Passport Question

[Tio Huero]

Hola,
I'm going to continue my Camino in Septemer 2012, from about the 5th until about the 20th. My passport expires in April 2013. Does Spain require a certain number of months remaining to admit a traveller?
Thanks,
Tio

 

[dougfitz]

Generally. three months validity at the end of your stay is a safe buffer even if it is not a formal visa requirement. There is no one clear answer here because validity requirements will depend on whether you are planning to use the Schengen visa arrangements or get visas for specific countries, whether you are from a country that requires a visa issued before arrival or there are arrangements in place to have a visa issued on entry, and how long you plan to stay in the Schengen zone before or after your Camino.

You really should approach the Spanish embassy in your country or a local consulate if you want specific details.

Regards,

 

[Kitsambler]

The guidance I consistently see here in the US is that the passport must be good for 6 months past the anticipated end of your trip (return date). Most likely this is due to the "stuff happens" law of physics.

 

[Anniesantiago]

U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your US passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
You should be just fine.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Most airlines will not let you on board if your passport expires within six months.

 

[dougfitz]

Most airlines will not let you on board if your passport expires within six months.

The airlines apply the rules at the destination country - they don't want to be stuck with the problem of getting you back should you be refused entry at your destination :| . This is the advice on the Qantas website:

All passengers need a valid passport for international travel, regardless of the destination, but as some countries require at least six months remaining on the passport, you should check with the consulates of all the countries you are planning to visit prior to your departure, as you may be refused entry if you do not comply.

 

[fraluchi]

I'm going to continue my Camino in Septemer 2012, from about the 5th until about the 20th. My passport expires in April 2013. Does Spain require a certain number of months remaining to admit a traveller?

You'll be OK to enter Spain, assuming that you arrive from outside the EU.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Most airlines will not let you on board if your passport expires within six months.

The airlines apply the rules at the destination country - they don't want to be stuck with the problem of getting you back should you be refused entry at your destination :| . This is the advice on the Qantas website:

All passengers need a valid passport for international travel, regardless of the destination, but as some countries require at least six months remaining on the passport, you should check with the consulates of all the countries you are planning to visit prior to your departure, as you may be refused entry if you do not comply.

I am aware of the formal position; however, in several years in the Canadian public service in an area where I was aware of airline practices, the reality is that many frontline staff are not aware (and sometimes not interested in being aware) of destination country specifics, and will apply a 6-month rule willy-nilly. Upon appeal to their managers, one can often get their decision over-ruled and, happily, it will be before the plane leaves. A traveller is better off ensuring that their passport has more than a six-month validity.