Why do passports have to have a certain amount of expiry on them?

[ojread2]

So, why do they? why is it for some countries you need to have 6 months but for others a few days is sufficient?

Why can you not travel there and back on a pass port with a week or so left if that pass port is going to be in date for all days when travelling?

TIA
ojx

[jno]

some countries want to make sure you do not 'accidentally' overstay your visa... so in effect they are allowing themselves a few months to hunt you down if you should forget to return home in time. But for other countries, such as EU countries, it doesn't matter as you can come and go as you please anyway.

[vehelpfulguy]

It may also be in case you get ill or have an accident in their country.

You may have to stay in hospital for a number of weeks (or even months) before you can go back home.

The extra time on the passport means you dont have extra hassle of getting a new passport before you can go home.

[eihpos]

After a 'run-in' with Thompsons last year I checked with the passport office. They assured me you can travel up to the day before your passport expires and although some companies insist on time left they cannot enforce it.

[kempie]

It is countries not companies that set the criteria for passport validity of visitors.

To quote the 'passport office' -

"Some countries will not let you enter if your passport has less than six months left to run. The rules vary by country. For example, South African immigration officials turn back people with fewer than two blank pages left in their passport.

If your passport is in its last year or is nearly full, you should check the rules of the country you plan to visit before booking any travel. You can ask your travel agent or contact the UK embassy or consulate of the country concerned."

http://www.passport.gov.uk/travel-tips.asp

[ojread2]

Thanks for your replies everyone

Of course the answer is simpler than I gave ti credit for. IT stands to reason some countrie wouldn't want you in their country for longer than 2 weeks :P lol. I hadn't thought about the being ill bit though, good thinking

We are only going to France so wouldn;t have too much trouble should it run out whilst there (it won't)

ojx