While the world been slow to reopen, few of us have thought much about our passports – much less when they will expire. Unfortunately, between increased demand and so many ongoing closures, the process for renewing your passport has gotten significantly longer. So whether you’re thinking of traveling internationally later this year or sometime in 2022, I encourage you to pull out your passports now to check their expiration date. Here’s what you need to know.
Most Countries Require 6 Months
Did you know that most countries require that you have 6 months left on your passport before you arrive and they might not let you in if you have less than that? It’s true! That means if your passport expires next March, you can no longer use it to travel to most international countries after September because you’re within 6 months of expiration.
Renewing a Passport Could Take Almost 5 Months
Unfortunately, due to so many closures nationwide, delays with the mail service and increased demand for renewed passports as the world starts to reopen, renewing passports is taking MUCH longer than usual. Typical turn around time is 18 weeks. That’s 4.5 months! There are options to expedite and receive your passport in 12 weeks (3 months), but there is an additional $60 fee per application. Additionally, you can request faster shipping of your new passport by paying an additional fee for Expedited Shipping.
That means if your passport is expiring and you want to travel next February, you’ll need to submit your application in September. And if your passport is expiring and you want to travel for Christmas, you’ll need to submit your expedited application in September.
If you are traveling for an emergency and need to leave within 2-3 days, you may be able to make an appointment at a passport processing location for even faster service, but this is extremely limited and not intended for tourist travel.
How to Renew
Adults who have their current passport can renew by mailing in their current passport and their renewal application and fee. However, children under 16 will need to go with both parents to a local processing center to submit their passport application in person.
If you haven’t checked your passport in awhile, I’m recommending that you check it right now. Even if you aren’t planning to travel internationally right now. At a minimum you’ll want to know your options and plan ahead so that if you decide to travel in the future you won’t run into any trouble.
