I am travelling to the UK with my wife, my boss and his wife (All 3 Thai) and have just looked at my bosses passport to see that at the time of travel he will only have 5 months validity on his passport.

I am pretty sure I know the answer to this question but have not been able to find any concrete info on the net.

"Will he be refused entry to the UK?"

He has his interview with VFS on the 6th of Jan and other than this will have no problem with the visa as he travels frequently. He is away until the 5th so other than delaying the interview he will have no time to get a new passport.

Just hoping the UK is a little different with passport expiration dates probably not. If anyone has any concrete info I can let him know are change the interview dates.

Thanks in advance

Moved to the visas for other countries forum

"National Thailand (TH) /Embarkation Thailand (TH)

Destination United Kingdom (GB)


United Kingdom (GB)



Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for the period of intended stay."

IATA data base info from: http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

A visa application may be different though.

Edit: Apparently not different looking here it only states a valid passport is needed: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/tourist-short-stay-visas

Thanks ubonjoe, will see what happens as VFS. If he is refused then will be a case of "serves you right" for the big man.

"National Thailand (TH) /Embarkation Thailand (TH)

Destination United Kingdom (GB)


United Kingdom (GB)



Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for the period of intended stay."

IATA data base info from: http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

A visa application may be different though.

Edit: Apparently not different looking here it only states a valid passport is needed: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/tourist-short-stay-visas

If the passport had greater-than 6 months validity at the time of the UK Visit visa application, it may not be a problem as far as getting the visa. However, since having a valid visa does not convey automatic right to enter the country (the Immigration guy will decide that on arrival), the bigger issue is the airline denying boarding due to the less-than 6 months remaining. Check-in desks can be notoriously pedantic on these matters with even a Supervisor choosing to limit the airlines risk of having to fly the guy back at their cost due to UK Immigration denying entry.

If the boss gets the UK Visit visa, it may be recommended to remove all of the above doubt by applying for a new Thai passport before you travel. My understanding is that the UK Visit visa will remain valid in the old passport when presented along with the new passport.

It takes about 10 days max to get a Thai passport In Thailand, we did it in Three days, Just take both Passports with you new and old to show visa is valid.