Quick Summary: Passport Validity Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Minimum Passport Validity When Filing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese | 8 months from intended U.S. entry date | Higher than the standard 6-month rule that applies to most countries |
| Filipino | 6 months from intended U.S. entry date | Standard requirement |
| Taiwanese | 6 months when applying for a visa; VWP travelers may enter with less | Taiwan participates in VWP; holders may enter up to 90 days but cannot stay beyond passport expiry |
| Thai | 6 months before intended U.S. entry date | Standard requirement |
| Chinese (PRC) | 6 months | B-1/B-2 holders must also register at evus.gov before travel |
| Most other nationalities | 6 months (general rule) | Some countries have special agreements with the U.S. |
Key point for Vietnamese nationals: The 8-month requirement is higher than the 6-month standard that applies to most other nationalities. If your Vietnamese passport has fewer than 8 months of validity remaining from your intended U.S. entry date, renew it before filing your visa application.
The Difference Between Filing Requirements and Entry Requirements
Two timepoints matter when it comes to passport validity:
When filing for a visa: Your passport must meet the minimum validity requirement for your nationality (see table above), calculated from your intended U.S. entry date, not from the date you submit the application.
When entering the U.S.: The general U.S. rule requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, except for nationals of countries that have signed bilateral agreements with the U.S. allowing entry with a shorter validity period.
Practical advice: To avoid complications, renew your passport if it has fewer than 12 months of validity remaining before applying for a U.S. visa, especially for Vietnamese nationals who face the stricter 8-month threshold.
Most countries require foreign nationals to have a passport valid for at least six (6) months prior to the date of entry. The U.S. also has similar rules for entry and also for the issuance of a visa. While many countries have agreements with the United States whereby their national’s passports must be valid for six (6) months beyond the expiration date, for U.S. visas and entry, some passports require a longer period of validity.
Vietnamese passport holders must have eight (8) months validity remaining on their passport as a condition of being issued a U.S. visa. This includes the normal six (6) months plus an additional sixty (60) days for a total of eight (8) months.
The Philippines passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of entry to the United States at the time of applying for a U.S. visa.
Most Taiwan passport holders applying for a U.S. visa at the American Institute in Taiwan require passport validity of at least six (6) months. However, because Taiwanese passport holders are allowed to enter the United States visa-free for up to ninety (90) days, one may enter the United States on a Taiwanese passport with less than 6 months although they will not be permitted to remain in the United States beyond the validity of their passports.
Thailand passport holders must have at least six (6) months validity remaining on their passport beyond the intended date of travel at the time of applying for a specific visa category.
Chinese citizens holding passports from the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) must have at least six (6) months validity on their passport. PRC passport holders who are traveling to the United States under a B-1, B-2 or B-1/ B-2 visitor visa are also required to register with the Electronic Visa Update System https://www.evus.gov/.
The United States also has agreements with certain countries that waive the six (6) month validity requirement at the time of entry. Citizens of these countries can enter and stay even if their passports are close to expiring. In addition to the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, a detailed list can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Vietnamese passport need to be valid to apply for a U.S. visa?
Vietnamese nationals must have a passport valid for at least 8 months from the intended U.S. entry date at the time of the visa application. This is stricter than the 6-month standard that applies to most other nationalities. If your Vietnamese passport has fewer than 8 months of validity remaining from when you plan to enter the United States, renew it before submitting your visa application.
How long does a Filipino passport need to be valid for a U.S. visa?
Filipino nationals must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended U.S. entry date at the time of the visa application. This is the standard requirement that applies to most nationalities, and is lower than the 8-month requirement for Vietnamese nationals.
Should I renew my passport if it is expiring soon before applying for a U.S. visa?
Yes. If your passport does not meet the minimum validity requirement for your nationality, the U.S. Consulate may decline to issue a visa or request additional documentation. For Vietnamese nationals who need 8 months of remaining validity, renewing the passport before filing is strongly recommended if the current passport does not meet this threshold. A newer passport also avoids complications at U.S. ports of entry and on future trips.
If my U.S. visa is in my old passport and I got a new passport, what do I need to do?
A valid U.S. visa stamped in an expired or old passport remains valid for U.S. entry. When traveling, carry both your new passport and the old passport containing the visa. CBP officers at the port of entry will verify both documents to confirm the visa is valid and admit you to the United States. No action is needed to transfer the visa to the new passport.
Which countries have special agreements with the U.S. that allow entry with a passport valid for less than 6 months?
The United States has bilateral agreements with certain countries allowing their nationals to enter with passports that have less than 6 months of remaining validity. The Philippines and Taiwan are among the countries with such agreements. Vietnam does not have a special agreement and Vietnamese nationals are subject to the stricter 8-month requirement. The full list of countries with special agreements is available on the CBP website.
If you have any U.S. visas, immigration or passport entry questions, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
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