Passport question - just checking

Question

I am travelling to Orlando in July and my wife will have 9 months left on her passport when we return. From everything I have read it says you either need a passport valid for the entire stay or you need it with 6 months left. Just check wanted to double check I have understood it right and do not need to panic!

Answer

You are correct to be reassured. For travel from the UK to the United States, the general rule is that your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. The U.S. does not require a six-month validity beyond your planned departure date for UK citizens. Since your wife will have 9 months left on her passport when you return, she is well within the safe range.

Here are the key points:

UK citizens visiting the U.S. for tourism under the Visa Waiver Program (using ESTA) only need a passport that is valid for the length of their stay.
There is no “six-month buffer” rule for UK passports entering the U.S., unlike some other countries which do require six months’ validity.
Your passport should be in good condition, machine-readable, and not damaged, as this is a requirement for entry.

Additional considerations:

Ensure your ESTA is approved before traveling. It is electronically linked to the passport and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Always carry your passport when traveling, as airline staff and U.S. Customs will need to see it.
Even though the passport is fine for travel, if you plan any international travel after the U.S. trip, make sure the remaining validity is adequate for those destinations as some countries require six months’ validity.

In conclusion, with 9 months remaining on her passport, your wife has plenty of validity to travel to Orlando in July. There is no need to panic, and you can proceed with your travel plans confidently.

Passport question - just checking

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