Nothing can derail an international trip faster than realizing your passport has expired or is invalid.
Here’s how you can expedite your passport before it’s too late.
Did you know that some countries require that your passport be valid for 6 months?
In some cases, it’s 6 months from the date of entry, and for others, it’s based on when you exit.
Your passport also needs two blank pages for visas and entry and exit stamps.
A typical passport through the Department of State takes 4 to 6 weeks to process.
An expedited one costs an additional $60 and takes 2 to 3 weeks—and that’s assuming you’ve filled out all the paperwork correctly.
But if you need it really fast, look for a third-party provider.
Companies such as It’s Easy or Fastport can get it done as quickly as the next day—for a fee.
The good news is, those places can also handle obtaining visas at the same time.
Or, you can avoid the problem—and the added expense—by double checking your passport now, even if you’re not going anywhere yet. Well, what are you waiting for?
For more information about passports, check out:
- How to Renew or Apply for U.S. Passport
- Why You Should Get a New Passport in the Fall
- The Benefits of Having a Duplicate Passport
Keep reading for more travel tips.
