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What are the passport expiration rules when travelling? A country-by-country guide

By Olivia Morelli

No matter how often you travel, there’s always that last-minute panic that you’ve forgotten to do something that could jeopardise your trip – and realising that your passport may be out of date is the worst of the lot. For most countries, like the US and Australia, the passport expiration rule is that it just needs to be valid for the length of your stay. However, others stipulate that your passport needs to have at least six months of legitimacy left to enter the country. Below, we’ve split up the most popular travel destinations from the UK by what their passport expiration rules are, according to the  UK Post Office . Overall, the advice is to make sure that your passport always has six months left on it before you travel and remember that all countries will have their own expiration rules, so be sure to check the foreign travel advice section of the  GOV.UK  website for specific entry requirements for the country you are visiting.

These countries require six months on your passport before you travel

Some countries require that you have half a year left before your passport expires to pass through border control. Below are some of the most popular destinations requiring this six-month passport validity when travelling from the UK. For the complete list, head to  postoffice.co.uk .

This tiny city-state has always been a popular travel destination. Singapore is home to shiny shopping malls, quirky  shops , a futuristic international airport (one of the  best airports in the world , according to our readers), plenty of  things to do  from sky-high infinity pools to £1.75 Michelin-grade meals, and some seriously cool  hotels , make sure you check that you have more than six months left on your passport before you visit the “little red dot”.

South Africa

Absurdly beautiful beaches, craggy mountains, endless rolling wine country, thick untouched forests and amazing  safari  –  South Africa  is undoubtedly one of the world's prettiest places. The country’s rules state that you need at least 30 dates left on your passport from the date of exit, but the advice is to ensure you have at least six months validity left for the safe chance to see everything from leaping dolphins and puffing whales to the Big Five.

This Asian country ticks so many travel boxes.  Thailand has some of the best hotels  on the continent, from glossy city  hotels in Bangkok  to splurge-worthy beach  resorts in Phuket , not to mention  Thailand’s stellar spas , creative  Chiang Mai  and the under-the-radar  secret province of Trang . Check, check and check again that you have six months left on your passport before you travel.

This European country is home to grand Ottoman palaces, glittering turquoise sea, glamorous slivers of coastline and, of course, one of the most fascinating cities in the world.  Istanbul’s hotels  are as chic as they come, and the Turkish coast is the perfect place for  family holidays . Plus, there are endless  things to do in Istanbul , from spectacular cultural sites to tasty spots across the city, but be sure you have six months left on your passport before you travel.

These countries require three months on your passport before you travel

For most countries in the European Union, the UK’s passport office recommends that the passport expiry date is at least three months after the intended day of departure. Below, we look at some of the most popular destinations that require three months left on your passport, but other ones of note include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. For the full list, head to  postoffice.co.uk .

By Jessica Puckett

By Marti Buckley

By Sarah James

You don’t need us to tell you why you should visit this country, but if you need further convincing, ask any of the 93.7 million travellers visiting France annually. It’s on track to become the  most visited country in the world by 2025 , so now’s the time to explore it to its fullest. Stroll through  Parisian neighbourhoods , laze on  French white-sand beaches , and people watch in glamorous  St Tropez  or taste-test your way through the capital’s  most beautiful restaurants . You’ll need three months’ validity left on your passport to visit France.

With its buzzing capital, world-renowned beaches and secret islands, Greece will forever be one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Hop between  Greek isles , book into a  Grecian villa , discover a  lesser-known beach  or go on a seriously  romantic escape  – but make sure you have at least three months left on your passport first.

Whether dining out at the  best restaurants on the Amalfi Coast , taking a deep dive into  Italy’s most underrated lake , exploring the  streets of Milan  or going shopping in Rome (here’s our guide on  what to wear in Rome ), Italy is always a good idea. Italy’s passport regulations require at least three months left on your passport before you travel.

You’ll need three months on your passport before visiting this European country. Portugal’s capital has been named  Europe’s most budget-friendly city break for 2023 , so now is a better time than any to visit  Lisbon . Traverse the country, and you’ll find some of  Portugal’s prettiest places , from the  underrated town of Évora  to the top  restaurants in Porto .

These countries require your passport to be valid through the duration of your stay

Some countries have more relaxed rules on passport validity and only require your passport to be valid throughout your travels. Below, we spotlight our favourite destinations in this list – for the full list, head to  postoffice.co.uk .

Your passport should be valid for your stay while travelling through Japan. Then, once you’re there, you can split your time between  Tokyo’s tastiest restaurants  and the  coolest spots in Kyoto , visiting  cherry blossoms in sakura season  and hopping between  Japan’s loveliest hotels .

This country has all the best holiday types rolled into one gorgeous destination. Incredible  Mexican beaches ? Check. A capital city with unbelievable food? Yup,  Mexico City has some of the world’s best restaurants . A boho-chic gem where you can get your surf on? Yes –  Puerto Escondido  is one of our all-time favourite sunny spots. Plus, there’s excellent  shopping in Tulum , lots of  things to do in Oaxaca , and epic  Mexico hotels . Just make sure your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

When travelling from the UK to the US, your passport must be valid for your entire trip. However, other rules to consider when visiting the US include getting an ESTA and ensuring you have a biometric ePassport with the silver camera symbol on the front. Once you arrive, it’s all worth it, where  New York’s restaurants , LA’s art district and California’s beaches await. See our list for more of the  best places to visit in the USA .

How long is a US passport good for? Here's what to know — and how to renew it.

But before you jet off to a faraway location, you need to make sure your passport is not expired. Nothing can ruin a trip quite like showing up at the airport only to find out your passport is invalid.

Some countries even require passports to  "be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip," according to the U.S. Department of State. 

So, if you're planning on traveling and need to check your travel documents, here is a guide to how long your passport is good for, depending on when it was issued. 

How long is a passport good for?

Your passport's expiration date depends on when it was issued or renewed. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport is valid for 10 years if it was issued when you were 16 years old or older. If your passport was issued when you were under the age of 16, your passport is valid for five years. 

You can identify your passport's issue date on the data page or on the front of your passport card.

How to find cheap flights:  Tips on how to cut travel costs

Can you renew your passport before it expires?

According to the State Department, your passport does not need to be expired for it to be renewed.  If you want a new book or a new card, all you must do is submit the valid documents in exchange for new ones.

If your passport has expired, you can still renew it if it has been issued within the last 15 years. 

How long are passports taking right now? 

As of Nov. 2023, the processing time for a passport is between seven to 10 weeks for routine processing. For expedited processing, your passport's processing time is between three to five weeks, according to the State Department. 

Processing time does not include mailing time, and it could take up to two weeks from your application day for your passport to be "In Process." 

How long does it take to get a passport? What is the fastest way to get one?

What do I need to bring to renew my passport?

According to the USAGov, these are the documents you will need if you're applying for a passport:

• Application form
• Your most recent passport 
• Passport photo

If you name has changed since your last passport,  you will have to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate or a court order of your name change .

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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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The Six Month Validity Rule for U.S. Passports

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Many countries now require international visitors to have a specific amount of validity remaining on their passports before allowing entry or issuing a visa. Some require as little as 3 months validity , but 6 months has increasingly become the norm. Should you try to board a plane, train, boat, or cross a border with a passport that will expire within the validity window, you will be turned away.

As a result, you may never get to use the full ten years of your passport due to the long list of countries that require passports be valid for six months beyond the travel date for entry. It is kind of like purchasing a year-long gym membership and never getting to use the last few months before you have to renew.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service .

The rule's origins are the subject of much speculation, but the six-month validity rule provides several key benefits for countries:

• Most countries offer six-month terms for many of their visas. Ensuring the passport will outlast the visa's expiration date helps avoid logistical hurdles both during and at the conclusion of a visitor's stay.
• It reduces the likelihood that unforeseen circumstances like illness or accident could delay your departure beyond the term of your visa.
• It allows countries to be sure that if they need to deport you, they are able to do so without delay as you will have enough passport validity to ensure you can cross borders without incident.
• It reduces the number of people renewing passports at overseas consulates - saving governments time and money.
• Early passport renewals are a way to generate additional funds.

When it comes to entry requirements, each country makes its own rules. As a result, there are certainly outliers. It is crucial to know what these requirements are for each country you plan to travel to and through on your journeys abroad. If you are unsure, you can always double check the information by directly contacting each country's embassy .

Some countries set the three month or six month validity rule from your entry date, some set it for your exit date, so it is important to know each country's rules. Having a passport that is valid five months and twenty-two days beyond your travel date will get you turned away at the boarding gate if six months is required - the rules are that strict.

There are some cases where multiple countries come together to provide a more unified set of entry requirements. For example, all of the European countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement require three months passport validity beyond travel dates.

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When and how to renew your passport, according to the State Department

Editor's Note

Even if you're an avid traveler, you might not be entirely aware of when your U.S. passport expires and how to renew it .

Rest assured: The process is relatively straightforward, and most applicants can easily do it online.

Here's everything you need to know about renewing your U.S. passport.

When should you renew your passport?

When timing your passport renewal, there are many dates to consider. I would argue the most important date to remember is six months before your passport expires. This is because many countries require travelers to have a minimum of six months of passport validity left at the time of entry.

As long as you submit your passport for renewal at least six months in advance, it should also cover your expiration and travel dates.

Additionally, remember that U.S. passports are valid for 10 years for most adults and five years for passports issued before the age of 16.

When you identify all of the dates for your specific circumstances, you should check current passport processing times , which change frequently.

Current processing times

If you do not have travel booked within the next two months, the agency advises you to renew your passport via routine service to receive it within six to eight weeks. For travel within the next two months, your best option is expedited service. For either option, you should tack on another two weeks for processing to begin and another two weeks for the passports to be returned.

Urgent travel

If you have international travel planned in the next 14 days, you have a few options to renew your passport. Your first option falls under the urgent travel category, which is for non-emergency travel within two or three weeks. In this case, you should attempt to make an appointment at a passport agency or center, either online or in person.

For life-or-death emergencies necessitating international travel within three days, you must provide documentation of a qualifying emergency circumstance to make an appointment. Do this online if you've not yet applied for a passport or via phone if you have applied.

Note that you can schedule these appointments up to two weeks prior to travel, but your appointment must fall within three business days of travel. Also, note that appointments for urgent travel are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

How should you renew your passport?

Most people are eligible to renew their passport via mail; this requires completing a Form DS-82 and providing a photo, your most recent passport and a check for the fees. Passport photos must meet the specified guidelines listed here .

All passport applications sent by mail must be transmitted via the U.S. Postal Service — no exceptions. If you use another carrier, your renewal package will be returned to you without being processed. If you're mailing your passport renewal application from Canada, you must use Canada Post.

If you meet one of four circumstances — including if you applied for a child under age 16, lost your passport or received your most recent passport 15-plus years ago — then you must renew your passport in person at a passport acceptance facility . Some facilities allow walk-ins, while others require appointments, so double-check your desired location's requirements.

How much does it cost?

Renewing your passport costs $130 for a passport book, $30 for a limited-use passport card and $160 for both the book and a passport card. If you plan to expedite your service, factor in an additional $60. You can also pay $18.32 for faster mailing.

Use the U.S. Department of State's online calculator to estimate fees for your specific renewal.

Bottom line

Remember that your passport number will change when you renew it, so you'll need to update your passport information for any Trusted Traveler Program membership online.

Passport processing times change throughout the year, but renewing your passport at least six months before travel should account for any processing delays.

Related reading:

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• Why you should renew your child's 5-year passport after 4 years
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• Easy ways to check your passport application status

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What is the 6-month passport rule.

If your passport is set to expire in six months or less, you may not be able to fly to or from the countries of your choice. That’s why it’s important to check your passport’s expiration date, especially if you plan to travel soon.

In this article, we’ll review:

• Why your passport needs to be valid for six months
• What countries have a 6-month passport validity rule
• What countries have a 3-month passport validity rule

Countries with other types of passport validity requirements

• If you can be denied entry abroad if your passport is almost expired

Why does my passport need to be valid for six months if I won’t be abroad that long?

The reason behind having a passport valid for six months prior to expiration is mainly because of precaution. If there’s an emergency or a sudden reason you have to stay abroad longer than expected, you’ll want to have a valid passport that can allow you to travel to/from the countries you need to visit.

What countries have 6-month passport validity rule?

According to U.S. Department of State , countries requiring six months of validity include:

• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates

What countries have a 3-month passport validity rule?

According to U.S. Department of State, European countries within the Schengen zone generally have a 3-month validity requirement. The Schengen zone includes 26 countries that allow people to travel without needing a passport. These include:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Additionally, the following countries also have the 3-month expiration rule:

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

According to U.S. Department of State, Hong Kong and Macau have a 1-month validity requirement.

Additionally, the following countries have a three-month validity requirement where your passport cannot be expired within three months of the date you leave the country:

• North Macedonia

Can I be denied entry abroad if my passport is almost expired?

Yes. You'll want to check with specific countries about their rules, as in some cases you may be able to enter/leave a country within the 3-month expiration period. However, if your passport is close to expiring (anywhere from 3–6 months) you may be denied entry abroad. If you find yourself in this predicament, you may be able to contact your local embassy about expediting a passport renewal and/or receive an emergency , limited-validity passport.

If you’re looking to travel abroad soon, it’s essential to review your passport to see if it will expire soon. Because it can take time to renew a passport, you’ll want to renew it sooner rather than later so that you have a valid passport in time of your travel.

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Six Months Passport Validity Rule

What is the six-month passport validity rule? When traveling overseas, most people know that a valid United States passport is required to enter an international destination. But, what is unknown to the traveler is that some countries would need to have enough six-month validity on their passport to travel to the country known as the six-month validity passport rule for visitors .  Therefore, if your passport expires within the next six months or, in some cases, three months, some countries will refuse to give you entry into the country.

Hence, this rule is in place so that if the unexpected visitor needs to stay for up to six months, his/her passport would be valid to leave the country.

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What is the Six Month Passport Validity Rule?

The 6 Month Validity Rule is imposed by foreign countries and not by the United States of America. It means that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you can enter a foreign country that imposes the six-month rule. This rule is imposed by some of the countries we have listed below. This rule is prevalent in the Asian continent, such as China and Hong Kong.

Which Countries Require Six Months on Passport?

When visiting another country, remember that the six-month rule is enforced by countries outside the US, not by the US. Hence, it’s important to know the rules when entering or leaving to avoid any issues.

Countries That Require a 3-Month Passport Rule?

Which countries need you to have a passport that is valid for three months or more? As a traveler, it’s important to know the requirements for international travel. One important factor to consider is the validity of your passport. While most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months, there are some that have a 3 months passport rule.

Other Countries with Passport Validity Requirements

U.s. citizens entering u.s. with a passport expiring in 6 months.

The six-month validity requirement does NOT apply to an American citizen using a U.S. passport to enter the United States or Canada. He/she may do so up until the date of expiration of the passport.

Even though many countries implemented the six-month validity rule, other restrictions are enforced to enter these countries. Some require a passport to have one clean page per stamp or at least one available sheet. Also, a visa is a requirement to enter some countries. Be aware of this significant document because without it, when it is required, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country you plan to visit.

Having a passport with plenty of validity before travel is best and wise. Also, it is necessary to know some laws of the country you plan to visit to avoid any mishaps or know what to do when you are there.

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Top questions about passports.

• How do I check my application status ?
• When should I renew my passport ?
• I’m a dual citizen. Do I need my Canadian passport to return to Canada ?
• Can I renew my passport instead of applying for a new one ?
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See more questions in the Help Centre

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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• 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, and
• 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

Child Age 16-17

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

External Link

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• 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)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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You Lost Your Passport. Now What?

Summer travel season is upon us. Do you know where your passport is?

By Seth Kugel

While just about every other document is accessible online, a lost passport is one of the last analog emergencies that can derail an international trip.

Here’s a guide to replacing a lost passport according to how fast you need it, how much money you have to spare and where you live. (The process for last-minute renewals of expired passports, by the way, is fairly similar.)

If you’ve got at least three weeks

You’ll be OK. On the State Department website, at travel.state.gov/passports , first report your passport lost and then follow the process for a replacement. On the website, you’ll find a list of 7,500 passport acceptance facilities — including post offices, public libraries and clerk of court offices — where you can make an appointment or, in most cases, come during scheduled walk-in hours. They’ll verify your documents and send them to the State Department, and you’ll get your passport in the mail.

Before the day of your appointment, check what you need to bring , a list that will include at least proof of U.S. citizenship, payment (acceptable forms vary by facility), the right forms (for lost passports, that’s the DS-11 and DS-46) and at most facilities, a properly taken photo .

The “routine” processing time to replace a passport takes six to eight weeks and costs $165; choose the “expedited” service, for an additional $60, to receive your passport in two to three weeks.

You might even get yours “faster than advertised,” said Matt Pierce, a managing director of passport services for the State Department, noting that the pandemic-era backlog was cleared up as of December.

Avoid delays by carefully following instructions, and consider spending an additional $19.53 for faster shipping.

When time is tighter

If your trip is less than three weeks away, you’ll need to take the extra step of going through one of 26 passport processing offices across the United States. If you’re doing it without an outside expediter, you must make an appointment online or over the phone, up to 14 days in advance of your trip.

There are no more walk-ins, an option before the pandemic, but the State Department has increased capacity to eliminate the need for them, Mr. Pierce said, and the offices give special priority to documented “ life-or-death emergencies ” of immediate family members. You’ll need to bring all of your documents, and proof you are traveling soon — like a plane or cruise reservation.

Things can get dicey if you need an appointment in the next day or two. In such cases you can call for an appointment, or contact your local member of Congress.

Laurie Lee, the chief executive of Chicago-based Swift Passport and Visa Services , an expediter, has seen cases where clients on the verge of missing a wedding or another once-in-a-lifetime event spend hours refreshing the site to find a last-minute appointment, and even end up booking flights across the country if they can find an opening. That, of course, costs both time and money.

At the passport office, the process will be similar, except that you’ll likely be able to pick up your passport later in the day. In most cases, said Mr. Pierce, you won’t have to return the next day, but it can happen. (You can also have your passport mailed to you, if you have time.)

Using an expediter

If you have at least three business days and are willing to spend hundreds of dollars for help, consider Swift or one of the other 200-plus agencies registered with the State Department as couriers, or expediters.

Expediters are especially helpful for people who live far from the nearest passport office and cannot or do not want to drive or fly there. But they can also benefit anyone having trouble getting a timely appointment, because they have reserved slots that allow them to bring a client application directly to certain passport offices. Swift, for example, can bring 10 applications a day to the Boston office, and five to the Chicago one. Depending on urgency, Swift’s assistance costs between $155 and $599.

To work with an expediter, you will still need to go to your local passport acceptance facility, like a post office, where workers verify and seal your documents in an envelope, which you then send (or hand-deliver) to the expediter. They’ll take care of the rest, and get your new passport back to you.

What can go wrong

If you’re traveling to a passport agency, leave plenty of time to get there. Screwing up something on the form can also lead to delays that cost you your trip.

“Common errors include signing in the wrong place, not putting the date on their application, having an incorrectly sized passport photo or not being framed correctly in the photo,” said Steve Diehl, chief corporate development officer of CIBTvisas , a large expediter.

Once you get it

When your passport arrives, make digital and paper copies. Change your number on trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, and remember that if your old passport had a visa in it for the country you’re headed to, you’ll also need to rush a replacement of that.

If you do find your old passport later, keep it as a souvenir: It is no longer valid.

If you lose it while abroad

First of all, try not to. Unless you are traveling in a country that strictly requires you to have your passport on your person at all times, stow it in a hotel safe and carry around a photocopy, plus your drivers license.

But if you do lose the passport or have it stolen, report it online to protect yourself from identity theft and then contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for an emergency appointment. You’ll need that paper or a digital copy of your passport, plus similar documents to what you would need for a replacement in the United States. You may receive either an actual replacement passport or an emergency version, usually good for one year.

In a real emergency, you can try a last ditch maneuver: Ask the airline to contact U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to seek permission for you to enter the country without a passport.

Preventative measures

Several expediters advised that many of their clients misplaced their passports during recent moves, so when you pack up your home, be sure to remember where your passport is packed.

Oh, and before you give up on that lost passport, check your home copier or scanner. “I can’t tell you how often people find it in their copy machine,” said Ms. Lee.

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The Grammy-nominated D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  The Gila Wilderness, home to wolves, mountain lions and other wildlife, marks a century as a “land lab,”  where nature thrives as far as the eye can see.

Greece:  Is Serifos the perfect Greek island? A writer’s checklist included ferry service, great beaches and good local restaurants.

Brooklyn:  This 36-hour itinerary  skips the most touristy and overdeveloped areas, including Williamsburg and Dumbo, and requires no restaurant reservations or advance planning.

Costa Rica:  Travelers are signing up for phone-free tours to try to escape technology’s tether on daily life. But would it make for a better experience ?

An official website of the United States government

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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