I have a trip planned at the end of March '08 and just noticed that my passport expires in September '08. Am I going to have a problem with this, somewhere I read it needs to be within 6 months of the expiration date?
Thanks.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Rick just poseted an article under "Traveler News" and March updates expalaining many countries may have an issue if its expired 3-6 mon AFTER your home. They may not check but they may not let you in if they do. But check the list of countries...
From Rick
"Some red-tape issues are popping up throughout the Continent. A number of countries require your passport to be valid for 3-6 months after your ticketed date of return: the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, and Switzerland; while this law is rarely enforced, occasionally a traveler with a passport about to expire is not allowed to enter a country."
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
Hi Judy,
If you're headed to Europe, I think you may need that 6 months. Maybe you can check with a travel agent?
Posted by
Paris, France
506 posts
I would suggest rather than the travel agent is to check specifically for the countries you are traveling to. Most have a website that will advise what their policies are.
Posted by
Simi Valley, CA, US
83 posts
Hi Judy,
Definitely check on these rules. They may not check, but several years ago my aunt was not allowed to fly to the Netherlands because her passport expired within their 3 or 6 month window requirement. She boarded her first flight ok, which was to Dallas, but they wouldn't let her on the plane from Dallas to the Netherlands. This was a Saturday, so they had to spend 2 nights in Dallas and go to the Consulate to get her a new passport when it opened on Monday which I'm sure cost quite a lot. So it cost a lot of money, plus they lost some time on their trip. You might be ok, but make sure you check because you won't want that to happen.
Posted by
Kentwood, Michigan, USA
166 posts
Judy,
They are getting real particular on the time frame. Two of my friends had to re-schedule there trip to Italy because their passport expiration date was not within the six months as noted by US Customs. There is a possibility of getting your passports renewed in time for your trip but you will have to go online to passport renewal and there is a link that gives you an option for last minute renewing. Check it out, I wouldn't take any chances. Good luck.
Greg