Winter sun: passport rules for UK travellers
Winter sun destinations use very different passport rules. Short-haul favourites such as the Canary Islands and Madeira follow the Schengen rules, while many long-haul destinations need at least 6 months on your passport from the day you arrive — and some need a visa or travel authorisation before you fly.
Check your passport before you book
Rules vary by destination. In Europe, the Schengen rules apply: your passport must be issued less than 10 years before you arrive and expire at least 3 months after you leave. Many long-haul destinations need at least 6 months from the day you arrive.
Europe, the Canaries and Madeira
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain Canary Islands — Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura | Canary Islands — Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Portugal Madeira, the Algarve | Madeira, the Algarve | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
| Cyprus Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa | Paphos, Limassol, Ayia Napa | 10-year rule + 3 months + blank page | Full rules → |
| Malta Malta and Gozo | Malta and Gozo | 10-year rule + 3 months after leaving Schengen | Full rules → |
North Africa and the Middle East
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt Red Sea resorts — Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh | Red Sea resorts — Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh | 6 months from arrival + blank page | Full rules → |
| Morocco Marrakech, Agadir | Marrakech, Agadir | 3 months from arrival | Full rules → |
| United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Dubai, Abu Dhabi | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | 6 months from arrival | Full rules → |
Africa and the Atlantic
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde Sal, Boa Vista | Sal, Boa Vista | 6 months from arrival + pre-registration | Full rules → |
| The Gambia Atlantic coast resorts | Atlantic coast resorts | Valid for length of stay | Full rules → |
| Kenya Mombasa coast and safari | Mombasa coast and safari | 6 months from arrival + 2 blank pages + eTA | Full rules → |
| South Africa Cape Town and the Garden Route | Cape Town and the Garden Route | 30 days after leaving + 2 blank pages | Full rules → |
Asia and the Indian Ocean
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui | Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui | 6 months from arrival + blank page | Full rules → |
| India Goa, Kerala | Goa, Kerala | 6 months from arrival + 2 blank pages + visa | Full rules → |
| Sri Lanka South and west coast beaches | South and west coast beaches | 6 months from arrival + ETA | Full rules → |
| Maldives Island resorts | Island resorts | 1 month from arrival | Full rules → |
| Mauritius Island resorts | Island resorts | Valid for length of stay + blank page | Full rules → |
| Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc | Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc | 6 months from arrival + 2 blank pages | Full rules → |
The Caribbean and Americas
| Destination | Where to go | Passport rule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados West and south coast | West and south coast | Valid for length of stay + onward ticket | Full rules → |
| Jamaica Montego Bay, Negril | Montego Bay, Negril | Valid for length of stay + 2 blank pages | Full rules → |
| Dominican Republic Punta Cana | Punta Cana | Valid for length of stay (to 31 Dec 2026) | Full rules → |
| Mexico Cancún, the Riviera Maya | Cancún, the Riviera Maya | Valid for stay; 180 days recommended | Full rules → |
Tips for this trip
Frequently asked questions
Do I need 6 months on my passport for the Canary Islands?
No. The Canary Islands are part of Spain, so Schengen rules apply: less than 10 years old on arrival and valid for at least 3 months after you leave.
Do I need 6 months on my passport for Dubai?
Yes. GOV.UK says your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in the UAE.
Do I need a visa for Egypt in winter?
Usually yes. You can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival. If you are only visiting Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba for up to 15 days and arrive by air, you can get a free entry stamp instead.
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
Since 15 September 2026, up to 30 days for tourism only.
More winter travel guides
Passport rules are checked against GOV.UK foreign travel advice. Rules can change, so always check GOV.UK before you travel.