My passport expires in Mid-March 2011 and I have seen several articles that state a passport should be renewed within 6 months of its expiration date otherwise the country of entry can refuse the traveler entry. I am traveling to Italy in Mid-November should I renew before I go?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
I would. You will need to renew it anyway, so why not now. It takes about 6 weeks, so you have time to do before you leave.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
This is what the US State Dept. says for visits to any of the "Schengen" countries, including Italy, at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4361.html * * * "You must have a passport valid 3 months beyond the proposed stay." You appear to be just barely okay if it's 3 months beyond your last day. HOWEVER, in the next sentence it says: "For example, for a two-week business trip, the passport must be valid for FOUR months." That sentence makes it sound like you're not in compliance. It would make me nervous. If it makes you nervous, you have time to renew.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Mine recently took four weeks and two days to arrive, from the day I mailed it until the new one came. If I were you, I would go ahead and renew.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7901 posts
You can go through all of the various US and European rules regarding validity or lack thereof for a passport within 6 months of expiration; but unfortunately it comes down to that one ticket agent/TSA/Immigration Agent that has in their mind what the rules are that will cause you delay or bigger problems. If you are cutting it that close, renew now and eliminate the possibility for any hassles.