Snowbird FAQs

How long does my Canadian passport need to be valid for when travelling to international destinations?

Passports and Visas
Question

We are snowbirds who have always spent our winters in the U.S., but this year we are considering spending the season in a different country (Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal and Spain are possibilities). I have heard that there are different rules for how long our passports need to be valid if we are travelling to a country other than the U.S. Is this true, and if so, what are the requirements?

Answer

LAST UPDATED: June 11, 2025

You are correct that every country has its own rules when it comes to how long a passport needs to be valid for when you enter that country. Not knowing the rules could result in your being turned away. 

For example, Canadians travelling to the U.S. under a Canadian passport are only required to have their passports valid for the duration of their stay in the U.S. You can learn more about Canadian passport requirements when travelling to the U.S. here.

However, every country has its own rules, and the rules differ from country to country.

Snowbirds travelling internationally should also check their passport expiry dates long before their travel dates to allow time to renew their passports if necessary.

Below is a list of many popular snowbird destinations and how long your Canadian passport needs to be valid to visit each one. 

  • Spain: Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your planned departure from Europe.
  • Portugal: Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your planned departure from Europe.
  • France: Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your planned departure from Europe.
  • Mexico: Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Costa Rica: Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Panama: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you depart.
  • Australia: Passport must be valid on the day of entry to Australia. HOWEVER, check with your airline about passport requirements, as some airlines' passport validity requirements may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
  • New Zealand: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave.
  • Thailand: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into Thailand.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Keep in mind that these rules are only for Canadian passport holders and can change quickly, so you should always double-check for the latest requirements with an official source, like the Government of Canada Travel Advisory website or the government website of the country you are visiting.