Flying to UK and Returning back to US

[sk88888 0]

Hello Fellow,

I am permanent resident of US. I am planning to visit UK for 2 weeks in mid June 2014. Soon after I started the UK visa process, I realized that my passport will expire in Dec 2014, which is less than 6 months. I've heard that the passport needs to be valid more than 6 months before expired date in order to travel, is this true? does this depend on countries you are flying to and from ?

Please advice

Thanks so much

[Hypnos 6,576]

Of what country are you a citizen?

[britishdakota 18]

The UK does not care about your greencard, they will only want to see your passport. The 6 month rule depends on your country of citizenship, depending on that you may need a visa prior to travel.

[sk88888 0]

Hypnos and -britishdakota,

I am Laotian citizen. I am aware that I need a visa to uk... I just want to find out the 6 month rule...

[Hypnos 6,576]

The US has agreements with certain countries to waive the requirement of needing six months of additional validity beyond your intended travel dates.

You can find a list of these countries here: http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/carrier_info_guide.pdf

Laos is not on the list (page 19) so you will need to renew your passport ahead of visa issuance.

[sk88888 0]

Hyonos,

Thanks so much for the info. It is REALLY helpful.

I sent email to UK visa processing center. Here is what the response: "...As long your passport is valid throughout your stay, then you will be able to apply for the visa to the UK...". I guess in UK side it is ok. But per your document, I do need to have a valid 6 months passport in order to return back to US from UK.

[Hypnos 6,576]

An LPR doesn't actually need a passport to re-enter the US, they need only show their green card.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1191/~/traveling-outside-of-the-u.s.---documents-needed-for-lawful-permanent-residents:

"U.S. LPRs do not need a passport to enter the United States as per (8 CFR 211.1(a)), however, they may need a passport to enter another country."