9 popular destinations where your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months to visit
Don't be denied boarding at the airport! 😬
From the Dominican Republic to France, some destinations require extra validity on your passport before you travel.
Before you jet off on a March break escape, a spring getaway, or that bucket-list trip you've been dreaming about, take a moment to check your passport's expiration date. A little-known travel rule has been catching Canadians off guard, and it could mean the difference between a smooth vacation and a cancelled trip.
Many popular destinations require your Canadian passport to be valid for months beyond your departure or return date, sometimes up to six months. It's not enough for your passport to simply be unexpired when you travel. In many cases, airlines won't even let you board if your document doesn't meet the country's entry rules.
Each country sets its own requirements, and this is a closer look at the rules for Canadian passport holders. If you're travelling on a different passport, you'll need to check the specific regulations for your nationality, as they may be different.
Whether you're heading to the Dominican Republic for sun-soaked beaches or to France for croissants, coffee and shopping, here's a list of just a few destinations that require extra validity on your passport before you travel!
Dominican Republic
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of your arrival in the Dominican Republic.
Before heading for turquoise waters, swaying palms and dreamy resorts, check your passport's expiration date. The Dominican Republic requires at least six months of validity, and most airlines won't even let you board if you don't meet these requirements. A little planning now means smooth sailing straight to paradise!
Bahamas
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave The Bahamas.
If you're dreaming of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in the Bahamas, make sure your passport isn't cutting it too close. The country requires at least six months of passport validity, and if yours doesn't meet this rule, you won't even make it past check-in.
India
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for six months from your date of entry into India and must contain at least two blank pages for use by immigration officials.
A trip to India could be the adventure of a lifetime, but don't let your near-expired passport cut it short. The country requires at least six months of validity from your arrival date, and there's no wiggle room if you missed the memo. Whether you're dreaming of exploring the Taj Mahal or tasting street food in Delhi, a little preparation ensures you'll actually make it there.
France
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Strolling along the Seine, sipping espresso at a Parisian café, or exploring the lavender fields of Provence — none of it will happen if your passport isn't valid for at least three months beyond your departure date. France follows strict Schengen Area rules, and airlines won't hesitate to turn you away if you don't meet the requirements.
Saint Lucia
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave Saint Lucia.
Sun-soaked beaches, lush rainforests, and the stunning Pitons make Saint Lucia a dream destination for many Canadian travellers. The island requires at least three months of validity beyond your stay, and you might not get much further than the departure lounge if you don't meet this requirement.
Portugal
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
With its golden beaches, historic cities, and endless pastéis de nata, Portugal has something for beach lovers, historians and foodies. But before you start dreaming of tram rides in Lisbon or wine tasting in Porto, check your passport. As part of the Schengen Area, Portugal requires at least three months of validity beyond your departure date. If your passport doesn't meet the requirement, you won't be boarding that flight.
Italy
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Don't get passport problems ruin your perfect Italian getaway, whether that looks like gondola rides in Venice, pasta in Rome, or a little shopping in Milan. Italy follows Schengen Area rules, so avoid the heartbreak of a cancelled trip by checking your passport now. If you're short on time, sort it out ASAP, then get back to dreaming about pizza, art, and breathtaking coastlines.
Antigua and Barbuda
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you expect to leave Antigua and Barbuda.
With 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, Antigua and Barbuda is a dream for sun-starved Canadians escaping the cold at this time of year. But before you pack your swimsuit, check your passport's expiration date. The country requires at least six months of validity beyond your stay, and without it, you're likely to be denied entry.
Hong Kong
Entry Requirements: Your passport must be valid at least one month beyond the date you expect to leave Hong Kong.
Before you can explore Hong Kong's vibrant street markets, dazzling skyline views and world-class dining, take a moment to check your passport's expiry. It needs to be valid for at least a month beyond your expected leaving date, and if it's cutting it too close, you could be denied entry. Once that's out of the way, you can focus on what really matters —tasty snacks, neon-lit streets, and exploring one of Asia's most exciting cities.
So, before you book your flight or start packing your bags, take a minute to check your passport's expiration date.
While some destinations only require your passport to be valid for the length of your stay, others enforce strict rules about additional validity — sometimes up to six months. Every country has its requirements, so always confirm via the Government of Canada's website before travelling.
If your passport is close to expiry and you'll need to renew before heading to your destination, you can find out what to do next here.
Safe travels, Canada!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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