passport dates

[dannyday5821]

Im going on holiday in feb 2011 - my passport expires june 2011 - is this going to be a problem?

how can i check? how do i know or find out?

is this easy enough to solve? how quickly can it be solved?

[redcrx]

where are you going to and is it a UK passport?

[welshlibranr]

I think it depends a lot on where you're going, but the general rule is that you should have at least 6 months before your passport expires..............

[askyourgran]

I agree with Welsh 6 months is usually accepted, but if you are going on a long-haul trip I would check with your travel agent.

[sherrardk]

Ring the passport office - they are open until 11pm.

[redcrx]

if worried, you can renew your passport before you go. I think you can do it up to 9 months before expiry and have the time added to new one.

[237SJ]

Where are you going?

[dotty.]

If you read the small print in the terms and conditions of your holiday, it will include any stipulations regarding passports relating to the rules of a particular destination.

[boxtops]

You've got plenty of time to renew it, better to do it now than wait until nearer your holiday, just in case.

[Buenchico]

The following assumes that you've got a British passport.

If you're travelling within the EU your passport is valid right up until the very last second of its nominal validity.

Among other countries which are popular with British tourists, only a few place restrictions upon passport validities. To check the information for a particular country, find that country here
http://www.fco.gov.uk...el-advice-by-country/
and look under 'Entry Requirements'.

As Redcrx indicates, you can renew your passport at any time. The unexpired period on your old passport (up to a maximum of 9 months) is added to the validity of your new passport:
http://www.direct.gov...ourpassport/DG_174096

Chris

[dannyday5821]

thanks for the help guys - im going to austrialia for 25 days - not a package holiday, with a friend who has a sister who lives there so we'll be staying with them

and yeah its a UK passport - were also stopping in Dubai and somewhere else i forgot where so i really need to get it sorted, think ill do it tommorow

how long does it usually take? 6 weeks? is the fast track system worth it? for paying extra?

[Buenchico]

If you're going to Oz you'll need either a visa or an 'eVisitor' (which is an electronic form of visa).

Since an eVisitor (which is your best option unless you're planning multiple visits or you've got criminal convictions with sentences totally 12 months or longer) is linked to your passport number you need to get your new passport BEFORE applying for the eVisitor:
http://www.immi.gov.a...ors/tourist/evisitor/

The standard passport renewal service takes about 3 weeks:
http://www.direct.gov...pplications/DG_174148

Oz doesn't require a minimum period of validity on your passport but many potential stopover countries (such as Singapore which I recommend if you can fit it into your schedule) do so.

Chris

[carmalee]

have just renewed my passport - have to say the passport office was efficient and I got it back within about three weeks. Don't think it's worth paying for fast track if you do it now - the non- expired time on your old passport will be added on to your new one. Oh yes, and I didn't pay to have the form checked at the post office prior to sending it off - figured I was as capable as the next person to read and fill in a form correctly! Was very, very careful though.Have a great trip.

[dzug2]

<<If you read the small print in the terms and conditions of your holiday, it will include any stipulations regarding passports relating to the rules of a particular destination.>>

It won't - it will say 6 months regardless of the rules. Tour operators always say this to protect themselves against getting it wrong.

[tezmand]

i just renewed mine it took 2 weeks bearing in mind my photos was sent back as they wasnt correct otherwise would of had it back in one week

[LCDMAN]

Just renewed mine. Posted Tuesday by Special Delivery, got my old passport back in the post on the Friday and the courier delivered my new one the following Monday - 5 working days after sending it off!