Passports and Airlines

[Beggarall]

Have just booked a "last minute" holiday to Turkey and reading through all the blurb it says that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after return to UK. Passport expires end of October...:(

Spoke to Turkish travel office - no problem as long as passport valid. UK Passport Office say passport valid until the last day. This 6 month rule sems to be something concocted by British Travel Agents/Airlines - anybody any idea if i am likely to get turned back at the Airport?

[jimbeaux]

Beggarall said:

Have just booked a "last minute" holiday to Turkey and reading through all the blurb it says that passports should be valid for at least 6 months after return to UK. Passport expires end of October... Spoke to Turkish travel office - no problem as long as passport valid. UK Passport Office say passport valid until the last day. This 6 month rule sems to be something concocted by British Travel Agents/Airlines - anybody any idea if i am likely to get turned back at the Airport?

When I travel from the US to Central Asia, they require that I have at least 6 months left on my passport.

[Beggarall]

I am aware that US immigration look carefully at passports, but this is a short "bargain break" with a return ticket....anyway who is the "they" you refer to?

[puggit]

I have been warned, but allowed entry, when visiting the US with only 3 months on my passport. He did state the law was 6 months and he was doing me a favour, but I also had a visa rather then using the visa-waiver system (back in the old days).

I've visited France with only 6 weeks left - immigration at Portsmouth kindly reminded me and let me in without a problem.

[jimbeaux]

Beggarall said:

I am aware that US immigration look carefully at passports, but this is a short "bargain break" with a return ticket....anyway who is the "they" you refer to?

Sorry; "they" refer to the country to which I am traveling. I have not seen evidence as to how strict this is adhered to; I am sure it varies.

[Beggarall]

I am told that there is nothing "legal" about this. The only country which insists (in writing)on 6 months is Singapore. For the UK it seems to be some travel agent thing anout ensuring they don't get saddled with liability if you decide to stay in Ethioipia etc a while longer. Am I taking a chance at the airport of some jobsworth not letting me on?