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Six-Month Validity Update

Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• New Caledonia
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkmenistan
• Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
• United Arab Emirates
• West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
• South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

• El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

• Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

• American Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

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The U.S. Will Stop Honoring Expired Passports As of July 1 — What to Know

The rule was initially implemented to help travelers navigate delays in passport processing due to the pandemic.

The State Department will no longer honor expired United States passports next month, ending a pandemic-era practice implemented due to delays in processing.

Starting July 1, travelers will no longer "be permitted to use your expired U.S. passport to return to the United States," the State Department wrote on its website. Previously, U.S. citizens who were abroad were allowed to enter the country if their passport had expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020.

"If your passport has expired, please contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a U.S. passport," the State Department added.

The rule was initially implemented to help travelers navigate delays in passport processing due to consulates and embassies being forced to cut back staffing. That led to an "unprecedented" backlog of passport service appointments.

In the U.S. alone, processing times topped up to 18 weeks and the State Department even removed the option to book last-minute appointments online for a time. Currently, passports are taking eight to 11 weeks to process, or five to seven weeks if travelers pay the expedited fee, according to the State Department .

Passport renewals have also gotten more expensive after the price increased by $20 last year. Now, it costs $130 to renew an adult passport, an extra $60 for expedited service, and an extra $18.32 for one to two day delivery.

While currently the most convenient way to renew a passport is by mail, President Joe Biden signed an executive order last year requiring the government to design a new digital system . Most passports expire after 10 years , but many countries require visitors to have up to six months of validity on their passports before traveling.

Travelers who do renew their passports now have the option to select an "X" as their gender on their application, indicating an "unspecified or another gender identity."

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or need a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail, get it changed or corrected, or what to do if it expires soon.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport. 

Can you renew an expired passport?

You can renew an expired passport, but only if it was issued within the last 15 years.

How to renew your passport and what documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail, and the renewal process for passport books and cards is the same. You will select which type of passport you want when you fill out the application form. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

• You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
• Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport - Your most recent passport will be mailed back to you separately after your new passport is mailed.
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees and where to mail them.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need help with your passport application

If you have questions about your U.S. passport, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) can help. Get contact information for NPIC and find out when to contact them based on when you are traveling.

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2024

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

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Americans abroad can now enter the U.S. on expired passports.

The State Department said it would allow many Americans who have been unable to renew their travel documents overseas to use their old ones to enter the country.

• Share full article

By Debra Kamin

• Published May 25, 2021 Updated July 22, 2021

American citizens abroad who saw their passports expire during the Covid-19 pandemic are now able to return to the United States before renewing their travel documents, a shift of policy announced by the State Department on Monday.

The decision, which applies to Americans who are currently outside the country and hold passports that expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020, comes after reports that more than 100,000 Americans abroad are struggling to obtain consular appointments.

In many countries, American citizens who need to renew their passports must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate. But many of those offices remain hobbled by Covid-19 restrictions and staffing reductions, and some are closed for all but emergency services. Difficulties and delays in getting appointments for renewals have left many Americans without a path back to the United States.

Some American expatriates have turned to immigration lawyers for help. Others have paid high fees to bootleggers and passport courier companies to obtain hard-to-get embassy appointments.

The State Department’s new exception for expired passports applies both to adults, whose documents are valid for 10 years, and to children, whose passports expire after 5 years. It applies only when entering the United States; travelers leaving the country will still be required to have current documents.

New parents should note that the exception does not apply to babies born overseas who have not yet been issued a passport or an official record of a child’s claim to U.S. citizenship, known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

To take advantage of the exception, citizens must be in possession of their expired passport, and must be flying to the United States, either directly or on a connecting flight with a short layover. Expired passports cannot be used for travel from one foreign country to another.

All American citizens returning to the country must still show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure.

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Passport Validity for Travel to USA: What You Need To Know

12 Dec 14:59

Passport expiration date rules for USA are one of the main concerns when traveling to the States.

And there is a good reason for that since it can get your application denied or if you have already acquired it, the passport validity can still be a reason for authorities to not let you travel to the USA .

Keep in mind, that these rules on the passport expiry date are not the same for everyone who travels to the USA. Which means you have to make sure which requirements you are a subject to in order to understand if you need to obtain a new passport or if you still can travel with the one you hold.

TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES?

Do You Have U.S. ESTA VISA Travel Authorization? If You Have ESTA Application, Check if it is Still Valid!

When you travel to USA from UK, passport requirements are regulated by the US Visa Waiver Program and ESTA which is important to keep in mind when applying for travel authorization and planning your trip.

Do I need 6 months on my passport before expiry date to travel to USA?

Yes, when traveling to the USA you need at least 6 months of expiry date after the planned return date. However, this rule is different for citizens of some countries, for example, the UK. This will be covered in detail in the next chapter.

Passport Validity 

Passport validity is one of the most important factors to keep in mind before traveling and even if many people forget about that, one of the most common questions regarding travel to USA is: 

H ow long do you need on your passport to travel USA?

The answer is this!

When traveling to the USA, the general rule is to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the planned time of return.

However, there are some countries, citizens of which can enjoy a bit more freedom regarding their passport expiry rules when traveling to the USA. For citizens of these countries, the passport validity must only cover the time of their intended stay in the States.

Countries who are subject to this rule are:

Algeria, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom , Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.

Which countries require 6 months of passport validity?

All of the countries which are not included in this list and are not under the specific rules regarding their citizen passport expiry dates are regulated by the 6-month passport validity law. Which means you have to make sure which of the rules apply to you before further planning your trip to the USA !

Passport Validity when traveling with ESTA

If you are traveling under the US Visa Waiver program , the travel authorization you need to acquire is an ESTA instead of a Visa. So remember, that you also need to pay attention to the ESTA validity date and not just your passport.

If you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, the validity date of your passport must be at least the same as the date of your planned return from the US. This means that these rules are also the general travel passport requirements for USA from UK.

Keep in mind that the validity of your passport also affects the validity of your ESTA . This authorization is no longer valid when your passport validity ends. If the passport is valid for more than two years after obtaining an ESTA , the authorization will be valid for two years.

If the country you are a citizen is not listed above, you are a subject to the rule of 6 months of passport validity after exiting the US.

Passport Validity when traveling with Visa

There are no Visa requirements for UK citizens, therefore these passport validity rules do not apply to the UK citizens.

Passport validity for travel to USA when traveling with a Visa usually requires the passport to be valid for at least six months after the planned date of return. However, if you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, the rules are slightly different.

In this case, the passport validity requires the expiry date to at least meet the date of planned return.

Usually, when traveling with a Visa, your passport expiry date could also influence your chances of obtaining a US Visa. Therefore make sure your passport is valid for a long enough period before applying for a Visa.

Also, keep in mind that your Visa is no longer valid after the passport expiry date. After that, you need to obtain a new Visa.

What to do if Passport expires soon

An upcoming passport expiry date is a common problem to those travelers who are affected by the list   of which countries require 6 months of passport validity. Simply because they are more likely to need to renew their passport before being able to apply for a Visa. 

But this checkup for passport validity also applies to people who are citizens of countries which are regulated by the US Visa Waiver Program.

Therefore it is good to know how long does it take to get a passport in the UK or any other country for that matter. In most cases, it takes a couple of days, but it can also be done in a single day. However, there are additional fees that you will have to cover if you are renewing your passport in the last moment before traveling.

It is important to understand that there are no Visa requirements for UK citizens since they are a subject of the VWP and need to acquire and ESTA. This also changes the passport validity rules, but that does not mean it is possible to travel with an expired passport!

Do you need a biometric passport to travel to USA?

It is highly important to remember that all travelers who are traveling under the USA Visa Waiver Program need to obtain an electronic passport since the usual, machine-readable passports, will not be accepted.

Make sure you can travel before applying for travel authorization

Remember that some sort of passport expiry rules apply to everyone who wishes to travel to the USA. Even if you need to obtain an ESTA instead of a Visa, there are still some rules that affect you.

This is why you should make sure your passport has a long enough validity time even before applying for travel authorization. This way you can be sure to avoid any misunderstandings and unneeded problems during the authorization process.

You should also learn more about traveling with two passports , to avoid any problems if you indeed have two citizenships.

For more specific information on expiry dates and process of renewing your passport, you should contact your local authorities.

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The Passport 3 Month Rule - Country Requirements & More

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

Are you ready to plan an international trip? Before booking your tickets and traveling abroad, make that the validity of your passport is up-to-date. One crucial part of this process usually overlooked by people is the 3-month rule enforced by certain countries.

Even if your passport has not expired yet, there are places you cannot travel to or through unless you have at least 90 days' worth of validity remaining before the expiration date. These passport requirements are not negotiable.

If you are looking to travel internationally, you need to be prepared with a passport that will allow you to travel to and through all the countries on your itinerary.

Short Summary

• The 3-month passport validity rule requires passports to be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of arrival, with exceptions and special cases.
• It is important to research entry requirements, obtain necessary visas in advance, and verify a passport's expiration date before traveling.
• If your passport does not have enough validity remaining, you will need to apply in person at a regional passport agency. Alternatively, our expert advice is to enlist the help of a registered passport expediting service to get your passport renewed as fast as possible .
• Emergency situations may require contacting one's home nation embassy or consulate to apply for emergency passport renewal service .

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

Understanding the 3-Month Passport Validity Rule

The 3-month passport validity rule mandates that a passport is valid for up to three months after the anticipated date of arrival. This regulation is in place to prevent illegal residency and guarantee travelers possess legal passports throughout their stay. Simply put, if you don't have the right travel documents, countries will deny you entry across their borders.

It's important for people intending to travel abroad to be informed about their destination country's rules about expiring passports. These differ from one nation to another.

While some countries require just a 3 month validity period, others might have different passport validity requirements. Some simply require a valid passport at time of entry. Many countries require more.

For example, many countries impose 6 month passport validity rules where individuals must have at least six additional months left before their passport expires. In some cases, requirements include other validity periods based on the nature of the traveler's stay and the corresponding visa.

To learn more, be sure to check out our guide to the six month validity rule for passports . We also maintain a list of countries that require six months of validity for entry.

Europe, The Schengen Agreement, and the 3-Month Rule

Many European countries are a part of the Schengen Agreement. This decades-old agreement between 27 European countries was designed to make travel within member nations faster, more efficient, and less expensive.

The agreement requires travelers to have valid passports during their stay, and it is governed by a 3-month passport validity rule. This same rule is also imposed by most other non-member nations across Europe in order to ensure that visitors do not overstay beyond their visa period.

Because of this common policy, countries can more efficiently monitor movement at their borders while reducing any risks connected with extended visits.

If you are planning to travel to Europe, be sure to read more about the Schengen Agreement , its rules, and its history.

Countries with a 3-Month Passport Validity Requirement

Again, passport validity is a critical factor for anyone planning international travel. Many European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement require passports to be valid at least three months after an intended date of departure, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain among others.

Aside from these nations within Europe's borders, other non-European states impose this same 3 month passport rule too. Albania, Guatemala, and Panama being some popular examples.

It is important to research the passport policies for each country you plan on visiting. This is the only way to make sure you don't have hiccups during your travels due to invalid passports or failure to meet requirements regarding particular validity periods (which may also include six month rules). Ensure your U.S. passport holds sufficient time before leaving home by double checking beforehand!

Schengen Area Countries

The following countries are part of the Schengen Agreement and require 3 months of validity remaining on your U.S. passport:

*Travel through the microstates of Monaco , San Marino, and Vatican City are also governed by the Schengen Agreement.

It's necessary that all people in transit through any of these 27 signatory nations are certain their passports maintain at least 90 days of validity throughout the duration of their travels.

Other Countries That Require 3 Months Passport Validity

Be advised that passport validity requirements can change with little notice, so please pay attention to these rules when traveling internationally so you don't stumble upon unexpected complications!

For instance, be sure to pay attention to whether the three month validity rule is calculated based on your date of entry or anticipated date of departure from your desitnation country.

As of 2023, the countries listed below have a 3-month validity rule for U.S. passport holders:

Traveling to Countries with a 3-Month Rule: Tips and Advice

When it comes to passport validity, researching the passport requirements and regulations of each destination country is key to a successful trip.

Check your passport expiration date

Check if you need a visa.

Certain countries might require a travel visa while others allow you to enter without one. Visas are issued based on why you are traveling (e.g. tourism, school , work , business , etc.). The types and lengths of each visa is determined by each country's bilateral agreements with the United States.

Like passports, visas can take time to acquire, so make sure any permits are obtained well in advance of your trip. Even though some countries offer visas on arrival , there can be issues if you are relying on this type of service.

Be prepared for emergency situations.

Even if you plan on a short trip to a destination with a low (or no) validity rules, you want to be sure you are covered in case you have to stay longer due to a medical or personal emergency. Should you need to travel internationally in a hurry, you want to be sure your passport allows you to take the most direct and efficient route without having to worry about whether your passport has enough months remaining before it expires.

As a rule, it is wise to prepare yourself before any trips by having contingency plans ready just in case anything unpredicted may occur during your trip abroad. There is a chance an unexpected emergency may require you to travel to or through a country with a three or six month validity rule. If your passport has plenty of validity left, this is something you won't have to worry about.

In case of an emergency abroad, such as a lost or stolen passport , you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for help. You will not be able to continue your travels without a passport-no matter what the validity rules are for the countries you need to travel to or through.

Based on over 20 years of helping readers with their passport related questions, our best advice is to maintain a valid passport with at least 9 months of validity or more. When your passport gets within a year of its expiration date, don't delay; renew it!

How to Renew Your Passport and Reset Your Passport Validity

Again, if you plan to travel internationally and your passport will not be valid for three months or more, don't wait. Renew your passport as soon as possible. This will ensure you have access to any country that allows American travelers-even if it has a three or six month validity requirement.

To get yourself a new or renewed passport, you need to send an application form along with the required supporting documentation , current passport photos , and pay the passport application fees .

It should be taken into account that the time needed for this renewal process may vary, so making sure everything's in order beforehand can help avoid issues during travel plans. Currently, the time to process a passport application is 6 to 8 weeks . An expedited application will be processed in 2 to 3 weeks .

Be sure to take into account these current processing times for renewal applications before planning any international trips. Also be advised that you will need to submit your current passport as part of the passport renewal process. This means you will not be able to travel internationally until your renewed passport arrives.

Visit our complete guide to renewing a U.S. passport for step-by-step instructions for how to get your passport renewed and our best tips for speeding up the process.

Expedited Passport Services

For those who require a new passport or need to renew theirs in a hurry, expedited services are available. Choosing expedited passport renewal on your application can save you several weeks of waiting for your new travel document, but it may not be fast enough for your needs.

For a faster passport renewal, you can try to make an appointment at one of the 26 regional processing agencies across the U.S. Know that you will need to demonstrate a need to travel internationally within 14 days. This option also includes several additional costs that must be considered.

The fastest and most efficient way to get a passport renewed is through a passport expediting service . These professionals use their expertise and experience to get you a passport faster than you likely can on your own. While they charge a fee for their services, these fees are often much less than what it costs to travel to a regional passport agency on your own and potentially wait days for your new passport to be issued.

Should you opt to go this route, consult our directory of top passport expediters .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i travel with less than 3 months on my passport.

When planning any international travel, it is important to ensure that your passport will be valid for the duration of your trip and beyond. You should have at least three months remaining on your passport before going abroad. Many countries may require a validity period of six months or more.

Most airlines refuse boarding if you don't meet this requirement, so make sure you check in advance! To avoid issues while traveling overseas. For maximum travel flexibility, make certain that there's still enough time left on your passport by checking that it is valid for at least six months after departure dates from each destination on your itinerary.

Can I travel with 2 months on my passport?

Most countries require that your passport remain valid for a minimum of either three or six months beyond the duration of your trip. If you are planning to travel to one of these locations, you can't travel with only two months left. You likely will not even be able to board your international flight as most airlines deny boarding if relevant passport requirements for the destination country are not met.

To make sure that you are able to have a secure and safe journey, be certain to check all details in advance like dates or other information about any passports used before taking off.

However, some countries require only that your passport is valid upon entry. For peace of mind, always be sure your passport has enough extra validity remaining to account for any potential emergencies or disruptions to your travel plans.

Can I travel to Mexico if my passport expires in 3 months?

As long as your passport is still valid for the duration of the trip, you may go to Mexico even if it's expiring in three months. Mexican travel regulations don't mandate any minimum validity period for passports.

Can I travel to Canada if my passport expires in 3 months?

You can go to Canada as long as you have a valid passport during your stay-even if it's expiring in three months. Canadian travel requirements do not have any minimum validity period for U.S. passport holders.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry? 2. What exactly does a passport expediter do? 3. Are passport expediting services legitimate? 4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor? 5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting .

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Travelling in general

There isn’t a specific answer to this question. This is because each country has its own entry requirements.

Always check the entry and exit requirements for all countries you’re going to visit before making your plans. Then check your passport to see when it expires. This will tell you whether you need to renew your passport yet.

All countries have their own entry requirements. Read the  travel advisories  to view the entry and exit requirements of each country.

Since these requirements can change, you may also check with the  Government of Canada office  of the country you visit.

You shouldn’t travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly after your planned return. To avoid problems while travelling, you should get a new passport before leaving if your passport could expire around or during your travels.

Some countries won’t allow you to enter if your passport expires shortly after your planned return date. To find out more about entry and exit requirements, consult the:

• travel advisories
• Government of Canada office  of the country you will be visiting

You should make all travel arrangements in the name on your passport.

If the names don't match, you may have problems at border crossings or when boarding flights.

Check with the authorities in the destination country to find out if you need any other documents.

Travelling with children

We strongly recommend that your child carry a consent letter if they’re travelling abroad:

• friends or relatives
• only one parent/guardian

For the purposes of the consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).

Learn more about children travelling abroad and get a  sample consent letter at Travel.gc.ca .

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GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? B1/B2, H1, F1?

Many times, when you go for US Visa Stamping at a US consulate, you may not have a passport valid for the entire duration for which the Consular officer issues a visa. For example, B1/B2 is issued for 10 years and you may only have like 5-year validity on your passport. This situation can happen to all kinds of visas like F1 Visa, H4 Visa, H1B Visa, L1 Visa, and others.

Now, when you get a new passport, you may wonder, if you can use the valid visa in your old passport and travel to the US or not. In this article, we will cover what are the official rules and how it works with a valid visa on an expired passport, including my personal experience on the same.

Official rule by the US Dept of State for valid US Visa in Expired passports

As per the US Department of State, the rule is very straightforward: You can enter the US using a valid US visa on an expired passport if you meet the below conditions.

• You need to have a valid passport, in addition to an expired passport.
• The issuing country of the current valid passport should be the same as the expired passport.
• The type of the current passport should be the same as the expired passport ( e.g. both have to be regular type. You cannot have one regular and one diplomatic or another type).
• Your visa has to be valid on the old passport that expired. It has to meet the purpose of the travel.
• The visa on the old passport should not be damaged and in good condition.
• You need to carry both of your passports – the current valid passport and the old passport with a valid US Visa.
• Below is the screenshot of the exact rule taken from the US Department of State website .

Does the Airlines Travel Desk check Passports and Visa?

Yes, the airline’s travel desk person at the airport in your home country, who issues your boarding pass, or the security officer at the travel desk issuing boarding passes will check your US Visa validity and also passports. They will verify that you have both a valid visa and a valid passport and that you are carrying both passports. This is a pre-check before boarding a flight to travel to the US.

Does the CBP officer at the US Port of Entry ask any questions?

When you enter the US and go through the port of entry procedures , the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer would verify your visa in your old passport, scan it and validate the same. They will capture your current passport details as well.

They may or may not ask any questions about why you got a new passport. They would put in a stamp your new passport indicating your entry and visa type that you are entering the US and write annotation VIOPP, which means Visa In Other Passport(VOIPP).

Should you be worried, if traveling with an expired passport and a valid US visa?

There is no reason to worry as the rules and guidance from the US Department of State are very clear. As long as you meet all the conditions listed in above section, you should be fine. Make sure your passports and visa are not damaged and machine-readable.

Usually, the CBP officers ask questions regarding your travel and other general stuff. They may or may not ask about your expired passport having a valid visa. Below are some of the common questions they may ask:

• Where are you traveling to? which city, state?
• What is the main purpose of your visit? like studying, working, tourism, meetings, etc.
• How long will you be staying in US ? how many years, months or days?
• Where do you currently live? If it is your first time or are you living in US already?

Have two new Passports since Old passport with a valid US Visa – Can I still use?

Yes, your valid visa in the old passport that was given before stands valid. It does not matter how many new passports you have got after the old passport expired. The key thing to remember is that you have a valid visa in passport.

Personally, I had my valid B1/B2 visa on my old expired passport and I had two new passports that I got as I exhausted pages. When I entered the US at the Port of entry, I was able to successfully clear immigration and customs by showing a valid visa in my both old passport and my current valid passport.

In a nutshell, the number of passports between your old passport with a US visa and your current new passport does not matter.

Where is the Official rule on the US Dept of State Website?

The Official details and guidance on traveling to the US with a valid visa in an expired passport is under the “ Visa Validity” section at the US Dept of State website . You need to click on the + icon to expand the question.

See the below screenshot on how it looks. In general, rules can change and you must check the US Dept of State website for the latest and current updates before you travel and make any decision to travel to the US.

Experience: Traveling to the US with a valid Visa on Expired Passport

Background : I had a valid B1/B2 visa of type regular ( R ) from 2012 to 2022 and it was in the old expired passport that got expired in 2013. I got a new passport in 2013. My old and new passports are from India and of the same type ( regular ). The B1/ B2 US visa in the old passport was in undamaged condition.

I was traveling to the US after 4 years with my B1/B2 visa, which was valid, but in an expired passport. I did a lot of research to ensure I do not have issues at Port of entry (POE). I was kind of nervous leaving to the US after 4 years for a conference with my new passport.

Though I did my research, I was kind of thinking in my mind, if there will be any questions at the port of entry on the topic. I was just thinking if the system would recognize my passport and visa, etc…

Entering the US Port of Entry : There was no issue with the system detecting my passport or visa. The CBP officer did not really ask me anything about my old passport. I gave him both passports and he checked for himself and stamped the new passport with the entry date on it.

I was asked only a few general questions like where I was going, where do I stay, what is my purpose of travel, etc. but none of them related to visa validity or passport.

I was able to enter the US using the same valid B1/B2 visa in my old expired passport, successfully without any issues. Overall, though I had some questions in my mind until I got to the Port of Entry, there is nothing to worry about as long your US visa ( not just a B1/B2 visa) is valid and in undamaged condition in the same kind of passport given from the same country.

Common FAQs

There is no need to get a new visa stamp if the visa in the old passport is valid and not damaged. If your purpose of travel matches to the valid visa, then you can use the same.

If you really want to get a visa stamp on your new passport, you can. Nothing is stopping you from getting it. You would be eligible for dropbox Visa stamping or Interview waiver .

You need to remember 4 things : 1. You need a valid passport to enter the US 2. Your US Visa in your old passport is not damaged and is in good condition. 3. Your current passport must be issued by the same country as the old passport with US Visa. 4. Your expired old passport with US Visa must be of the same type as your current passport.

Also, depending on the port of entry, you may also have Kiosks to do all the processing for certain types of Visa types. For instance, you do not need to go through a long line at port of entry for B1/B2 and you can use Automated Passport Control (APC) Kiosks . You may also read B1/ B2 US Visa Stamping Experience 

What was your experience entering with a valid US visa on an Expired Passport? Share your experiences in comments.

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43 comments.

My passport is set to expire in November 2024. Additionally, my approved I-797 is valid until October 2025. I have an upcoming visa stamping appointment scheduled for next month, in September 2023. I am unsure whether I will receive a visa stamp only until November 2024 or until October 2025. Any response to this is greatly helpful.

I have a valid visa in expired passport. The visa page has small tears where the binding is but the visa itself is in perfect shape and not damaged.

My new passport is also in perfect shape. Will I have issues when entering port of entry in US?

I have H1B stamped on my passport. As per the reciprocity rule, the visa is stamped for 1 year and my PED (petition expiry date) is 30th September 2025.

My current passport will expire on 6th June 2025 (4 months earlier than PED). This means that my I-94 validity will be as per the passport expiry date.

In order to avoid passport renewal and I-94 extension in the US, I was thinking to get my passport renewed for 10 years before traveling.

Would there be any issue at the port of entry because the visa will be in an old passport ( and the passport is canceled before the expiry)? Is this a good approach to handle this situation or there is a better way?

Your advice on this will be much appreciated.

My father has a valid B2 visa stamped on his old passport. He recently got a new passport as the old passport has expired.

The name on the new passport has changed to include his last name. Here is the situation:

Name on old passport : xxxx

Name on the Visa (on old passport): xxxx ( visa has not expired yet)

Name on the new passport: xxxx yyyy. ( last name was added)

Given this, is is ok to travel to USA if he carried some kind of proof to show that both the names belong to him ?

Hi Gopi did you ever get solution for above issue. I am in same situation as my name has FNu and I have to travel to india and come back but in new passport I split my name.

Hi Vikas, any problem you faced while coming back to US? Even I’m in same situation

Hello Saravanan, did you face any issues when traveling back to the country ?

My passport will expire before my visa. My passport is valid until 2024 and my visa until 2027. I have not applied for a new passport with a longer validity either. Will there be any problems at Port of Entry?

Hi Paramjit, I recently got my date of birth corrected on my new Indian passport. My US visa is on the old Indian passport that has the wrong date of birth. Can I still travel to the US on the old visa?

Hello Linda,

I have the same question as you. What happens to valid Visa on old Passport when new Passport is issued for Date of Birth change or Name change? Is valid Visa on old Passport sufficient for travel or should a new Visa be obtained? Did you ever find out answer to your question?

Hi, Thanks for the great information you shared with us all. I have small issue to ask, I just received my new Indian Passport with my correct Name as per my Educational and ID proof’s ”PARAMJEET SINGH” and in my previous/old passport with valid US B1/B2 visa – Validity till 2026 name was ”PARMJEET SINGH”… Can I travel with New and Old passport(with Valid US Visa) or I need to apply for new US visa because of this Minor Change in Name? My current passport has Old passport and file number in last page(Indian Passport) and Mentioned ”OLD PPT CONTAINS VALID VISA” Waiting for your reply and thanks in advance.

Paramjeet, Well, I am not sure…Technically, you should be fine, if you carry both the documents….But, I suggest you email the embassy or CBP officer to get confirmation to be safe…

Hi, Thank you. I received Email from the US Embassy and as per the Email:-

Yes, you can carry your valid visa with your new passport till the visa expiration date.

Awesome ! That’s good to hear. Thanks for the update Paramjeet ! I also suggest, you print out the email and carry it with you as backup to show, if asked at port of entry.

Hi! I have a valid b1/b2 visa and it is in my maiden name on my expired passport. I have renewed my passport and changed to my married name. Will I still be able to use my valid visa or do I need to get a new one? I have come across sites which said that there’s usually no problem as long as you bring the marriage certificate however other websites say that you have to apply for a new visa. Thanks for your help!

Hi. Did you ever find an answer to your situation with your maiden name visa and new passport with your married name? I am in the same situation…different surnames on the valid visa in an expired passport to my new valid passport with my married name. Any help would be great. Thank you!

Did you get response? Appreciate your quick response.

Hi, I am with similar case and successfully entered USA without much issues.

Buy my concern is, today’s port of entry stamp is printed on cancelled passport by US official and also i have checked I-94 it came with cancelled passport number only.

Will this be a problem in future?

Rakesh, It should be fine in general. Yes, the online system will show the old passport number for your I-94, that’s normal. You can email the CBP on the stamp part of it in Old passport to be sure. Do update here after you write to them.

I have valid US visa in my expired passport I visited US with new passport and my expired passport last year now my new passport is little bit damage so if i again re issue the new passport will there be any problem for travelling US

I have an Indian passport and US visa issued in Muscat, my passport is expiring in October this year but my US visa is valid till 2023, now I am in India and want to renew my passport, will my US visa be valid to travel to US.

Yes, your US visa will be valid as long as it is not damaged. Your new passport will have small stamp that says visas valid.

I am an Indian National with a valid US visa expiring in 2024 which is on an old passport. I have recently renewed my Indian passport in Singapore (I work in Singapore). My new passport states Place of Issue as Singapore. In such case will my USA visa still remain valid considering this change of details from Mumbai to Singapore as place of issue.

Yes, it will still be valid…My case is similar to yours as well, my second passport place of issue is different and I was able to enter US successfully.

Hello. I have a valid US visa on an expired passport. However, when I renewed my passport, the issuing authority put the birthplace as follows:

Expired Passport: XXX XXXX ZZZ AAA New Passport: XXX XXXX AAA ZZZ

Actually, both places are the same place and they were acronyms. I mean, you cannot really read them as they are. Note that birthplace are not written in the visa itself. When I applied for a new passport, the place actually comes in a dropdown menu with no abbreviations so me, as a citizen, does not have any control on how my government will abbreviate the place of birth on the passport.

I have consulted so many people (even travel consultants) on this and I even asked the US consulate – not officially but through a friend working there – if this will cause me any problem. However, all of them said “it will not have any problem”.

What is your opinion on this?

It should not have any problem. Logically, as long as you have your Old passport number in the new passport as reference, it should be fine. As long as your name and date of birth on Visa are same in both, you should be fine.

My US visa (B1/B2)was issued in March 2008 in China and it was for 10 years. It was now expired in March 2018, what is procedure for renewal of US visa in China, for Indian passport holder, please suggest, my email id is [email protected]

My old passport expired in 2015with US B1/B2 visa expired in 2018 Feb. I got my passport renewed in 2015 itself. Can i renew my B1/B2 visa?

You can, provided that you have all the documents for B1/B2. Check, if you are eligible for dropbox on the USTravelDocs website.

My Child passport expired with valid US multiple visa the passport officer stamped cancelled on front page of thr passport my question is do they stamp cancelled on passport if so does the visa validity stays?

J Singh, Yes, they do. In fact, for mine, they even cut a corner of the passport page, where you have the photo, so that I cannot use it. Do not worry, as long as the US visa on the passport is valid, you are fine. You just need to carry all the old and new passports.

My 12 year old son has a valid nonimmigrant US visa on his expired swiss passport. He also has a valid Guatemalan passport. Can he still travel and be admitted into the US? Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Travel date is on Dec 25th.

Per Hol, Technically, it should be fine as long as the US visa is valid. But, I do not know how it works when you have two passports. You can write to US embassy or CBP officer, just to make sure and confirm.

Thank you Kumar, we consulted, and it looks like we´re in trouble, I hope this may come in handy for future references…

Sorry to hear. Would you mind sharing what they said ? Just for benefit of others.

US Regulation states specifically that nationality must be the same for both passports, the one carrying the US valid visa, and the valid new passport.

Merry Christmas!!

Thanks Steven for sharing ! Merry Christmas to you too !

Hi Saurabh,

I have a valid US visa till Feb 2019. I am planning to travel to US in next two or three months i.e., November, 2017. My passport will expire in Jan 2019. So, my question here is

1) Can I extend my US visa with my expired passport? 2) Can I travel to India with expired passport?

Please reply.

Chintu, 1. There is nothing called visa extension. You apply for new visa, once it expires. The passport validity does not matter as long as the visa is valid. 2. No, you will need to get a new passport in US.

If you read the above article, it clearly tells that you can have valid visa in expired passport and it will work fine. Nothing to worry about extension of visa, as long as it is valid.

I have an expired passport with a valid US Visa. The front cover from teh passaport was damaged (kids…). The Visa page is in perfect state, just like my valid passaport…I have a scheduled business travel for US and not sure if the cover page off from the expired passaport will be a problem at the PoE… I have no time to issue a new visa on the new passaport 🙁

Josie, As long as they can read your details and passport number from old passport, you should be fine. You can always email CBP officer, if you are not sure. Also, do share your experience after visiting US.

Last time when my mom visited US, she had her VISA in her old passport. We presented both old and the new passport and they had no issues letting us in.

And if you see, the new passport has the old passport’s number in it. And I believe all this would be automatically updated in their systems???

Finally what matters is whats shown in their system. If its all green for them, they most probably will let us in, unless they have something to suspect.

Vinay, Yes, that’s right, it gets updated in their system with the new passport number. In fact, you can check that online. I will cover that in an article.

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Real ID deadline is rapidly approaching, what to know about the new flight requirement

The really real deadline to make your state-issued identified card, or driver’s license Real ID compliant will be here before you know it. 

And you won’t be fly domestically after 2025 without it. The government has been trying to make Real IDs a thing for a while, initially passing The Real ID act in 2005 in an attempt to set “minimum security standards” for state-issued identification documents.

The law was set to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back by the Department of Homeland Security over “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to USA TODAY reporting . 

The May 2025 extension was necessary, DHS says, as state driver’s licensing agencies worked to address the mountains of paperwork, which in turn impacted the MVD’s ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout. 

“Following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards,” DHS said in 2022. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

That means every every traveler, 18 or older, must have a compliant form of identification in order to travel.

Here’s what to know. 

When does Real ID go into effect? 

The Real ID “full enforcement date” is Wednesday, May 7, 2025, according to DHS. 

When will a Real ID be required to fly?

You or your loved ones need to have a Real ID compliant document, driver’s license or identification card, by May 7, 2025. 

If you have another form of identification that is TSA-approved, like an up to date passport or a permanent resident card then you probably don’t need a Real ID compliant document.

Here are a couple TSA-approved alternatives, if you’re on the fence about getting a Real ID.

• State issued enhanced driver’s license
•  DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
•  HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
•  Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
•  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How long does it take to get a Real ID?

It will take about two weeks , or 15 business days to get your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License from your state's Motor Vehicle Department.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, which are only issued in a couple of states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, DHS says. 

How do I know if I have a Real ID? 

All Real IDs will have a stamp on the right hand corner to show that the identification document meets federal standards set forth by The Real ID Act of 2005. 

The symbol stamped on your Real ID card will vary, depending on which state you obtain your new identification card from. 

What does a Real ID look like? 

Your Real ID will have most, if not all of the information that’s included on your driver’s license. 

The only difference is the seal included in the right-hand corner. 

Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Follow these steps to renew your passport and track your status:

Confirm you meet the requirements

• Fill out your form online and print it
• Submit your most recent passport
• Submit other documents (if you are changing your name)

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• Submit application
• Enroll in email updates

Getting a New Passport for a Child : You cannot renew a passport for a child under age 16. You must apply again in person using Form DS-11. 

Renewing a Passport Outside the United States : Learn how to renew your U.S. passport if you live in a foreign country.

Watch this video to learn if you can renew your passport by mail.

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:

• Can be submitted with your application
• Is not damaged (other than normal  wear and tear )
• Has never been reported lost or stolen
• Was issued within the last 15 years
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older
• Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)

If you want to renew a limited validity passport that is valid for less than the normal period of 10 years, you must meet these requirements:

• One of your previous passports must have been issued for 10 years,
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve lost multiple passports, and
• Your passport cannot be limited because you’ve had multiple damaged passports

If you do not meet these requirements to renew, go to one of these pages to learn how to apply:

Adult Applying

Children Under 16

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Fill out your form and print it

Use our Form Filler tool  to fill out your form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. If you are experiencing technical issues with the Form Filler, download a PDF . 

Tips to complete your form:

• Complete all parts of the form.  Sign and date your form  before you mail it.
• Print your form on single-sided paper. We do not accept double-sided forms. 
• Check your date of birth and previous passport issuance date if you did not get the form you expected to receive on the form filler.
• You can renew a passport book , a passport card , or both documents.
• Use Form DS-82 to apply for your first passport book if you only have a passport card, or to apply for your first passport card if you only have a passport book.  
• If you travel many times each year, get a larger passport book with more visa pages, at no extra cost.  Check the 'large book' box at the top of the DS-82.
• If renewing from Canada, do not include your Canadian Social Insurance Number on the form in place of your U.S. Social Security number. 

Submit your most recent U.S. passport

When you renew by mail or in person, you must submit your most recent passport(s) with your application. We will return your most recent passport book or card in a separate mailing. The most recent passport may not arrive for up to 8 weeks after you get your new passport. Learn below what document to submit based on what you want to renew:

Submit other documents if you are changing your name

If the name you are using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a  certified copy of the legal name change  document. Examples include:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court-ordered name change document

We will return your name change document in a separate mailing from your new passport.

Tips for renewing from Canada :

• If your Canadian divorce decree does not show that you are returning to your maiden name, you must provide proof of your birth or maiden name. Examples include an original or certified copy of your birth certificate.

You must provide one photo with your application. Go to our  Passport Photo page  for photo requirements and to see examples of photos. You can get a photo at:

• Some  passport acceptance facilities
• A company which offers photo services
• Home. Ask a friend or family member to take your photo. Print it on glossy or matte photo quality paper. 

 Stapling your photo to the application:

• Use four staples vertically in the corners as close to the outer edges as possible. See example below.
• Do not bend the photo.

Pay using a personal check or money order and make it payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not send cash.

• Add $60 to your application fee if you want  expedited service .
• Add $19.53 to your application fee if you want us to ship your completed passport in 1-2 days after we issue it.  
• Go to our  Passport Fees  page to learn more about how much it costs to apply for a passport and how you can pay.
• Please write the full name and date of birth of the applicant on the front of the check* or money order.
• Renewing from Canada? Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. Acceptable U.S. checks and money orders must have a 9-digit routing number. Do not include 1-2 day or express delivery fees with your payment. These services are not available to U.S. residents in Canada.

*How to fill out your check 

Submit completed application and documents

Get My Passport Fast :  If you are traveling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center. Your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your travel date. 

If you are traveling in more than 3 weeks, mail your completed application and documents to one of the addresses below. 

Where you mail the application depends on where you live, and how fast you need your passport. 

If you live in the  United States ,  use the United States Postal Service (USPS) . If you live in  Canada , use Canada Post. 

Where to Send My Application and Supporting Documents

Want Faster Delivery?

• Delivering application to us : Pay for Priority Mail Express for faster delivery. The price for this service varies depending on the area of the country.
• Returning the passport to you : Pay $19.53 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport   1-2 days after we send it. Include this fee with your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. Do not submit a return envelope to us with pre-paid postage. 

You may receive your passport and supporting documents in separate mailings.

If you are renewing a passport card, we will send it to you via First Class Mail. We do not use 1-2 day delivery services for passport card only applications.

Outside the United States (any country besides Canada):  Contact your  U.S. embassy and consulate .

Track your application status

You can  subscribe to email updates  about your application status, and  learn more about each status update .

It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application status is “In Process.” 

What is normal "wear and tear" of a passport?

Normal "wear and tear" of a U.S. passport does not count as damage. Normal wear includes:

• The bend of a passport after you carry it in your pocket
• Fanning of the visa pages after opening and closing the passport 

If your passport is damaged, you cannot renew it and must apply for a new passport.

Damage includes:

• Water stains
• A significant tear
• Unofficial markings on the data page
• Missing visa pages (torn out)
• A hole punch, or other injuries

Can I renew at an acceptance facility?

No. If you are renewing your passport with Form DS-82, acceptance facilities will not take your application. Acceptance facilities should never charge you a $35 fee for renewing your passport. These locations should only charge you a $35 fee if you are applying using Form DS-11.

You must mail in your renewal application (Form DS-82) yourself. Mailing your Form DS-82 can be confusing since some post offices are also passport acceptance facilities. Postal employees should not review your form and supporting documents before you mail it.

Send Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method.

Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL since the address you need to send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents to is a Post Office (PO) Box. 

If I already have a passport book or card, can I use the DS-82 to get the other document?

If you have a passport book  and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card as a renewal by mail even if it is your first  passport card .

If you have a passport card and you are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport book as a renewal by mail even if it is your first passport book. 

Can I renew my passport if it's still valid?

Yes. Your passport does not have to be expired for you to renew it. 

Renew your passport 6-9 months before it expires, or your planned international travel. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Learn more about your  destination's entry requirements .

I got a letter requesting that I resubmit my Form DS-82. What should I do?

When you renew by mail, our intake facility will review your application and supporting documents.

The intake facility will send you a letter if there is a problem with your application. The letter may include a QR code with a link to our website. Common reasons for getting this letter include:

• No signature or date on your form
• Bad or missing photo
• Pages of your form are missing
• Wrong or missing fees
• Most recent passport is missing
• Most recent passport issued over 15 years ago

Follow the instructions in the letter. You must include the letter we sent you when you resubmit the new application. 

When your application is at the intake facility, your application status will show as "Not Available" if you check our Online Passport Status System . Your application will be "In Process" once a passport agency or center begins processing your new application. 

Can I renew my passport if it's expired?

Yes. The passport must have been issued within the last 15 years.

Can I send multiple renewal applications in one envelope?

Yes. If your family member or spouse is also renewing a passport, you may want to send multiple applications in the same envelope. You can pay for the applications using one check or money order. Make sure to add up the correct fees for multiple applications. 

How will you send my passport and supporting documents?

You will get multiple mailings. The number of mailings depends on what document(s) you asked for.

Passport Book : You may get your new passport and citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We will return the passport book using a trackable delivery service.

Passport Card : You may get your new passport card and your citizenship documents in two mailings. You may wait 8 weeks after getting your passport before you get a second mailing with your citizenship documents. We only send the passport card via First Class Mail. We do not send cards using 1-2 day delivery services.

Both a Passport Book and Card : You may get three separate mailings:

• New passport book
• New passport card
• Citizenship documents

Contacting Us : If you have been waiting more than 8 weeks for your documents, call us at  1-877-487-2778  to report that you have not received your documents. 

If you want us to reimburse you for a lost supporting document, you must contact us within 90 days of the date which we mailed your passport. You will also need to provide a receipt to show the cost of replacing the document. 

Processing Times

Routine:  6-8 weeks*

Expedited: 2-3 weeks and an extra $60*

*Consider the total time it will take to get a passport when you are booking travel.  Processing times only include the time your application is at a passport agency or center.

• It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center. It may take up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport after we print it. 
• Processing times + mailing times = total time to get a passport

Urgent Travel:  See our Get my Passport Fast page. 

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How your passport and pernickety rules could stop YOU from travelling

• Has this happened to YOU? Email [email protected] 

British holiday-makers are being warned about pernickety rules on passports which could ruin travel plans - after families were denied permission to fly.

Small paper tears and ink stains are among the petty hindrances which have seen families turned back at airport check-ins, the latest victims being a Rochdale family of three.

They say they they lost out on a £2,500 holiday after a father was stopped from boarding the plane due to a 'near invisible' ink stain on his passport.

Charlotte Estlick had wanted to jet off from Manchester Airport for a package holiday to Dalaman in Turkey with her husband Myk, 28, and their six-year-old daughter Nyla.

But after arriving at Terminal 2 to check-in on May 3, the mother-of-one claims her partner was refused travel due to his passport being lightly marked with blue ink after appearing to have got wet.

Another traveller who found himself frustrated was 31-year-old Nathan Barnes, from Norwich, who was told he could not fly because his passport was more than 10 years old  - despite not having expired yet.

He was travelling with his fiancé to visit family in Limoge, France, but fell foul of a new rule brought in since Britain left the EU.

Meanwhile, another devastated family spent £7,000 on a luxury family holiday to Thailand only to be rejected at the airport when check-in staff discovered a tiny tear in a passport .

Oldham childminder Suzanne Senior's daughter Bethany had a millimetre-long tear in her passport, spotted by Qatar Airways staff also at Manchester Airport.

And a Ryanair passenger was unable to board a flight for a £1,000 dream holiday because of a tiny tear in his passport, it was reported in January this year.

Jake Burton, 19, from Mansfield, was due to go on his first-ever flight to Benidorm with his parents to celebrate the New Year.

But the discount airline told him he was unable to board  after he failed the final check.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'This 19-year-old adult passenger was correctly refused travel on this flight from East Midlands to Alicante by the gate agent at East Midlands Airport as his passport was damaged and therefore not valid for travel.'

The UK Government website states that 'a damaged passport is one which the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition'.

The website goes on to detail several scenarios where a passport is deemed damage - including 'laminate peeling' and 'back or personal details page has been cut'.

Travel experts have pointed out some of the essential yet lesser-known rules regarding passports which holiday-makers should bear in mind this summer.

When travelling to the EU, a 10-year British passport is only valid for entry for exactly 10 years after the date of issue, regardless of the date of expiry.

Before September 2018, passport holders could have up to nine months added to their passport expiry date if they renewed their 10-year passport early.

Yet Post-Brexit, while the official validity of your passport may be beyond 10 years, the European Union does not recognise these extra months if your passport is older than a decade on the date you enter an EU nation.

On top of this, you must also have at least three months' validity on your passport beyond the date you intend to leave the EU's free-movement Schengen territory.

This means visitors must pay careful attention to the issue date and the expiry date.

Travellers are also advised to always check the specific entry requirements for the country being visited on the gov.uk website, since regulations around passport validity vary from nation to nation.

Most countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA just need your passport to be valid for the length of your stay.

But others such as China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey require at least six months - and, as above, you will need at least three months' validity on your passport from the intended day of departure from the EU.

As well as being on the alert for tears or stains, people should also be wary of running out of space if a passport is filling up with stamps - and should be renewed if there is little room left, even if it still has years to run before expiring.

Some countries can be fussy about passports with filled pages - with Italy and South Africa among those who insist on at least two being entirely blank.

Those who have enough time before setting off have also been encouraged to apply for a new passport online rather than by post.

The current fee for a standard online application made from within the UK is £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children, increased last month from £82.50 and £53.50.

At the same time the cost of a standard postal application rose from £93 to £100 for adults and from £64 to £69 for children.

Passports are usually issued within three weeks if applying within the UK, but customers are advised to apply in good time before travelling, according to gov.uk. 

There are two ways to apply for an urgent passport, the first being a 'one-day Premium' service.

Customers are asked to book an appointment at their nearest passport office, apply and pay online, before getting their new passport at their appointment.

The second is the one-week' fast track' service, by which customers can also book an appointment at their nearest passport office, apply and pay online.

This time a new passport is delivered to their home within the subsequent seven days, excluding bank holidays - but passport office appointment slots, each lasting around 10 minutes, are snapped up quickly.

The one-day premium service costs £193.50 for an adult passport, while the one-week fast track service sets people back £155 for the same.

Those needing a passport to travel urgently for healthcare or because a loved one is seriously ill or has died are urged to call the 'Passport Adviceline' instead.

Watch CBS News

Surge in passport demand causing lengthy delays, jeopardizing summer travel plans for many

By Kris Van Cleave , Analisa Novak

May 18, 2023 / 7:54 AM EDT / CBS News

Summer travelers  planning to venture abroad are facing a new challenge: delays in obtaining passports. An unprecedented surge in demand for travel documents has created a growing backlog, causing significant delays for those hoping to embark on  international trips .

The standard passport renewal process, which typically takes a few weeks, can now take up to 13 weeks, while even expedited service could take up to nine weeks.

The prolonged waiting times are generating travel anxiety for many.

Kylie Parker, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina, applied for a new, expedited passport several months ago, confident she had ample time before her summer study abroad program. But with her departure for Portugal and Italy now just days away, her passport has yet to arrive, jeopardizing her plans.

"I spent eight hours on the phone with the passport office," she said. "No calls though, no calls back. No contact with anyone. I'm very scared of missing my travel abroad trip."

After finally reaching someone, Parker was informed that the only available in-person appointments were on the same day in New Hampshire or the following morning in Minneapolis, which would require an overnight flight costing $1,200. Alternatively, she said she was told she could schedule an appointment in Seattle, Washington, on the day she is scheduled to depart for Europe.

Caleb Monticalvo, a frustrated applicant from San Francisco, was told to seek other locations.

"They said the only other option was to go to another location, which is in L.A. I'm not going to go to L.A.," he said.

Last year, the State Department issued nearly 22 million passports, a record high. Demand for passports has surged by at least 30% this year, as 500,000 applications come in weekly. 

Despite increased funding and more staff, the backlog has persisted and wait times continue to grow. That has prompted passport offices across the country to see long lines as travelers rush to  secure their travel documents  before an anticipated record-breaking summer travel season. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in March that he recognizes the problem and has implemented a task force  to coordinate efforts focused on resolving the issue.

"We're offering overtime, opening satellite offices to help HQ in processing times," Blinken said.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst, said the delays are not only "alarming," but also "embarrassing."

"I know people have been waiting three, four months to get their passports fulfilled," he said.

Travelers should be aware that even passports expiring in 2024 could pose a problem, as many countries require the document to be valid for up to six months beyond the arrival date.

• United States Department of State

Emmy Award-winning journalist Kris Van Cleave is the senior transportation correspondent for CBS News based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also serves as a national correspondent reporting for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms.

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Home Office confirms changes to the EU Settlement Scheme

The changes will ensure that citizens can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those required to check immigration status.

Photo: Getty Images

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme announced today will ensure that all those granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those who are required to check immigration status, such as employers and landlords.  

The changes support the Home Office’s practical implementation of the High Court judgment in the judicial review proceedings brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements ( IMA ).

In response to that judgment, we announced changes to the EU Settlement Scheme in July 2023 to ensure that nobody loses their immigration status if they do not apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status. 

The Home Office has continued to work closely with the IMA on the implementation of the judgment. Having listened to concerns raised by the IMA and others about the potential implications for those affected by the judgment, the changes announced today will ensure it remains easy for status holders to demonstrate their rights in the UK.  

The Home Office will change the duration of pre-settled status extensions from 2 to 5 years. The Home Office will also remove the pre-settled status expiry date from the digital profiles shown to third parties in the online checking services for Right to Work, Right to Rent and View and Prove.

Alongside this change, employers, landlords and letting agents will not be required to conduct a further right to work or rent check where the individual remains in their employment or as part of that tenancy agreement.  

The EU Settlement Scheme has been a great success. As of 31 December 2023, 5.7 million people had secured their rights in the UK through the scheme, with 2 million holding pre-settled status and 3.7 million holding settled status.

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