The stamp you DON'T want on your passport

The 6 month validity rule...

If you plan to visit countries like Mexico, Bahamas or Belize then listen up! You must have at least 6 months left on your passport to enter! That's right, the expiration date on your passport is not exactly the expiration date as far as other countries are concerned. Countries such as Italy and Germany require 3 months. As a general rule, it is smart to always have a passport with 6 months left before expiring.

As stated by US Passport Help Guide, "The Six Months Validity Rule is imposed by foreign countries, and not by the United States. It simply means that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you would be allowed to enter a foreign destination." So that also means that the country you are trying to enter for your wonderful vacation, can send you packing if your passport doesn't have at least 6 months left on it.

While on the subject of annoying passport rules, I will add that the pages must be in "good" condition; no folds, tears or water damage. If it's deemed "not in good condition" you may be denied access.

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