Could Your Passport Derail Your 2022 Vacation Dreams?

Did you know that many countries will not allow you entry if your passport expires within six months after travel?

Careful planning is key to a stress-free vacation, and one aspect that you shouldn't overlook is the care and keeping of your passport. If you've planned international travel for 2021 or 2022, you should pull out that vital travel document and check the expiration date.

The six-month passport validity rule is not uncommon, as many nations want to prevent foreign visitors from overstaying due to a medical event or other unexpected circumstance. There's no predictable rule of thumb for which countries have this rule, but you can view entry requirements around the globe on the US State Department website.

Other top destinations for US travelers have a three-month passport requirement. Canada and Mexico enforce this window, as do the 26 member nations of the Schengen Area in Europe, including Italy, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, France, and other highly-traveled countries.

Do You Need to Renew Your Passport?

Once you locate that little blue booklet, check the date of issue and expiration date on the inside front cover, next to the photograph. Remember, your passport needs to be valid for six months after you travel.

While you're at it, check to see how many blank pages you have (some countries require at least one or two entirely blank visa pages) and make sure your passport is undamaged. Recently the client of a travel advisor colleague was denied entry into the country of his destination wedding because his passport had a tear in it - and he was the groom!

If it's time to renew, you can do so by mail as long as your passport is undamaged and less than 15 years old. The State Department has step-by-step instructions on its website.

How Long Are Passport Applications Taking?

Passport applications and renewals are taking significantly longer to process as the State Department works through pandemic backlogs.

Allow 18 weeks for routine service, including 12 weeks for processing and six weeks for mail on the front and back end, although you can pay a bit extra for 1-2 day delivery.

For some perspective, 18 weeks from September 4, 2021 is January 8, 2022, so it pays to plan ahead. You can pay $60 for expedited service, which takes 12 weeks from start to finish. If you apply by mail and expedite your order in early September, you'll receive it around Thanksgiving.

What If I'm Traveling Soon and Need To Renew My Passport?

If you've planned a trip planned in the short term and need to renew your passport, all hope is not lost. A very limited number of Urgent Travel Appointments are available for people who'll be traveling internationally within 72 hours or three business days.

You can schedule by phone up to two weeks in advance at 1-877-487-2778, but the appointment will only take place within 72 hours of travel.

Appointments are difficult to secure, and the State Department makes no guarantees. However, if you're able to arrange an appointment, you'll walk out the door with your passport in hand.

Do You Want Help Navigating The Passport Renewal Process?

Companies specializing in visa and passport services can help you sail through your renewal with ease or secure one of those elusive Urgent Travel appointments. Contact me for a recommendation and a courtesy discount on some services.

The good news is, once you renew, you'll be set to travel internationally for the next ten years.