My passport expires in just over 6 months. Has anyone had issues because of a short remaining validity?
Yes, you are likely to face issues in this situation. Most countries strictly apply the six-month passport validity rule from the date of entry. Even if you are just slightly over six months, it is considered very close to the cutoff that airlines and immigration officers commonly use to deny boarding.
Airlines are usually the strictest because they are fined if they transport passengers who are later refused entry. If your trip lasts a few weeks and your passport validity drops below six months during your stay, you may be stopped at the check-in counter. This is a very common reason travelers are denied boarding before departure.
To avoid this risk, your passport should be renewed before applying for a visa or booking international flights when you are near the six-month limit. Renewing it now is the safest way to ensure you do not face issues with airline staff or immigration upon arrival.
As per embassy guidelines, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application and travel. While some applicants do not face issues if the validity is just over 6 months, it is strongly recommended to renew your passport before applying or traveling, as having a longer validity is always safer and avoids any risk of refusal or travel complications.