My passport expires August '07. I'm traveling in April '07. Will that be ok, or do I need to renew it before I go? I've heard it's supposed to be active for at least 60 days, or 90 days, or more??

I think it might depend on the rules of the country you're visiting... might have to look up their embassy website for info.

Where are you going?

Some countries require 6 months after you leave for home, some countries just need it to be valid on the day you leave for home & some will give you up to six months on an expired passport provided it was valid on the day of arrival

Thanks. Duh-- I should have known it depends on which country I'm visiting. I'll look on-line for regulations for the countries I'll be in.

Hi MB,

You will have about 120 days on your PP.

You should have at least 90.

You will have to renew when you get back.

Why not now?

"You should have at least 90."

Why?

Because it's all about procrastination, Ira. Besides, do you think I'll be gone for 90 days? No such luck. Only you get to travel like that (I'd make a smiley face here, but I don't know how to on my Mac!!)

MaureenB, my suggestion would be to renew your passport later this fall rather than waiting to renew it until next year. This way it won't matter where you're going. You can renew your passport anytime within the last year of validity.

Countries usually routinely grant travelers a 90-day entrance permit, which is why many countries want your passport to be valid for 90 days or more. Of course, some grant less and allow for automatic renewals, etc. But what you need is definitely country-specific.

Thanks, Doug. Speaking of passport renewals, isn't there a new version with an embedded electronic chip? Maybe I'd better find out when that's available, then renew so I can get one of them. I think it may even be available in Denver now. Know anything about this new chip?

I'm afraid I don't really know anything about when the chip passports will be available. I don't think these passports are available yet, but I still have some doubts about the safety and security of these. Studies of the prototype had indicated that they could be scanned and compromised remotely, making them somewhat less than absolutely secure. For the moment, I'd prefer to have a regular passport.

Hi M,

Re RFID chips: It won't matter.

Your new passport will be valid until it expires, no matter what new technology might be introduced.

I, again, suggest that you get your new passport at a convenient time before you go. If you wait, you will be forced to gewt it renewed at a less convenient time.

>(I'd make a smiley face here, but I don't know how to on my Mac!!)<

Try typing :_) without the _

Ira, just for you, I'll try it


(Doesn't look like it worked.)

Ira, you're a genius.

Now, I need a trademark logo like your lightbulb. Any ideas?

Hi M,

>Now, I need a trademark logo like your lightbulb. Any ideas?<

Go to http://fodors.com/forums/smileys/

Now I'm hi-jacking my own thread...

I wanted an equestrian type sign, but there isn't one. So I might choose one of these:


>-


I actually like the peace sign face the best, but it's hardest to type. Thanks!