Hagan

We just booked (unexpectedly!) a TA cruise that leaves Ft. Lauderdale for Barcelona on April 12.
Hubby's passport expires July 30 of this year. We had initially planned a trip for October and figured he still had plenty of time to renew. Now we're down to 9 weeks.
The website says the processing time now is 4 to 6 weeks, but my husband is nervous to give up his passport and possibly not have a new one for this cruise. However, we've read that you should have at least 6 months remaining on your passport to travel.
If we get it in the mail tomorrow, should that allow enough time, or should we pay extra to expedite?
Has anyone done theirs lately?

P_M

It might come back in time, but better safe than sorry, I would expedite.

Attnymom

We recently renewed our passports, and it only took about 3 weeks (we did not expedite). Our daughter was getting her first passport, and hers arrived just a few days after ours. I would expedite just for the peace of mind, but you probably don't need to.

Nikki

I recently sent my mother's passport to be renewed and it came back within two weeks (unexpedited). That said, if I had a flight to make, I would probably pay to expedite it just for the peace of mind.

Hagan

I just read on the slowtrav website that people are getting theirs back within 2 to 3 weeks currently, so I think we'll be OK. I'll keep you posted!

sunnyflorida

Daughter and I just applied for new passports and received without any expedited service in 3 weeks from submitting the application to having passports in hand.

eurogals

A woman in my office just applied for a new passport and received it in two weeks unexpedited.

Things are looking up.

ira

Hi H,

Uusually an American only needs more than 90 days from the day of arrival in a European country.

However, you are close enough that yolu might want to pay for expedited service.

See http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html