passports - must wait 6 months before use...??

[joko]

is it true that when you get a new passport, you cannot use it for 6 months?

my sister seems to think this is the case.

my folks have just retired, and now want to start going abroad again.
they haven't had a passport for about 15 years to my knowledge.

there is no immigration issues here, they are aged 70 and 80 and have lived here all their lives.

any one know if this is a new rule?

thanks

[Oneeyedvic]

Nothing on the Passports site to indicate this - and nothing I have heard of in the news.

http://www.passport.gov.uk/general_howlong.asp

When travelling to some countries, you need to have a minimum of six months remaining on your passport - perhaps your sister is confusing it with that

[Ethel]

The passport is valid and can be used straight away.

[Joe_the_Lion]

You tell your sister that Joe_the_Lion says she is a very silly girl.

she may be confused in that you should seriously consider applying for a new one 6 months before the old one expires. Or that some countries may not let you in if there is a chance that you will over-run your expiry date.

[Solarjunkie]

The passport is free if you're over 75!
The downside is the cost of travel insurance; there have been several threads on here about that, RIAS and Help the Aged seem to win over Saga most of the time.
Bon voyage!