Hello, my passport expires May 12, 2023 and we are planning an Europe trip with a return date of December 20, 2022.
Considering the 6 months rule, are we good with the current passport or should I renew before the trip?
Much thanks!
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
I would renew it on the off chance you get sick or injured over there and are unable to return on May 12. And although the covid restriction to fly home to the US has been lifted, the restriction could be renewed making your return home difficult if you test positive when overseas.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23269 posts
I would renew it. Why take a chance??? We always renew around 9 years, three months. The six month "rule" is a standard statement. It just depends on the mode of the immigration officer looking at your passport.
Posted by
OP
United States
84 posts
@ Mary - Thanks. Our return date is December 20. 2022.
@Frank - Thanks. I was wondering since it would be off by a just a few days. But it sure makes sense to renew.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
389 posts
Each country has its own requirements and May 12, 2023 is not six months after December 20, 2022. If is US passport a good place to start and you can check there for each country is the US state department travel website. That website summarizes the passport requirements (US) and includes a link to the country's own website to double check. Here is Spain version of that page. (From that page 3 months is enough). https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html
Posted by
Chicago
7850 posts
My passport expires 10/29/2022.
I flew back from Italy 5/21/2022.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8383 posts
Just renew now.
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
Sorry. I misread your post. My advice stands to renew.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11180 posts
I would also be inclined to check all the other family passports and maybe renewing to have them 'in sync' and avoid a situation, which has been reported here more than once, of someone's passport had expired or was a about to, just before a trip departure.
Depending on your particular circumstances that may or may not make sense.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Most countries in Europe have a 3 month expiration rule (not 6 months)so your current passport is kosher for travel.
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passport-validity-period-travel-europe
Posted by
OP
United States
84 posts
Thanks a lot, everyone!
Posted by
77 posts
I agree with the above posts. Mine expires April 2023 and I don’t have another international trip planned until early 2023. But I renewed mine just to get a head of things. I mailed my renewal on April 24 and just got my new passport in the mail yesterday. So about two months for the turn around time currently.