak up in the sun, look for business opportunities, and the list continues.

However, certain passport requirements must be met by everyone looking to visit the country.

Many non-Spain citizens can visit the country without using a passport. This is because it is more of a Schengen country. Some visitors are also required to seek a Schengen visa before they are allowed into the country.

Do you want to live in Spain?

Our law firm has more than 15 years of experience.

Note that the Schengen permit only applies for short-term visits that don’t last more than 90 days. It is reported that by the end of 2022, members of at least 60 countries will be required to have ETIAS waiver for Spain and all other countries that are located in the Schengen area.

Passport requirements to visit Spain

The electronic travel authorization will be launched to ensure that the Schengen area is kept safe.

For a successful application, one will have to meet the ETIAS requirements, which include having a credit or debit card, a valid passport, and an email address. Spain has unique minimum validity requirements that must be met before one can gain access to the country.

Are you planning to visit Spain shortly? Here are some of the things you are supposed to keep in mind when looking for a passport.

How Much Should You Have Left on Your Passport Before Flying to Spain?

Passport requirements for visit Spain

Whenever people plan trips, they tend to be too excited about the travel destinations that they forget to think about the visa requirements. Many people always forget to confirm that their passport is still valid. These mistakes are significant, and you might not be allowed to visit your ideal destination, even if you had prepared everything else.

In general, a passport is valid between a period of 5 to 10 years, and the validity requirements normally vary based on the country of residence. Suppose you intend to travel to Spain for a brief stay, your passport is supposed to be valid up to three months beyond your period of stay. Note that this is a mandatory requirement that you must meet.

If you are from the European Union, you only need to have a valid passport for the period stay with no extra duration. Also, EU citizens must not have a visa to travel to Spain, so the process is a little easier and straightforward for them.

Interestingly, if you are a member of the European Union, you can travel visa-free within the region as long as you have a valid national ID card. But if you are a foreign national, it is a requirement that you carry a valid passport.

Furthermore, if you are a foreign national seeking a Schengen travel permit, you must have a valid passport. If you get the visa, you will be given a certain duration of stay, most of the time, this period will be 90 days (short term) and must not be exceeded. Even if you succeed at getting this visa, your other visa must have a three-month validity of three months beyond the actual period of stay in Spain.

Before you book a trip, even if you are moving to a different Schengen state apart from Spain, you must confirm your passport validity.

How Long Before You Renew Your Passport?

requirements visit spain

The duration it takes before you can renew your passport will always vary from country to country. In the United Kingdom, for instance, when living in the country, you will need to have your passport renewed after every three weeks.

All citizens who currently don’t live in the UK must go to the nearest embassy to renew their passport, or rather be issued with new travel documents. Unless they do this, they won’t be able to leave the country.

The UK has put in place an online service that lets its citizens in foreign countries renew their passport online. If you are in the US, the passport renewal process will run for between four to six weeks, and everything can be done via email. If you go for the expedited option, you will incur an extra fee.

Another important thing to note is that when traveling from one Schengen country to another by car, you won’t be asked to show your national ID card or passport, you can just drive through and go where you want to. But airline and train operators will ask you to show your passport; this also happens when in a ferry company. They need your identification documents before you are allowed to cross to another country.

More about Visas and Types of Visas

We had already seen that you can travel visa free if your stay in Spain will not exceed three months. If that is your case, all you will need is a stay permit. Australians, Americans, Canadians, British, and individuals from other Schengen countries don’t have to carry their visas when going to stay for a maximum of 90 days.

These rules apply to those traveling to visit family, attend business meetings, see friends, or traveling as tourists.

If you are traveling for other purposes, you might have to get in touch with the embassy or consulate of Spain; you can also check with the high commission of your country of residence to confirm the nature of permit you will need.

The Visa Note

If you need further detailed information, you can contact us. By the end of 2022, if you don’t belong to Schengen countries, you will be required to apply for ETIAS Spain travel authorization. You can check out this link for more information based on these changes that will soon become effective.

What Are The Types and Cost of Visas?

Schengen visas cost €80 for those who are twelve years and above and belong to the Schengen nations and costs around €40 for children who are twelve years old and below. Children who are less than six years old don’t need visas to travel to Spain. Russians, Armenians, and nationals from Azerbaijan will pay €35 to get visas.

What Are the Entry Requirements in Response to COVID-19?

Visit spain passport

Those traveling to Spain should expect some testing requirements and entry restrictions in response to COVID-19. Not everyone who tries to access the country through the borders might gain entry, and it is important to know what is expected of you.

Under the current travel restrictions by the ministry of foreign affairs, only legal residents and citizens of the EU, Andorra, Schengen states, The Vatican, Monaco, and San Marino, and those with essential needs can visit Spain. For more information, you can get in touch with Spanish Embassy, or rather the Consulate in your home country.

If you are a citizen or a resident of Spain, you must come with the documents to prove that fact. Make sure to carry your green paper EU residence certificate and or the new TIE. You are also required to carry your valid passport each time you are traveling.

In case you don’t have any of the required documents, check out this link for more information or contact us

What Are the Testing Requirements?

At the time of writing this guide, all airline passengers flying from Spain to the US who are two years old and above must issue negative COVID-19 viral test results within three days of travel. Moreover, those traveling to the US must provide documentation issued by a licensed healthcare facility of having recovered from coronavirus within 90 days before travel. For more information about this, be sure to peruse the CDC website.

If you are traveling from the US, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you won’t be allowed into the country unless you meet strict requirements. Also, you can still get permission to enter Spain if you have permission from the government.

Also, if you are a US citizen traveling from your home country or a different one, you will have to show a negative PCR test that was taken within 72 hours before arriving in Spain. Besides that, you will have to fill up a Health Control Form before you are allowed in.

The COVID-19 related restrictions are set to remain effective throughout Spain, but they vary widely from region to region. Before you get to the country, you are supposed to know the restrictions based on the part you intend to visit.

To avoid crossing the legal line, you must be sure to follow the guidelines put in place by the local authorities. Let us look at some of the most common COVID-19 restrictions in Spain.

The restrictions include, but are not limited to:

  • A night-time curfew
  • Private or public gatherings must not exceed six individuals
  • Limited movement from and to many locations unless it is for essential purposes and legitimate reasons, such as medical reasons, work, returning to the residence, education, and training, helping elderly, taking exams, legal and administrative matters, etc
  • The limited number of individuals during religious meetings and gatherings.

Additional points to bear in mind when travelling to Spain

requirements covid 19 spain passport

Citizens from some countries are required to have airport transit visas when moving through international parts of various airports located with Schengen countries. There are some countries that if you come from, you are only needed to have a transit visa to move into and out of Schengen countries.

Suppose you don’t come from any of the Schengen countries, you might want to confirm with the nearest Spanish Consulate. Those who want to apply for visas are encouraged to contact the consulate, high commission, or embassy.

Note that Spain is one of the Schengen countries, which means it uses the Schengen visa schemes. If you are an EU national looking to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you will have to acquire a residence permit. Those who don’t come from the European Unions and are planning to stay for more than 90 days will have to apply for visas.

If you apply for a Schengen visa, you might have to wait for 15 days for the process to be complete. In some cases, it might take up to 45 days, but you should keep checking. Before you commence the application process, you are reminded to be aware of the national holidays in Spain since they will affect the processing period.

To avoid last-minute frustrations, it is important to send your Schengen travel permit application at least four weeks ahead of departure.

Conclusion about travelling to Spain passport requirements

Those who are planning to travel to Spain, especially amid the pandemic, will find this piece quite useful. Remember, the rules and regulations are subject to change, so you should keep checking periodically to find out if there are any changes you need to take note of. Otherwise, as long as things remain the same, be sure to use this guide so that you don’t cross the legal line. If you do that, you might pay some fees, and in some cases, fail a jail term. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, let us know by putting your comment below.

If you want to stay longer in Spain you can obtain other types of visas such as the non lucrative visa or golden visa .

12 thoughts on “ Passport requirements to visit Spain ”

My husband’s passport was issued on 3 Dec 2013 and shows an expiry date of 3 Apr 2024. We are booked to travel to Spain on 3 June 2023 returning on 17 June 2023. Does his passport cover Spain’s requirements for the return to the UK?

We recommend that you speak to your country’s embassy in Spain to find out the valid dates for your passport for your trip to Spain.

Due to visit Majorca April 2023 passport was for 10yrs 6months, it is not due to expire until May2026 will I be allowed entry. Our granddaughter (10yrs) has had a new passport issued. Thank you

I recommend that you speak to the embassy of your country in Spain to find out the requirements you need to have your passport in order to travel to Spain.

Is there anyway to travel from us to Spain with no passport or passport receipt.

If you are traveling to Spain from the U.S. you need at least a valid passport.

I am trying to find out how my 17 year old son can apply for a seasonal work visa to work for the summer to improve his Spanish skills. He plays padel tennis to a very good level and he has spoken to a couple of padel tennis clubs who would be happy for him to work there for the summer. We just need to organise the formalities. We will also be staying in Spain during this time so accommodation will be arranged by us.

One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions.

I have a UK passport which expires in 8 June 2022. I am looking to travel to Tenerife 9 – 16 Dec 2021. I understand this is ok as long as my passport has more than 3 months left on my passport from the date I return? Is this correct?

In principle, if it has not expired there should be no problem, although I recommend that you ask at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the UK .

Please can you advise if greater than 3 months ( on the return date) validity for a UK passport is sufficient to holiday in Spain for a week?

Hi Natasha,

I’m sorry but I don’t understand your question, could you explain in more detail.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Our Spanish Life

Do You Need 6 Months on Your Passport to Travel to Spain?

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, one of the key steps before booking your travel is to check the validity of your passport.

When you’re wondering whether you need 6 months on your passport to travel to Spain, this guide will take you through all you should know before you go.

Two passports lying on top of map with the country Spain circled

Spain is located within Europe, and one of the main points to be aware of is that all countries have their own regulations when it comes to entry requirements. Thus there is no one-size-fits all rule when it comes to passport validity.

Where travel restrictions are in place, it’s always essential to check with the Spanish embassy in the country you’re traveling from before departure.

Otherwise you could encounter problems upon arrival, which could result in you being refused entry to Spain.

Fines of up to EUR 3,000 are in place where entry requirements are not adhered to, and even if you’re only due to change planes at a Spanish airport then you still need to ensure you can comply with the rules upon arrival.

Passport Validity for Spain: Country by Country

This guide outlines the Spanish entry requirements for many major destinations across the world, including the US, the UK, the EU, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

Read on to find out about the passport requirements applicable to your country, along with links. This way you can double check what the current rules are – before boarding that plane bound for sunny Spain.

United States

United kingdom, european union, new zealand, the schengen area, can i travel with less than 6 months on my passport, can i travel to spain with only 5 months left on my passport, passport validity for spain: final thoughts.

Please note – all the following information is correct at the time of writing but should be verified before travel as rules may change at any time.

A minimum of six months’ validity after departure from Spain is always ideal, and can mean you don’t experience unwanted delays at the airport.

These rules are also intended as a guide for those visiting Spain as a tourist. If you plan to enter for work or study purposes, then you must check carefully which additional rules will apply.

Minimum passport validity: 3 months after departure; 6 months recommended

Those who want to enter Spain from the US must have at least three months remaining on a US passport after their departure date from Spain.

As with all countries, six months’ validity is recommended to avoid unnecessary delays.

Click here for an at-a-glance guide to Spain’s rules for US passport holders

On a standard Canadian passport, the Canadian government advises that this should be valid for a minimum of three months after departure from Spain.

The Canadian government website also makes mention of those passports marked an ‘X’ gender identifier, as other countries may not recognize or accept this for entry or for transit.

This applies to all countries rather than Spain in particular. Citizens who are affected should thus contact an official Spanish representative to check before travel.

Read more about entering Spain on a Canadian passport here

Anyone traveling from the UK to Spain on a ‘British Citizen’ passport must comply with the EU area regulations.

These state that your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the date you’ll depart from Spain, though six months is preferable.

A UK passport must be under 10 years old, in addition to having at least three months’ validity remaining when you depart.

Do check the start and expiry dates of your passport carefully, as when renewals have taken place early extra months may have been added.

Check Spain’s current entry requirements for UK passport holders here

canada and united kingdom passport on brown table

Minimum passport validity: Duration of stay; 6 months recommended

Spain is a member of the European Union and thus different rules apply to citizens who hold an EU passport.

As these people can move freely between EU countries, they can live and work in Spain should they choose to.

In fact EU citizens should be allowed to travel, live and work in Spain freely, and thus should not be refused permission to enter.

To verify this right, however, you may be asked to show a valid passport. This may especially apply when traveling from outside the EU, even on an EU passport.

See the latest rules for EU citizens entering Spain here

Minimum passport validity: 6 months recommended by AU government

Due to travelers to Spain reporting a variety of experiences, the Australian government advises all visitors to have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passports when departing Spain.

This also applies to anyone transiting via a Spanish airport.

The Australian government takes care to warn travelers that they may become stranded if their passport is not valid for long enough.

For this reason, they advise all travelers to check carefully before departing. If the passport will expire less than six months after departing from Spain, then applying for a new one is recommended.

Find out the latest Spain entry requirements for Australians here

As with many other countries, a passport issued in New Zealand should be valid for three months following the traveler’s intended departure date from Spain.

Having six months’ validity remaining after this date is again the ideal scenario.

Access the NZ foreign affairs and trade website’s Spain pages here

Other Factors to Consider When Traveling to Spain

As you can see, having at least three months’ to run on your passport after your booked departure date is necessary for travel to Spain. This minimum applies to citizens of various countries but excludes those from the EU.

UK passport holders are advised by their government that their passport should also be less than a decade old, and should therefore check the start date in addition to the expiry date.

It’s not only the validity of your passport to be aware of, however. There may be other rules in place affecting whether or not you’ll be granted permission to enter Spain.

You can check these by clicking on the links supplied above, as each of these leads to an official government website outlining the latest travel advice. This relates to topics such as Covid-19, the risk of terrorism and more.

It’s also worth considering what might happen in an emergency situation.

If this meant you needed to stay in Spain for longer, then you might well be very relieved that you entered the country with over six months’ validity remaining on your passport.

Another factor that comes into play for many people who enter Spain is the Schengen area.

Spain belongs to the group of Schengen States that have no border controls, allowing citizens to move unrestricted between them. While many of these countries are EU members, several are not.

The Schengen area covers 26 countries, and these include major European destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and more. Such citizens can enter Spain without restrictions.

People from countries outside the zone may be able to obtain a Schengen visa.

This is a short stay visa issued by any Schengen State, and allows the holder to stay for up to 90 days in the Schengen area.

The 90-day stay must fall within a 180 day period. It can also be used as an airport transit visa.

passport expiration travel to spain

View the full  map of the Schengen area on the official EU website here

Passport validity for Spain: FAQs

As a general rule of thumb, many countries require a minimum of six months’ validity on your passport for entry. Thus you should always check how long your passport has left to run long before you travel.

In theory, you can travel to Spain from many countries with just three months’ validity remaining on your passport when you depart. Taking heed of the Australian government’s advice, however, is wise – wherever you travel from.

Due to citizens reporting a range of experiences, the government of Australia advises its citizens to have at least six months’ remaining on their passport when leaving Spain.

To avoid unnecessary delays or complications, we reckon it’s a wise idea to follow suit.

As long as the rules for your country allow this, you can enter Spain from many destinations as long as you have three months or more remaining on your passport when you depart.

For a trip to Spain, any country in the Schengen area or indeed any country in the world, having six months plus on your passport after you depart is ideal.

This will ensure you don’t experience any avoidable delays – or run into trouble if you need to stay longer.

Before booking any travel that involves staying in or transiting Spain, you should always check the validity of your passport. Three months is the minimum requirement, but this does vary according to the country you’ll be entering from.

Six months’ validity is what some governments recommend to their citizens, and this is because of those with less sometimes reporting delays upon arrival.

In the case of an emergency you might also need to stay longer, and having more time on your passport could ease the burden at an already-stressful time.

Always check the rules that apply to your country before you travel, and do take heed of any advice supplied by your Foreign Office or equivalent as well. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be free to enjoy a fabulous time in sunny Spain!

  • When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain?
  • 9 Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Timers
  • 32 Essentials for Your Spain Packing List
  • How Strict Are EasyJet With Hand Luggage?

passport expiration travel to spain

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

passport expiration travel to spain

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Spain set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Spanish Embassy in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Spain.

Passport validity requirements

Spain follows Schengen area rules . Your passport must: 

  • have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
  • have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area , which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

  • as a tourist
  • to visit family or friends
  • to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
  • for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Spain are different.  

If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. 

If you are visiting Spain and need to extend your visa-free stay for exceptional reasons, such as a medical emergency, you must  apply to the immigration authorities (‘Extranjería’) (in Spanish).

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

British nationals living in Spain do not need their passports to be stamped. Actively show your proof of residence, such as the foreigner’s identity card (‘la tarjeta de identidad de extranjero’ or ‘TIE’), when presenting your passport at Spanish border control. 

At Spanish border control, you may need to show:

  • a return or onward ticket
  • proof of your travel insurance
  • you have enough money for your stay - the amount varies depending on your accommodation
  • a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
  • an invitation or proof of address if staying with a third party, friends or family, such as a ‘carta de invitation’ completed by your hosts

Using the e-gates

Use the desks staffed by border officers. If you’re aged 18 or over, and airport staff instruct you to, you may be able to use e-gates when they are working.

If you use an e-gate, make sure you get your passport stamped.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period 

To stay longer, you must meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements . If you’re in Spain with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit. 

Read more about passport stamping if you live in Spain . 

If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires,  contact the Spanish government’s national information service . Dial 060 from a Spanish phoneline (in Spanish, with English speaking operators available).

Travelling between Spain and Gibraltar

Spanish border checks can cause delays when crossing between Spain and Gibraltar. If you are travelling to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for entry requirements for Gibraltar .

There is no charge to enter or leave Gibraltar. Do not hand over money to anybody claiming there is a charge.

Unaccompanied minors

Spanish law considers anyone aged 17 and under to be a minor. If an unaccompanied minor comes to the attention of the Spanish authorities (particularly in connection with criminal incidents or when in hospital), they will be considered vulnerable and may be taken to a minor’s centre until a parent or guardian is found.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Spain guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about what goods can be taken into and out of Spain (PDF) . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Spain

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

Taking money into Spain

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey .

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

  • UK Politics
  • News Videos
  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Rugby Union
  • Sport Videos
  • John Rentoul
  • Mary Dejevsky
  • Andrew Grice
  • Sean O’Grady
  • Photography
  • Theatre & Dance
  • Culture Videos
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Families
  • Royal Family
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Car Insurance deals
  • Lifestyle Videos
  • UK Hotel Reviews
  • News & Advice
  • Simon Calder
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • South America
  • C. America & Caribbean
  • Middle East
  • Politics Explained
  • News Analysis
  • Today’s Edition
  • Home & Garden
  • Broadband deals
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Travel & Outdoors
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Sustainable Living
  • Climate Videos
  • Solar Panels
  • Behind The Headlines
  • On The Ground
  • Decomplicated
  • You Ask The Questions
  • Binge Watch
  • Travel Smart
  • Watch on your TV
  • Crosswords & Puzzles
  • Most Commented
  • Newsletters
  • Ask Me Anything
  • Virtual Events
  • Betting Sites
  • Online Casinos
  • Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

What do I need to travel to Spain? Latest documents and entry requirements explained for your holiday

Everything you need to know to make sure your trip goes smoothly, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

The Alhambra, a Moorish palace in Granada

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Whether discovering the capital in Madrid or relaxing on a sun lounger in the Balearics, Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination for Brits.

Before the pandemic, over 18 million Britons visited Spain each year. In 2017, the number of UK tourists flocking to the Iberian country hit a 10-year high of 18.81 million.

Spain was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with the seventh-highest number of confirmed cases on the Continent.

Since Covid, the number of British holidaymakers has steadily climbed, from 4.3 million in 2021 to 15.1 million last year. With arrivals in 2023 likely to climb closer to – if not above – pre-Covid levels, potential visitors to Spain should be aware of any entry restrictions that the Spanish government has in place.

We’ve rounded up all the necessary information for anyone travelling to the country, so that you can make sure your next trip goes as smoothly as possible.

  • Independent Traveller guide to best hotels and short breaks
  • Best UK hotels 2022
  • Best hotels in Paris for 2023

Can you travel to Spain unvaccinated?

Despite stringent rules in 2021 and throughout much of last year, Spain has lifted all Covid-related travel restrictions, according to the UK government website. This means you can enter the country even if you haven’t received a single dose of the vaccine. Spain does not require a negative PCR test result or proof of recovery.

The rules are the same for those transiting through Spain and entering through a land border.

Read more on Spain travel :

  • The ultimate Spain travel guide: Everything you need to know
  • Why Spain makes for the perfect flight-free destination
  • Spain’s best holiday destinations to visit in 2023

Do you need a booster to travel to Spain?

While boosters were originally needed towards the end of the pandemic, the lifting of restrictions means that you do not require proof of a vaccine or a booster when entering Spain. There are also no specific requirements for children and young people.

What documents do I need to travel to Spain?

While Covid restrictions may have been removed, Brexit-related issues means there are several other important things to know before your trip abroad.

As alwasy, you need a passport to visit Spain, but the validity rules have changed post-Brexit. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date on which you are entering Spain, so check the ‘date of issue’ before travel.

In addition, your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the EU. Check the expiry date before travel.

You can stay in Spain – and any other country within the Schengen Zone – without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To stay longer, for example for work or study reasons, you need to meet the Spanish government’s entry requirements. Check with the Spanish Consulate in London .

When entering and exiting the Schengen Zone through Spain, make sure that your passport is stamped by border guards, as these stamps are used to keep track of the time you’ve spent in the country. Relevant evidence for proving when you entered and exited the country includes boarding passes or flight tickets.

Additional documents you may need for travel to Spain

Sometimes, visitors to Spain will need to provide other documents at the border. Most commonly, guards may ask you for your reasons for entering the country and how long you plan on staying (and if relevant, what your plans are for an onward journey). You may need to show a valid onward ticket or a return ticket.

You may also be asked to prove that you have enough money for your stay. The required amount is roughly €108 per person per day with a minimum of €900 in total. Anyone asked can use cash, cheques, traveller’s cheques or bank account statements as proof of funds.

The Spanish border force might also ask to see proof of the accommodation for your stay. This could be a confirmation of your hotel booking, or proof of address if visiting a property that belongs to you or a friend or relative.

Read more of our reviews of the  best Spanish hotels

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

  • My Independent Premium
  • Account details
  • Help centre

Este sitio web utiliza cookies propias y de terceros para su funcionamiento, mantener la sesión y personalizar la experiencia del usuario. Más información en nuestra política de Cookies

  • Consular services

passport expiration travel to spain

Conditions for entry into Spain

​Please read our FAQs  here​

Nationals of third States who travel to Spain for stays of up to 90 days (during any period of 180 days) for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, study, non-work internships or volunteer activities with a duration not exceeding 3 months, or for other non-gainful activities, must meet the entry conditions established in the Schengen Borders Code.

Entry requirements​​ 

  • Enter via an authorised border-crossing point.
  • Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
  • Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality.
  • Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources.
  • Not be subject to a ban on entering Spain.  

 alt=

Documents to present at the border​​  

1. Valid passport or travel document : The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 

2. Visa : For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested party has a valid residence permit or a valid long-term visa issued by a Schengen State. 

3. Documents accrediting the purpose and conditions of the planned stay : At the request of the competent authorities, the reasons and conditions of the planned stay must be accredited by documentary proof or other means. To this end, the presentation, among others, of the following documents may be required: 

  • Return or tourist circuit ticket, in all cases. 
  • For professional trips, the invitation from a company or authority to participate in a meeting, or documents that prove the existence of a relationship associated with professional activity, or access cards to a trade fair or congress. 
  • For tourist or private visits, the confirmed reservation of an organized trip, or proof of accommodation, or letter of invitation from a private individual (such a letter only proves the availability of accommodation and does not release the traveller from the obligation to meet the other requirements for entry). The proof of accommodation may indicate whether it includes all or part of the traveller's living expenses. 
  • For study trips, training programmes, non-work internships or volunteer work with a duration of less than three months, enrolment documentation or proof of admission to an educational establishment or internship contract or proof of admission to a volunteer programme.  
  • For travel for other reasons, an invitation, reservation, programme or certificate of participation in related activities, entrance card/ticket, or receipt. 

Accreditation of financial means​​​  

At the request of the competent authorities, the traveller must present proof of having sufficient financial means for the proposed stay or of the ability to legally obtain such means. 

In 2020, the minimum amount required is 90 euros per person per day. In any case, and regardless of the length of stay, the traveller must have at least 810 euros or its equivalent in foreign currency. 

Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account. Bank letters or online bank statements will not be accepted.

Entry authorization​​​  

Authorization to enter Spain may be granted to nationals of third States who have the necessary documentation, including, where appropriate, a visa, and sufficient financial means, and who are not subject to an entry ban and do not pose a danger to public order, the internal or external security of the State, or public health.

Denial of entry​ 

The competent authorities will deny entry to nationals of third States who do not meet the entry requirements or who are subject to an entry ban. Entry may also be denied if, in the previous 180 days, the traveller has exhausted the 90-day period for authorized stay in the Schengen area. 

The denial of entry will be notified by means of a reasoned decision, together with information on the procedure for appealing against this decision, in accordance with Spanish regulations. However, filing an appeal does not suspend the effects of the denial of entry.

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, and their family members​​ 

Citizens of the Member States of the European Union, and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, may enter Spain with their national identity card or with a valid passport. Minors who travel with an identity document and are not accompanied by a parent will need the authorization of one of their parents. 

Family members who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland may enter with a valid passport. Depending on their nationality, they may need an entry visa, unless they have a valid residence card as the relative of a European Union citizen.

Relevant legislation 

Passport expiring soon? Visit these countries within your 3-month renewal deadline

Melissa Klurman

This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Have you looked at your passport's expiration date recently? If you think you're in the clear for summer travel because you have six months or less remaining until your renewal date, think again.

Even those with less than eight months of validity remaining on their passports may already find it's too late for summer travel to many countries. This is because of the six-month validity rule that you'll find applies to most European countries in the Schengen Area — including France, Italy and Spain — which all require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months after entry.

Europe isn't the only place you need to be careful: This six-month validity rule also applies to large portions of Africa, Asia and South America. Additionally, many other countries are even stricter and enforce three-month validity requirements for passports. This can further limit your travel options if your passport expiration date is looming.

Couple that with wait times for passport renewals — which range from two to three weeks for expedited service to six to eight weeks for regular processing — in the U.S. In the United Kingdom, wait times can last at least three weeks for regular processing, one week for expedited service or one day if you can travel to a passport office for the fast-track service. With wait times in mind, if you're not diligent, you can quickly find yourself traveling nowhere soon.

Don't despair, though. You can still travel internationally with just a month or two left on your passport before expiration. I learned this firsthand when researching vacation alternatives for my family. I had to cancel our spring break trip to Kenya (with a six-month passport validity requirement, plus a visa) after I discovered my son's five-year passport would expire a month after our planned trip.

Wondering where you should head instead? Here are all the options where passports need to only be valid at the time of entry or for the duration of your stay. Note, though, that you will still need a blank passport page for an entry stamp unless otherwise noted below.

passport expiration travel to spain

The Bahamas and Bermuda

If you're looking for Caribbean surf and sun, these two countries will welcome you as long as your passport is valid at the time of entry. Extra bonus: Both Bermuda and the Bahamas are included in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's 15 international preclearance locations . The Bahamas also offers TSA PreCheck in Nassau , making your return to the U.S. almost as easy as a domestic trip.

Oh, Canada . Thank you for being a friend. The entire country — including summer favorites such as Victoria and Vancouver in the west and Francophile destinations like Montreal and Quebec, plus Toronto, in the east — only requires a passport to be valid at your entry date. Like Bermuda and the Bahamas, Canada also offers CBP's preclearance program at locations in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta; Toronto; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Montreal; Ottawa, Ontario; Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

United Kingdom

England turned out to be my family's spring break savior. London provided an easy getaway from the East Coast, and there was nonstop airfare available to book within a short time frame. If you choose this option, you can visit Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the same passport as long as it's valid for the duration of your stay. (Note, though, that you can't combine a trip to the U.K. with European countries that have three- or six-month passport validity requirements.)

The Emerald Isle is another easy-to-reach country from the U.S. (and another spot my family has visited for a surprisingly sunny spring break in the past). Ireland only requires your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay. Extra bonus: Customs preclearance is available at airports in Dublin and Shannon before you return home.

Another easy destination to reach from much of the U.S. is Mexico , and it doesn't require passports to be valid past the duration of your stay.

Long-haul travel is an option with a passport that has a short validity. Head directly to the Seychelles , a country comprising 115 sun-kissed islands off the eastern coast of southern Africa. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay (and plenty of sunscreen).

It's worth noting that there are several U.S. territories and commonwealth islands where you won't need a passport at all to visit, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Related reading:

  • Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
  • Best travel credit cards
  • Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
  • 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

passport expiration travel to spain

  • Get a Passport
  • Renew a Passport
  • Get a Passport Fast
  • Courier Services
  • Passport Information

The Passport 3 Month Rule - Country Requirements & More

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

metal number 3 sculpture

Are you ready to plan an international trip? Before booking your tickets and traveling abroad, make that the validity of your passport is up-to-date. One crucial part of this process usually overlooked by people is the 3-month rule enforced by certain countries.

Even if your passport has not expired yet, there are places you cannot travel to or through unless you have at least 90 days' worth of validity remaining before the expiration date. These passport requirements are not negotiable.

If you are looking to travel internationally, you need to be prepared with a passport that will allow you to travel to and through all the countries on your itinerary.

Short Summary

  • The 3-month passport validity rule requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of arrival, with exceptions and special cases.
  • It is important to research entry requirements, obtain necessary visas in advance, and verify a passport's expiration date before traveling.
  • If your passport does not have enough validity remaining, you will need to apply in person at a regional passport agency. Alternatively, our expert advice is to enlist the help of a registered passport expediting service to get your passport renewed as fast as possible .
  • Emergency situations may require contacting one's home nation embassy or consulate to apply for emergency passport renewal service .

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Understanding the 3-Month Passport Validity Rule

3 women sitting at an airport looking at their passports

The 3-month passport validity rule mandates that a passport is valid for up to three months after the anticipated date of arrival. This regulation is in place to prevent illegal residency and guarantee travelers possess legal passports throughout their stay. Simply put, if you don't have the right travel documents, countries will deny you entry across their borders.

It's important for people intending to travel abroad to be informed about their destination country's rules about expiring passports. These differ from one nation to another.

While some countries require just a 3 month validity period, others might have different passport validity requirements. Some simply require a valid passport at time of entry. Many countries require more.

For example, many countries impose 6 month passport validity rules where individuals must have at least six additional months left before their passport expires. In some cases, requirements include other validity periods based on the nature of the traveler's stay and the corresponding visa.

To learn more, be sure to check out our guide to the six month validity rule for passports . We also maintain a list of countries that require six months of validity for entry.

Europe, The Schengen Agreement, and the 3-Month Rule

Many European countries are a part of the Schengen Agreement. This decades-old agreement between 27 European countries was designed to make travel within member nations faster, more efficient, and less expensive.

The agreement requires travelers to have valid passports during their stay, and it is governed by a 3-month passport validity rule. This same rule is also imposed by most other non-member nations across Europe in order to ensure that visitors do not overstay beyond their visa period.

Because of this common policy, countries can more efficiently monitor movement at their borders while reducing any risks connected with extended visits.

If you are planning to travel to Europe, be sure to read more about the Schengen Agreement , its rules, and its history.

Countries with a 3-Month Passport Validity Requirement

photo of Europe on a globe

Again, passport validity is a critical factor for anyone planning international travel. Many European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement require passports to be valid at least three months after an intended date of departure, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain among others.

Aside from these nations within Europe's borders, other non-European states impose this same 3 month passport rule too. Albania, Guatemala, and Panama being some popular examples.

It is important to research the passport policies for each country you plan on visiting. This is the only way to make sure you don't have hiccups during your travels due to invalid passports or failure to meet requirements regarding particular validity periods (which may also include six month rules). Ensure your U.S. passport holds sufficient time before leaving home by double checking beforehand!

Schengen Area Countries

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement and require 3 months of validity remaining on your U.S. passport:

*Travel through the microstates of Monaco , San Marino, and Vatican City are also governed by the Schengen Agreement.

It's necessary that all people in transit through any of these 27 signatory nations are certain their passports maintain at least 90 days of validity throughout the duration of their travels.

Other Countries That Require 3 Months Passport Validity

Be advised that passport validity requirements can change with little notice, so please pay attention to these rules when traveling internationally so you don't stumble upon unexpected complications!

For instance, be sure to pay attention to whether the three month validity rule is calculated based on your date of entry or anticipated date of departure from your desitnation country.

As of 2023, the countries listed below have a 3-month validity rule for U.S. passport holders:

Traveling to Countries with a 3-Month Rule: Tips and Advice

a family walking through an airport together with passports

When it comes to passport validity, researching the passport requirements and regulations of each destination country is key to a successful trip.

Check your passport expiration date

Check if you need a visa.

Certain countries might require a travel visa while others allow you to enter without one. Visas are issued based on why you are traveling (e.g. tourism, school , work , business , etc.). The types and lengths of each visa is determined by each country's bilateral agreements with the United States.

Like passports, visas can take time to acquire, so make sure any permits are obtained well in advance of your trip. Even though some countries offer visas on arrival , there can be issues if you are relying on this type of service.

Be prepared for emergency situations.

Even if you plan on a short trip to a destination with a low (or no) validity rules, you want to be sure you are covered in case you have to stay longer due to a medical or personal emergency. Should you need to travel internationally in a hurry, you want to be sure your passport allows you to take the most direct and efficient route without having to worry about whether your passport has enough months remaining before it expires.

As a rule, it is wise to prepare yourself before any trips by having contingency plans ready just in case anything unpredicted may occur during your trip abroad. There is a chance an unexpected emergency may require you to travel to or through a country with a three or six month validity rule. If your passport has plenty of validity left, this is something you won't have to worry about.

In case of an emergency abroad, such as a lost or stolen passport , you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for help. You will not be able to continue your travels without a passport-no matter what the validity rules are for the countries you need to travel to or through.

Based on over 20 years of helping readers with their passport related questions, our best advice is to maintain a valid passport with at least 9 months of validity or more. When your passport gets within a year of its expiration date, don't delay; renew it!

How to Renew Your Passport and Reset Your Passport Validity

Again, if you plan to travel internationally and your passport will not be valid for three months or more, don't wait. Renew your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure you have access to any country that allows American travelers-even if it has a three or six month validity requirement.

To get yourself a new or renewed passport, you need to send an application form along with the required supporting documentation , current passport photos , and pay the passport application fees .

It should be taken into account that the time needed for this renewal process may vary, so making sure everything's in order beforehand can help avoid issues during travel plans. Currently, the time to process a passport application is 6 to 8 weeks . An expedited application will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks .

Be sure to take into account these current processing times for renewal applications before planning any international trips. Also be advised that you will need to submit your current passport as part of the passport renewal process. This means you will not be able to travel internationally until your renewed passport arrives.

Visit our complete guide to renewing a U.S. passport for step-by-step instructions for how to get your passport renewed and our best tips for speeding up the process.

Expedited Passport Services

For those who require a new passport or need to renew theirs in a hurry, expedited services are available. Choosing expedited passport renewal on your application can save you several weeks of waiting for your new travel document, but it may not be fast enough for your needs.

For a faster passport renewal, you can try to make an appointment at one of the 26 regional processing agencies across the U.S. Know that you will need to demonstrate a need to travel internationally within 14 days. This option also includes several additional costs that must be considered.

The fastest and most efficient way to get a passport renewed is through a passport expediting service . These professionals use their expertise and experience to get you a passport faster than you likely can on your own. While they charge a fee for their services, these fees are often much less than what it costs to travel to a regional passport agency on your own and potentially wait days for your new passport to be issued.

Should you opt to go this route, consult our directory of top passport expediters .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i travel with less than 3 months on my passport.

When planning any international travel, it is important to ensure that your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip and beyond. You should have at least three months remaining on your passport before going abroad. Many countries may require a validity period of six months or more.

Most airlines refuse boarding if you don't meet this requirement, so make sure you check in advance! To avoid issues while traveling overseas. For maximum travel flexibility, make certain that there's still enough time left on your passport by checking that it is valid for at least six months after departure dates from each destination on your itinerary.

Can I travel with 2 months on my passport?

Most countries require that your passport remain valid for a minimum of either three or six months beyond the duration of your trip. If you are planning to travel to one of these locations, you can't travel with only two months left. You likely will not even be able to board your international flight as most airlines deny boarding if relevant passport requirements for the destination country are not met.

To make sure that you are able to have a secure and safe journey, be certain to check all details in advance like dates or other information about any passports used before taking off.

However, some countries require only that your passport is valid upon entry. For peace of mind, always be sure your passport has enough extra validity remaining to account for any potential emergencies or disruptions to your travel plans.

Can I travel to Mexico if my passport expires in 3 months?

As long as your passport is still valid for the duration of the trip, you may go to Mexico even if it's expiring in three months. Mexican travel regulations don't mandate any minimum validity period for passports.

Can I travel to Canada if my passport expires in 3 months?

You can go to Canada as long as you have a valid passport during your stay-even if it's expiring in three months. Canadian travel requirements do not have any minimum validity period for U.S. passport holders.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

passport expiration travel to spain

Get the Latest Updates

Passport Expiration Date: What are the Rules to Travel?

Can you travel with an expired passport or one that is about to? What is the 6 months passport rule? Here's what you should know about passport expiration date.

Thomas Busson

Thomas Busson

In a simple world, you’d be able to travel and stay abroad until you reach your passport expiration date.

But this isn’t a simple world.

You could be refused entry to a country even if your passport is valid and will still be valid by the end of your stay. That’s because a non-expired passport is not synonymous with passport validity.

So before getting ready with our travel packing checklist , you might want to look at your passport expiration date carefully and check the passport expiration rules of the country you’re heading to.

This guide contains everything you need to know about the validity of your precious travel document, including:

  • Where to find the expiration date of your passport
  • How to know if you can travel, considering this date of expiry
  • When you should apply for passport renewal

How to Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Where is the expiry date on a passport.

Finding the expiration date on a passport is usually straightforward. It’s located on the data page, which is the first page of most passports.

On this page, you will also see the traveller’s picture, personal details such as nationality and date of birth.

More importantly in this situation, this page contains the date of issue and the date of expiration of your passport. It should be located on the bottom-right corner, next to the photograph.

As a rule of thumb, a passport is no longer valid 10 or 15 years after it was issued. BUT keep reading to know why you should take your passport expiration date with a grain of salt.

Can I check my passport expiration online?

This kind of personal service is not available in every country. You should check your country’s passport website to know if you can check your passport expiration date online.

However, to do so, you’ll need your passport number, which is indicated… on your passport. If you have your passport with you, there’s no need to check its expiration date online, since it’s already indicated on the first page!

The only reasons why you’d want to check this online is if this particular information has for some reason become illisible on the page or if you’ve lost your passport. In both cases, the validity of your passport is compromised and you must renew your passport ASAP.

Passport Expiration Rules: How Close to Passport Expiration Can I Travel?

As mentioned several times already, there is more to passport expiration than the date indicated on your passport. Each country has their own passport expiration rules and entry requirements.

What is the Six Months Rule for passports?

Perhaps the most common of those rules is the “Six Months Rules”, named so because the countries that enforce this rule require that your passport be valid 6 months past your travel date.

Why is that?

Well, passport expiration date is not the only thing that authorities take into account when considering your right to entry in their country: they also look at the duration of your stay.

Most countries let you stay for up to 3 months without a visa. That’s why they require at least 3 months validity on your passport past your departure date.

But a few countries, including in Europe, have expanded the passport validity requirement to 6 months. Those include:

  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Czech Republic
  • Ecuador (including Galápagos Islands)
  • French Polynesia
  • Netherlands
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Switzerland
  • Timor-Leste (East Timor)
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • United Arab Emirates

Can you travel with a passport that expires in 2 months?

It depends where you’re travelling to and from, but in general, it’s best to have a buffer of at least 6 months.

That being said, if you forgot to pay attention to the soon expiration of your passport, you may still have a chance to be allowed in the country if you have proof of your return date. For example, if you booked a return flight, it would help to show the immigration agent that you are indeed planning on leaving the country before your passport expires.

Similarly, if you can prove that you already have a booked appointment to renew your passport, they may let you in.

Can you travel with an expired passport?

You must be eager to reap the benefits of traveling but if you're traveling internationally, not a chance. A soon-to-expire passport is already going to put your trip in jeopardy - an expired one offers virtually no chance of safe departure.

Follow the guidelines formulated by the Department of State and local authorities in your country of destination to renew your passport before your trip, whether it is expired or about to.

You do NOT want to leave the decision to let you in up to border control.

Can you book a flight with an expired passport?

Yes, because the airline doesn’t request a passport at the time of booking. However, you’ll hit a wall when you have to check-in for your flight: whether you’re checking in online or at the airport, for international travel, the airline will request your passport details, including its expiration date.

Should your passport be expired, you won’t even be able to check-in. Don’t even think about lying about it: you’d only be postponing the inevitable and be denied boarding at the airport. And you won’t get a denied boarding compensation for that.

By the way, you won’t be allowed on a domestic flight with an expired passport either. Once it’s expired, the travel document is invalid.

Bottom line: you can’t take the plane with an expired passport. You need a new passport.

Passport Expiration Renewal: How Close to Expiration Can a Passport be Renewed?

As a rule of thumb, valid passports should be renewed about 8 months prior to expiration.

Why? Because it takes on average 2 months for passport applications to be processed. Since you want to always have a 6 months buffer to travel with some peace of mind (see Six Months Rule above), consider starting the passport renewal process 8 months before your passport expires.

What to do if I realize that my passport is about to expire at the last minute?

It depends on exactly how late this realization occurs. Most national authorities enable passport holders to renew their travel document fast by setting up emergency procedures for this kind of situation.

As you might expect, it will cost you more than the regular replacement of your passport.

How to renew an expired passport?

We have a step-by-step guide on precisely how to renew an expired passport .

You can do so either online, by mail, or in person. Our guide provides information on all these options, as well as the documents you’ll need to provide, including a valid passport photo .

Note that this is also valid if you’ve lost your passport .

What to do with your expired passport?

Even after receiving your new, valid passport, you want to be careful with that old, expired one.

First, know that even expired, your passport may serve as a proof of citizenship in most countries.

Then, and perhaps most importantly, your old passport may still contain valid visas. If that’s a case, when travelling, make sure that you carry both the valid passport and the expired one with this visa stamp.

Now, if your old expired passport no longer holds any value, don’t simply go ahead and put it in the trash. To dispose of your passport, shred or burn it first. This will prevent ill-intentioned people from making fraudulent use of it.

Passport Valid Check: How long is a passport valid?

How long is a passport valid in the us.

In the US, adult passports are valid for 10 years starting from the date of delivery, while a child passport expires after 5 years.

How long is a passport valid in the UK?

Similarly to the US, UK passports are valid for a period of 10 years if you were aged 16 or more at the time of delivery, and only 5 years if you were 15 or less.

Is my passport valid after Brexit?

UK passport holders will still be able to travel to Europe despite the No Deal Brexit. At least until the end of 2020, they’ll be allowed to use the “EU passport” lines at border control. However, UK passports must be valid during the entirety of their trip.

After the end of the year, Brits will need to conform with the Six Months Rule that is enforced in the Schengen Area countries, just like all other non-EU countries. On the bright side, flight compensation rules after Brexit should remain the same.

How long is a passport valid in each country?

Below, you will find an extensive list of countries and how long a passport is valid for them.

One more thing to keep in mind, though: when travelling to specific destinations, not only should your passport not be expired or have at least six months before it does; it should also have several blank pages. That’s to allow for a visa to be printed.

So make sure that you have enough free pages to accommodate a stamp from the entry and exit immigration.

Passport validity in Africa

ALGERIA: 10 years BENIN: 6 years EGYPT: 7 years ERITREA: 5 years ETHIOPIA: 5 years GHANA: 10 years KENYA: 10 years LIBYA: 10 years MOROCCO: 5 years NAMIBIA: 5 years SENEGAL: 5 years SOUTH AFRICA: 10 years SUDAN: 5 years TANZANIA: 10 years TOGOLESE: 5 years TUNISIA: 5 years UGANDA: 10 years

Passport validity in Asia

AFGHANISTAN: 5 years ARMENIA: 10 years AZERBAIJAN: 10 years BAHRAIN: 10 years BANGLADESH: 10 years BRUNEI: 5 years CAMBODIA: 10 years CHINA: 10 years CYPRUS: 10 years HONG KONG: 10 years INDIA: 10 years INDONESIA: 5 years IRAN: 5 years IRAQ: 8 years ISRAEL: 5 or 10 years JAPAN: 5 or 10 years KAZAKHSTAN: 10 years KUWAIT: 5 or 10 years LAOS: 10 years LEBANON: 5 or 10 years MACAO: 10 years MALAYSIA: 5 years MALDIVES: 5 years NEPAL: 10 years PAKISTAN: 5 or 10 years THE PHILIPPINES: 10 years SAUDI ARABIA: 10 years SINGAPORE: 5 years SOUTH KOREA: 10 years SRI LANKA: 10 years TAIWAN: 5 or 10 years TUNISIA: 5 years THAILAND: 5 years TURKEY: 10 years VIETNAM: 10 years YEMENI: 6 years

Passport validity in Europe

ALBANIA: 10 years ANDORRA: 10 years AUSTRIA: 10 years BELARUS: 10 years BELGIUM: 10 years BULGARIA: 5 or 10 years CROATIA: 6 or 10 years CZECH REPUBLIC: 10 years CYPRUS: 10 years DENMARK: 10 years ESTONIA: 10 years FINLAND: 5 years FRANCE: 5 years GERMANY: 10 years GREECE: 5 years GUERNSEY: 10 years HUNGARY: 10 years ICELAND: 10 years IRELAND: 10 years ITALY: 10 years LATVIA: 10 years LIECHTENSTEIN: 10 years LITHUANIA: 10 years LUXEMBOURG: 5 years MALTA: 10 years MOLDOVA: 10 years NETHERLANDS: 10 years NORTH MACEDONIA: 10 years NORWAY: 10 years POLAND: 10 years PORTUGAL: 5 years ROMANIA: 10 years RUSSIA: 10 years SERBIA: 10 years SLOVAKIA: 10 years SPAIN: 10 years SWITZERLAND: 10 years UKRAINE: 10 years UNITED KINGDOM: 10 years

Passport validity in North and Central America

ANGUILLA: 10 years ANTIGUA & BARBUDA: 10 years BARBADOS: 10 years CANADA: 5 or 10 years CAYMAN ISLANDS: 10 years COSTA RICA: 6 years CUBA: 6 years DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: 6 or 10 years GRENADA: 5 years JAMAICA: 5 or 10 years MEXICO: 1 3, 6 or 10 years PANAMA: 5 years ST.KITTS AND NEVIS: 10 years TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: 10 years UNITED STATES: 10 years

Passport validity in South America

ARGENTINA: 10 years BRAZIL: 10 years CHILE: 5 years COLOMBIA: 10 years ECUADOR: 6 years COSTA RICA: 6 years GUYANA: 5 years PERU: 2 or 5 years URUGUAY: 10 years VENEZUELA: 5 years

Passport validity in Oceania

AUSTRALIA: 10 years NEW ZEALAND: 10 years PAPUA NEW GUINEA: 5 years TONGA: 10 years TUVALUAN: 5 years

I hope this was helpful to you!

Don't forget to claim compensation if your flight is disrupted.

This is a privately owned website and not a government agency. FTC Disclosure: We may be compensated if you make a purchase via a link on this site.

Uspassporthelpguide.com is a privately owned website. Privacy

menu-icon

Can I travel to Spain even though my passport will be expiring one month after trip?

Question & Answer

Can I use my current passport? Will I need my parents to renew my new passport?

Answer:   Your passport is valid until the last day of expiration. However, you cannot travel to Spain with this passport. Spain is part of the Schengen Agreement.  Which means, Americans can only enter Spain if their passports are valid 3 months after their time of stay.

You must go in person at a passport application acceptance facility with a complete  DS-11 Form . Although your parents may not need to be there, you may need their consent.

So, if you want your passport in a rush, you can apply for an expedite service to speed the process up. The fee is $60 and takes 2-3 weeks.

Regular passport processing usually takes about 4-6 weeks to obtain a passport. The quickest way to obtain a passport is to visit your closest regional passport agency. Or employ a professional expediter to submit your application for you.

Nov 14, 2023.

Choose your passport office location, passport services.

passport expiration travel to spain

  •  New Passport
  •  Passport Renewal
  •  Child Passport
  •  Passport Replacement
  •  Name Change
  •  Lost Passport
  •  Passport Correction
  •  Second Passport
  •  Passport Card

Where to Apply

passport expiration travel to spain

  •  Passport Offices
  •  Expedited Services
  •  Regional Passport
  •  Expedited Visa & Passport Directory
  •  Acceptance Agent

Passport Forms

passport-form

  •  Passport Photos
  •  Passport Requirements
  •  Passport Fees
  •  Passport Books
  •  Passport Applications
  •  International Drivers Permit
  •  Travel Visa

Do you really want to delete this post ?

IMAGES

  1. Passport Expiry Travel To Spain

    passport expiration travel to spain

  2. How To Apply For A Spanish Passport

    passport expiration travel to spain

  3. Passport Expiry Travel To Spain

    passport expiration travel to spain

  4. Passport Requirements to Visit Spain

    passport expiration travel to spain

  5. Spanish Passport Requirements

    passport expiration travel to spain

  6. The Most Important Reason Why You Should Check Your Passport Expiration

    passport expiration travel to spain

COMMENTS

  1. Visa and passport. Entry requirements for Spain

    When you need visas and entry requirements. The passport or travel document is always required and must be valid for up to three months after the expected date of departure from the Schengen area, and must have been issued within the previous 10 years to the date of entry. Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland may enter and travel within Spain with ...

  2. Spain International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  3. Guide to the 6-month passport rule

    As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay. While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the ...

  4. Passport Requirements To Visit Spain In 2024

    If you are from the European Union, you only need to have a valid passport for the period stay with no extra duration. Also, EU citizens must not have a visa to travel to Spain, so the process is a little easier and straightforward for them. Interestingly, if you are a member of the European Union, you can travel visa-free within the region as ...

  5. Do passports need to be valid for 6 months for trip to Spain?

    Answer: You need at least 90 days after your planned date of departure in order to enter Spain. Since your passport will have 116 days left by June 2, you should be okay. We recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling with to check if they have other requirements. Business Travel to Spain. by: Katie R.

  6. Message to U.S. Citizens

    Location: Spain Event: Effective June 24, 2021, U.S. citizens can travel from the United States to Spain if upon arrival they present a QR code generated through the Spain Travel Health portal, obtained through the website or by downloading the "SpTH app" in Google Play Store or iTunes App Store for each traveler, regardless of their age.

  7. Do You Need 6 Months on Your Passport to Travel to Spain?

    Minimum passport validity: 3 months after departure; 6 months recommended. Anyone traveling from the UK to Spain on a 'British Citizen' passport must comply with the EU area regulations. These state that your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the date you'll depart from Spain, though six months is preferable.

  8. Passport Requirements to Visit Spain

    European Union citizens do not need a visa to travel to Spain, and in fact, it is also possible for these citizens to travel within the region with a valid ID card. All other foreign nationals must always have a valid passport when travelling to Spain. When ETIAS is launched, applicants will be required to enter their passport information.

  9. The Requirements for Travel to Spain

    U.S. Passport. You always need a valid U.S. passport for international travel to and from the United States. But don't forget to check the expiration date: Spain is one of the 24 European nations ...

  10. Entry requirements

    Read more about passport stamping if you live in Spain. If you cannot return to the UK before your visa-free limit expires, contact the Spanish government's national information service. Dial ...

  11. What do I need to travel to Spain? Latest documents and entry

    Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date on which you are entering Spain, so check the 'date of issue' before travel. In addition, your passport must be valid for ...

  12. Expired passports

    To enter: In accordance with current legislation ( Article 4 of RD 240/2007 of 16 February on the entry, free movement and residence in Spain of citizens from EU Member States and other States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area), to enter Spanish territory, a valid passport or ID card is required.. In all cases, in the event of not having the necessary travel documents to ...

  13. International Travel Recommendations

    Office of the Spokesperson. April 26, 2022. U.S. citizens considering international travel should plan ahead and be informed about travel requirements before making decisions or firm travel plans. We urge U.S. citizens considering international travel to check their passport expiration date early and if renewal is needed, to submit applications ...

  14. Conditions for entry into Spain

    1. Valid passport or travel document: The document must be valid until three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen territory, and must have been issued during the ten years immediately before the date of entry. 2. Visa: For certain nationalities, a valid visa is required. This visa will not be necessary if the interested ...

  15. Can I travel to Spain if my passport has expired?

    Non-EU tourists. As a tourist from a non-EU country, you are not able to travel to Spain if your passport has expired. The Spanish government says that you must provide a valid passport or travel document, such as an emergency travel document issued by your embassy or consulate abroad if your passport was lost or stolen.

  16. Passport expiring soon? Visit these countries within your 3-month

    Europe isn't the only place you need to be careful: This six-month validity rule also applies to large portions of Africa, Asia and South America. Additionally, many other countries are even stricter and enforce three-month validity requirements for passports. This can further limit your travel options if your passport expiration date is looming.

  17. Passport validity rules for entering the EU

    It must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you enter the EU/Schengen Zone. It must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. For example, if you're entering Spain on 5 August 2024 and returning to the UK on 19 August, your passport needs to have been issued after 5 August 2014 and be valid until 19 ...

  18. The Passport 3 Month Rule

    The 3-month passport validity rule requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of arrival, with exceptions and special cases. It is important to research entry requirements, obtain necessary visas in advance, and verify a passport's expiration date before traveling. If your passport does not have enough ...

  19. Passport Expiration Date: What are the Rules to Travel?

    Most countries let you stay for up to 3 months without a visa. That's why they require at least 3 months validity on your passport past your departure date. But a few countries, including in Europe, have expanded the passport validity requirement to 6 months. Those include: Austria.

  20. Don't Wait

    Renewing by mail is the easiest, quickest way to renew your passport. Simply mail us your DS-82 form, 2×2 photo, fees, and your current, undamaged, adult passport. If you are not eligible to renew by mail, you must apply in person at an acceptance facility (post office, library, etc.). There are more than 7,500 acceptance facilities nationwide.

  21. Passport expires 3 months after trip to Spain

    Passport expires 3 months after trip to Spain. In October I am traveling to Spain. In the RS guidebook on Spain it states that you may denied entry into certain European countries if your passport is due to expire within 3-6 months of your ticketed return date. My passport expires 4 months after my return. I was going to renew it now just be ...

  22. Can I travel to Spain even though my passport will be expiring one

    Answer: Your passport is valid until the last day of expiration. However, you cannot travel to Spain with this passport. Spain is part of the Schengen Agreement. Which means, Americans can only enter Spain if their passports are valid 3 months after their time of stay. You must go in person at a passport application acceptance facility with a ...

  23. Spain

    General Travel Advice. Irish citizens need a valid passport or passport card to enter Spain. Irish passports do not have a minimum validity requirement while travelling to the UK or within the EU. When travelling within Europe with an Irish passport, it should be valid for the duration of your stay. Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter ...