Spain recommends your passport be valid a recommended 6 months beyond travel date (but minimum of 3 months). My passport expires exactly 3 months + 1 week after the end of my vacation. It's definitely cutting it SUPER fine but not sure I'll have time to renew my passport before I depart. Has anyone ever had difficulties entering a country with a passport that was within the minimum time but very close to that cutoff like I will be? Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
20239 posts
Just renew it now and get it over with. Your problem will not be with immigration in Spain, but with an overzealous check in agent. If they don't let you on the plane, you'll never get the chance to see what an immigration agent will do.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6611 posts
While you shouldn't have a problem, I'd get a new one before going over. My last renewal only took a couple weeks to process.
Posted by
Atlanta
4894 posts
Not sure when you are leaving, but we mailed two applications to the special "expedited" P.O. Box in Philadelphia on Wednesday, 7 June. Received both new passports Saturday, 17 June. Ten days door to door. Of course, "your mileage may vary".
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23325 posts
It is the old cliche, "You should be OK, but......" I would still renew before going. The people who will give you the most grief is the check-in agent. If flying to another country and are refused entry, for any reason, then the airlines is responsible for getting you back. Why chance it?
Posted by
Tucson
4161 posts
I renewed my passport during the Christmas season. It also took less than 2 weeks. I mailed the application.
Remember that you can't wear glasses or a big smile for your picture.
Go here for more info from the State Dept.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7577 posts
As someone already mentioned; matters not what the US State Dept says, not what the Spanish Embassy says, but what your Airline says. They have a legal responsibility to assure that any passenger boarding has acceptable entry documents. If you encounter issues at the border, they can incur a stiff fine and will have to fly you home at their expense. As such, they may have guidelines stricter than what is indicated as the minimum requirements, and from a practical sense, if they do not let you board...then that pretty much makes anything else a moot point. Arguing with them the day of departure will not get you anyplace. I would call them to start, but if it were me, I would renew ASAP.
Posted by
362 posts
I agree with the previous posters to go for an expedited renewal.
It will save you a world of possibly delay/heartache at the gate when they are checking your passport.