Passport validity only for length of stay?
Jul 24, 2017, 11:29 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: United
Posts: 256
Passport validity only for length of stay?
We'll be flying first-time on BA this weekend direct from the U.S. to LHR. I just noticed that my six-year-old's passport is expiring in four months, and checked that UK only requires the passport to be valid for our length of stay (which will be only ten days).
I just wanted to double check from the experienced folks here that BA itself doesn't have any tighter rules on passport validity in order to check-in and board, like a 6-month validity? Their website mentions only the restrictions of the destination country, so I think we're fine?
I'm just being extra careful, as a few years ago my wife couldn't check-in on Singapore Air for her first leg to Singapore, as she didn't have the six-months validity needed to reach her final destination of Indonesia. While we knew she couldn't get into Indonesia, her plan was to land in Singapore (which did not have the six month restrictions) and request emergency passport service at the embassy there, for the onward travel - but Singapore Air refused at SFO saying there was too much exposure for them.
I just wanted to double check from the experienced folks here that BA itself doesn't have any tighter rules on passport validity in order to check-in and board, like a 6-month validity? Their website mentions only the restrictions of the destination country, so I think we're fine?
I'm just being extra careful, as a few years ago my wife couldn't check-in on Singapore Air for her first leg to Singapore, as she didn't have the six-months validity needed to reach her final destination of Indonesia. While we knew she couldn't get into Indonesia, her plan was to land in Singapore (which did not have the six month restrictions) and request emergency passport service at the embassy there, for the onward travel - but Singapore Air refused at SFO saying there was too much exposure for them.
Jul 24, 2017, 11:46 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: BA Gold (OWE), Star Alliance Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,194
It shouldn't be an issue. BA doesn't generally require anything above the immigration requirement (And I know their happy to carry Brits to the US with less than 6 months).
Jul 24, 2017, 2:03 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 325
This is because the US authorities very clearly and openly allow entry to Brits up to and including the final date of validity of a passport. Assuming the Home Office rules are the reciprocal, they will allow it the other way round. The equivalent of the FCO website should provide guidance.
Jul 24, 2017, 4:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: BA Gold (OWE), Star Alliance Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,194
This is because the US authorities very clearly and openly allow entry to Brits up to and including the final date of validity of a passport. Assuming the Home Office rules are the reciprocal, they will allow it the other way round. The equivalent of the FCO website should provide guidance.
Jul 24, 2017, 4:19 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
[KVS Tool 8.5.6/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
Code:
National USA (US) /Embarkation USA (US)
Destination United Kingdom (GB)
[Visa Information - Destination] United Kingdom (GB)
[Information For Normal Passports]
Passport required.
- Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be
valid for the period of intended stay.
Passport Exemptions:
- Passengers with an emergency or a temporary passport.
Visa required, except for Nationals of USA for a maximum stay
of 6 months.
Minors:
- When their names are registered in the passport of (one of)
their parents or guardians, [[TIDFT/GB/PA/MI/ID17270]]
Additional Information:
- Flights between the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands,
Ireland (Rep.) and Isle of Man are treated as domestic
flights, therefore are not subject to UK immigration
control.
- Valid visas in expired travel documents are accepted if
accompanied by a new travel document.
- For visitors who are visa exempt up to a max. stay of 6
months, the period of stay will be determined by the
Immigration Officer on arrival.
[Health Information] United Kingdom (GB)
Vaccinations not required.
CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - RESTRICTION ON NATIONALS OF QATAR
24 Jul 2017 / 22:17 [UTC]
Jul 25, 2017, 12:55 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 325
It happens, but rarely - for this reason. On most routes AA doesn't have the same kick-up-the-wotsit to get it right.