If you’ve ever seen the phrase “blank visa pages required” on a country’s entry guidelines, you might assume any empty-looking page in your passport will do. But there’s a little more to it than that.
When countries request blank visa pages, they’re specifically referring to unstamped visa pages—not endorsement pages, amendment pages, or pages with partial stamps. A true visa page is typically marked “Visas” and is meant for full-page stamps or visa stickers.
Some nations are strict about this. South Africa, Kenya, and Indonesia, for example, may deny entry if your passport doesn’t have one or two completely blank visa pages. A partially used page, even with space, often won’t cut it.
Here’s how to check:
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Flip through your passport and look for the pages labeled ‘Visas’.
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Make sure they’re entirely blank—no stamps, no writing, no smudges.
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Endorsement or amendment pages (usually at the back) don’t count.
If your passport doesn’t have enough blank visa pages, it’s time to renew before your trip—even if your passport isn’t near its expiration date.
Understanding this requirement now can save you from a stressful surprise at the airport later.