Many countries require passports to be valid 3-6 months beyond the trip’s return date.
The specific duration required can vary from country to country.
Research the passport validity requirement of the country you’re traveling to; this requirement ensures that visitors have a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay as well as a buffer period in case of unexpected delays or extensions due to emergencies or other reasons. If you don’t have 6 months of validity starting from the date you return from your trip – the airline has the power to turn you away, whether the airline is right or wrong.
Kids’ Passports Expire After 5 Years
Unlike adult passports (which are valid for 10 years), children under 16 must reapply for a new passport every 5 years—and they must appear in person with both parents, or the proper legal documentation must be presented. Renewing a child’s passport requires both parents’ consent and can be time consuming. For families planning summer vacations, it’s important to ensure children’s passports are up-to-date.
Double Check Visa Requirements by Destination
Many destinations require visas that may take days or weeks to obtain. eVisas are convenient, but still require advance planning. Before packing your bags, always verify the latest visa requirements for your destination to avoid complications. ItsEasy.com
Get a Passport Card as an Alternative to the REAL ID Driver’s License
Many people don’t realize that the U.S. passport card is a REAL ID-compliant alternative to a REAL ID driver’s license or state ID. It also allows U.S. citizens to re-enter the country by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries —a major bonus. While many are scrambling for DMV appointments and enduring long wait times to get a REAL ID, there’s a far easier option: if you already have a passport book, you can apply for a passport card from home using ItsEasy.com or the ItsEasy Passport Renewal & Photo App. Plus, you can renew your passport book and request the passport card at the same time. The passport card is a smart, affordable ($30) choice. It’s valid for 10 years (for adults), compact enough to carry in your wallet, and doesn’t include your home address—adding an extra layer of privacy. I personally like having two government-issued IDs, especially for travel—if I ever misplace my driver’s license, I’m not stuck without a valid form of ID to rent a car or pass through security. If you don’t have a valid passport book, you can still apply for a passport card through an easier process of going to the Post Office vs. DMV. ItsEasy.com has a popular and affordable Passport Prep Program to ensure these visits are scheduled and go well.
Make Digital & Physical Copies of Your Documents
In case of loss or theft, it is important to scan and email yourself a copy of your passport, visa, and travel itinerary, and keep a printed copy in your luggage. The U.S. Department of State encourages you to gather your required documents and make multiple copies in order to help you replace your originals in case of emergency.
Don’t Trust Ads from Fake Passport Renewal Sites
Watch out for misleading search ads that pose as official passport renewal services. Many of these sites overcharge, offer poor customer service, or are outright scams. Stick with trusted names like ItsEasy.com or official government websites (which end in .gov) for all your passport-related needs. Some deceptive websites include “Gov” in their name to appear legitimate, but they’re not affiliated with the government. These lookalike sites often charge unnecessary service fees just to fill out the same forms you can access for free on the official sites. Worse, using these scam sites entails handing over sensitive personal information to unverified third parties. Always double-check the web address before entering your information—and avoid sites that seem designed to confuse or upsell. There is a disparity in pricing between most online scammers and ItsEasy.com. For just the service fee alone, pricing for a 2-3 week and/or 4-6 week renewal could escalate to $250-$300+, compared to the ItsEasy app‘s $39.95 service fee.
Last-Minute Travel? Use an Expediter
If you need a passport in under 10-14 days, consider using an expediting service like ItsEasy.com. These services specialize in helping travelers secure emergency travel documents quickly, accurately, and without added stress. There are approximately 27 passport agencies in the entire country where individuals can attempt to get same-day or emergency appointments. That means most Americans may need to drive or fly long distances, sometimes booking hotel stays, just to obtain a passport in time.
For those who don’t have the time, flexibility, or desire to make that trip, a trusted expediter is a practical, efficient, and more cost effective alternative. When weighing your options, ask yourself: is it less effort to work with an experienced passport courier—or to spend hours in transit and hundreds on travel costs?
Check for Passport Damage
If your passport has torn up pages, water damage, dog bites, or even a missing cover, it may be considered invalid. It is important to inspect your passport for any signs of wear and tear and renew it if necessary, to avoid further issues. If you’re not sure if it’s damaged fully, you can contact ItsEasy.com; their passport experts can look at a photo of it to determine how the DoS will evaluate it (i.e. does it require a simple renewal or a personal appearance to apply for a new one?) There are different grades of damage and different requirements for each grade.
Make Sure You Have Enough Blank Pages
Many countries require at least two to four blank visa pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps and visas that occupy an entire page. Some may require two consecutive blank pages. Frequent travelers should consider renewing early to avoid running out of space, since the U.S. no longer allows adding pages to existing passports. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check your destination’s rules and ensure enough blank pages before traveling.
BONUS: Register with the US Embassy
Sign up with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register their trip abroad. Enrolling in STEP enables the DoS to reach you quickly in case of an emergency such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency. It will also provide real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country you’re traveling to abroad.
