My passport is going to expire on 18th Nov. I didn't see that and booked ticket for me, wife a child 2 months old on 14th November. We didn't want to spend winter with our newborn. Toronto consulate website says in their FAQ page that validity on passport is not required for Indians travelling to India. I confirmed the same with consulate official and passport office officials in India. They said I have to land before the 18th. However my airlines (Lufthansa) says since I have a 2 hour transit in Frankfurt I need to have at least 6 months validity in my passport. Did anyone face similar situation? any help would be much appreciated.
Traveling to India with near expiry passport
- Thread starter Alex-1
- Start date
Doesn't matter what anyone says - if your airline will not let you board the flight to Frankfurt, that's it. Speak to them.
Thank you. I spoke with the airline. one person is saying that I need 6 month validity another is saying I can travel if Indian consulate say I can.
I booked tickets from my work without seeing my expiry date. I had to reschedule it to a date before my expiry date as I booked a non refundable ticket.
I didn't see any direct flights and this flight was the best option considering the travel time and I thought it would be good to have a break in between as we are travelling with a new born.
Let's be clear: I think the question of what India allows is clear (as with most countries, they'll let you in/can't deny you entry if your passport is valid - period). Lufthansa raised a separate issue - whether you need more validity in Frankfurt. What Lufthansa says, goes, because if you can't board your flight to Frankfurt, that's it.
Lufthansa can be very annoying and it is their prerogative on whether they'll allow you to board or not. Why not take a direct flight instead? Go to India by going from your current city to Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver instead.
I googled and there's an Air India flight leaving Vancouver on Nov 12 at 10a.m. and the traveling time is about 14 hours to DEL.