📕 Passport Requirements for Schengen Visa

Your passport is the most important document for your Schengen visa application. Here's everything you need to know about passport requirements.

Essential Passport Requirements

  • Validity: At least 3 months beyond your planned return date
  • Age: Issued within last 10 years
  • Blank pages: Minimum 2 empty visa pages
  • Condition: Good condition, no damage

Understanding the 3-Month Rule

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area.

Example

  • You plan to leave Europe on: August 15, 2026
  • Your passport must be valid until: November 15, 2026 (minimum)
  • If passport expires before that → Renew first!
💡 Tip: Aim for 6 months validity for safety. Some airlines may also require this.

The 10-Year Rule

Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years at the time of travel.

  • Even if passport has years of validity left, check issue date
  • 10-year passports renewed at year 8 may have 12 years total validity
  • But for Schengen, only 10 years from issue counts

Blank Pages Requirement

  • Need at least 2 blank visa pages
  • Schengen visa sticker takes up about half a page
  • Entry/exit stamps need space too
  • If running low on pages → Renew passport

Passport Condition Issues

Your passport may be rejected if:

  • ❌ Water damaged or stained
  • ❌ Torn pages
  • ❌ Faded photo or text
  • ❌ Bent or warped cover
  • ❌ Peeling lamination
  • ❌ Unofficial markings or stamps

Solution: If your passport shows any damage, renew it before applying.

Old Passports with Previous Visas

If you have old passport with previous travel history:

  • ✅ Submit old passport with your application
  • ✅ Shows your travel history (good for visa)
  • ✅ Previous Schengen visas strengthen application
  • ✅ Keep old passports safe, don't throw away

Checklist: Is Your Passport Ready?

  • ☐ Valid for 3+ months after return date?
  • ☐ Issued within last 10 years?
  • ☐ At least 2 blank visa pages?
  • ☐ In good physical condition?
  • ☐ Photo clearly visible?
  • ☐ No water damage or tears?
  • ☐ All personal details correct?

Name Changes

If your name changed (marriage, etc.):

  • Update passport to reflect new name
  • Or carry marriage certificate + old passport
  • All documents should have consistent name
  • Visa will be issued in passport name

Renewal Tips

If you need to renew your passport:

  1. Apply early - Passport renewal takes 1-4 weeks
  2. Get Tatkal if urgent - Express service available
  3. Keep old passport - Submit with visa application
  4. Update address - Match with visa application address
  5. Check spellings - Ensure name is exactly correct

FAQs

My passport expires in 4 months. Is it enough?

Technically yes (if your trip ends 1 month before), but it's risky. Renew your passport for peace of mind.

Can I apply with a handwritten passport?

Some countries may not accept handwritten passports. Get a machine-readable passport (MRP) for best results.

I have dual citizenship. Which passport to use?

Use the passport you'll travel with. If one is from a Schengen country, you may not need a visa at all!

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