renewel of passports

[Jean_374240770]

Our passports expire in December 2008.

My question is: Do some countries refuse admission if a passport has less than six months to run? Would this apply to Europe? Planning ahead here for our summer hols in August.

Thanks Jean

 

[ValA.]

If you renew your passports early (ie before you go on holiday in August) you actually get ten years, plus the unexpired months from your existing passport - so you don't lose out. As you have to renew anyway, probably best to do it before you go.

 

[BeemerMal]

Jean wrote: Our passports expire in December 2008.

My question is: Do some countries refuse admission if a passport has less than six months to run? Would this apply to Europe? Planning ahead here for our summer hols in August.

Jean,

You don't need to have the minimum 6 months on your passports for EU countries but many other european countries, as well as no european countries, do require at least 6 months before expiracy on passports or they may not allow entry to the country.

The advise given above is good advise and you will not lose out. Get your application in to the Passport Office for replacements early and beat the delays often experienced in the spring and early summer.

 

[MikeJE]

Jean,

From Passport application guidance notes;

" You can renew your passport whenever you wish, you do not have to wait until it is nearly expired to renew it. We can add any period that your passport has left to run ( in whole months, up to nine months ) to your new passport. We will cancel your old passport and return it to you. "

As has been said already get it in sooner rather than later to avoid the rush.

Just be VERY particular in following the giudance notes about photographs.

 

[EvansofSprot]

And possibly a way of avoiding any charge for an identity card due in 2009.

Don't take my word for it though.

 

[LesleyRussell]

I have recently learned that if you are travelling to either mainland France or Spain you will be allowed to travel on a recently expired passport providing it has not beeen cancelled (i.e. corners cut off) however I would not like to rely on this without checking with the outgoing port first.

 

[BeemerMal]

Don't risk any travel using an expired passport....bad advise! Most EU countries don't even check them. We travelled through 4 EU counties and only ever showed our passports on departure from the UK and arrival into the UK.

It is a different matter though if you are flying. Most airlines will not take you if your passport is expired because they have to carry the cost if you are not permitted entry when you arrive at your destination.