Passport Confusion
 

We just received confirmation for a trip we plan to take in February 2007. Everyone in our family has valid Passports. Mine, however, expires in June 2007. The info we received from our travel agent (and GOGO vacations) states that travelers must posess passports that will not expire within SIX months of the return travel date?

Has anyone heard of this before?

ANd if so, can you advise? I'm not comfortable trying to expediate a new passport given the deluge of requests due to the new passports laws, and I would hate to NOT have a passport in hand.

WHy can't I travel with a valid US passport?

I think it depends on the country you're traveling to. I believe the reasoning is that if you're delayed returning to the US you could be stuck there with an expired passport. I didn't think it was a US regulation, but that might have changed.

RASJ123.....This is a very common requirement, by the country you will be visiting, not a US requirement.Since you are faced with having to have your passport renewed anyway, I would suggest going ahead now and paying the expedite fee.Yes, its more money.To me, it was peace of mind when I renewed last year.When you pay the expedite fee, it guarantees that your passport will be renewed by the end of the 3rd business day after it is received.So, if it is received on a Monday,then it will be in the 'Out Mail" box by the end of business on Thursday.Now, how long it sits there is anyone's guess.Everyone I know who is going thru this renewal process is overnighting the passport to the Pennsylvania office.That way, they get it for sure, whether it is one night, or 3 day economy or whatever.In every case I have been around the maximum time following what I have outlined has been 2 weeks.With me, it was 10 days.Others will undoubtedly have shorter times than that.It always happens.But its up to you.IMHO, it aint worth the stress of worrying.Best of Luck and have a great trip.

Merry's right. It depends on the country you're traveling to, and it's very common. Some countries specify 6 months, some 3 months, some none at all. Some are very strict about it (French Polynesia comes to mind immediately) and some rarely look at the dates on the passport. So which country ARE you traveling to?
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Agreeing with above, the amount of time is set by the country you are traveling TO. Typically from 3 to 6 months validity remaining is the requirement.

Yes, it is the country that you visit that sets the requirements. Some of them can be very nasty about it. You need to get it renewed for peace of mind. Use the expedited renewal, send it Express Mail with a pre-paid, pre-addressed return envelope enclosed. I got mine back in just under two weeks, including the shipping time.

See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13342877...playmode/1098/

My friend had this problem with visiting Mexico a couple of years ago. He had the Mexican Embassy fax him on official letterhead stating he could use his current passport.

I think you have plenty of time to renew your passport which is much quicker than obtaining a new one.

RAS, I would be a lot more comfortable with expediting a passport than traveling with a passport that might be useless. I know people who have done it and the process works, you will get it back in plenty of time for your trip. Please start the expediting process ASAP.