US Passport Expires within 6 Months - Time to Get a New One?
#16
Join Date: May 2005
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Robert, generally you would only use a Passport Agency office for a rush. I've always used one, and the turnaround is from same day (if you're flying that night or the next day) to a couple of days. 7-10 days is well beyond their turnaround times, I think both times, I had mine back in 3 days.
#17
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 7,560
I agree it's wise to renew a passport at the six-months mark, just in case you need to visit a country that requires a six-months validity.
However, to state that "all" or "most" countries require six months is a vast overgeneralisation. Some require six months. Some require three. Many simply require a passport to be valid for the intended duration of your stay.
However, to state that "all" or "most" countries require six months is a vast overgeneralisation. Some require six months. Some require three. Many simply require a passport to be valid for the intended duration of your stay.
#18
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Just check on-line for each country's rules. I entered Brasil once on a passport that was expiring in 3 weeks. As long as the passport is valid the day you enter, you're fine.
One piece of advice on your passport renewal - always go to a Passport Agency office, if you live in a city with one. You get your passport in 3 days or less, and you don't have to worry about it getting lost in transit. This is particularly important for people who have visas, since at the Passport Agency, they just punch holes in your old passport to invalidate it and hand it right back to you when you submit paperwork for the renewal. I've known too many people who have had to redo visas when their old passport wasn't returned with their new one when using standard mailing or even FedEx for the mail-in processing.
One piece of advice on your passport renewal - always go to a Passport Agency office, if you live in a city with one. You get your passport in 3 days or less, and you don't have to worry about it getting lost in transit. This is particularly important for people who have visas, since at the Passport Agency, they just punch holes in your old passport to invalidate it and hand it right back to you when you submit paperwork for the renewal. I've known too many people who have had to redo visas when their old passport wasn't returned with their new one when using standard mailing or even FedEx for the mail-in processing.
#19
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They certainly are not the sole reliable information provider, although it's usually a pretty good bet. Unfortunately even persons in such roles as you mention are not necessarily reliable.
#20
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I agree it's wise to renew a passport at the six-months mark, just in case you need to visit a country that requires a six-months validity.
However, to state that "all" or "most" countries require six months is a vast overgeneralisation. Some require six months. Some require three. Many simply require a passport to be valid for the intended duration of your stay.
However, to state that "all" or "most" countries require six months is a vast overgeneralisation. Some require six months. Some require three. Many simply require a passport to be valid for the intended duration of your stay.
#22
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
If you're traveling to countries in the so-called "Six Month Club" you should be okay with a soon-to-expire passport. It is, however, prudent to renew if you can.
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf
#23
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Should I renew my US passport?
Hi All,
Should I renewals my passports? When my passports is expired. Those date is on November 8, 2017. Can I travel to Europe? How I can get a renewals passports for another 10 years? Any suggestions?
Should I renewals my passports? When my passports is expired. Those date is on November 8, 2017. Can I travel to Europe? How I can get a renewals passports for another 10 years? Any suggestions?
#24
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,120
Your passport should be renewed about 7 months before the expiration date. As it is a simple renewal you will be able to renew by mail. Send in the renewal form, new passport photos, and your current passport. And of course, your $$!
Here is the information and form you need:
https://travel.state.gov/content/pas...rts/renew.html
My rule for my family is that your current passport is fine for traveling to Europe until 6 months before the expiration date.
Here is the information and form you need:
https://travel.state.gov/content/pas...rts/renew.html
My rule for my family is that your current passport is fine for traveling to Europe until 6 months before the expiration date.
#26
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It might not be worth paying to renew the passport when the time comes unless you have definite international travel planned, particularly if you tend to purchase tickets far in advance to save money. Even expired USA passports can be renewed for at least several years using the standard mail procedure.
#27
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
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I think renewing your passport is a very good idea. It is always good to have a valid passport just in case you decide to go on a last minute trip to Switzerland. In 2017, around May, I suggest going to a post office where you can renew your passport. You will have to have new pictures taken, which you can do at a CVS. Bring your old passport with you. It will be returned with your new passport.
#28
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: London
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I don't know the rules for every country but my brother had 5 months left on his British/European passport before expiry, a visa for China require his passport to be valid for at least 6 months.
#29
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 7,560
The OP is asking about Europe, in particular. I don't know the rules for every single European country, but for the Schengen countries passports only need to be valid three months beyond the date of intended departure, and for the UK they need to be valid only for the duration of intended stay.
As the OP's passport does not expire until November 2017 there is currently no rush whatsoever!
As the OP's passport does not expire until November 2017 there is currently no rush whatsoever!
#30
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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The OP is asking about Europe, in particular. I don't know the rules for every single European country, but for the Schengen countries passports only need to be valid three months beyond the date of intended departure, and for the UK they need to be valid only for the duration of intended stay.
As the OP's passport does not expire until November 2017 there is currently no rush whatsoever!
As the OP's passport does not expire until November 2017 there is currently no rush whatsoever!