When it comes to international travel, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the validity of your passport. In order to ensure a hassle-free trip, it’s important to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your return home. Learn more in this guide titled Know Before You Go: US Passport Validity & The 6 Months Rule.
This may seem like common sense, but it’s a rule that’s often overlooked. And while most countries don’t have any specific requirements when it comes to passport validity, some do have restrictions in place. For example, certain countries in the Schengen Area (a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their mutual borders) require that passports be valid for at least three months beyond the planned length of stay.
So, if you’re planning a trip abroad, be sure to check the passport requirements of your destination country before you go. And if your passport is due to expire soon, be sure to renew it well in advance of your trip.
To renew your passport, you may need to provide your most recent passport, a passport photo, and a fee. The process can take up to eight weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead.
New passports require proof of citizenship, usually in the form of a birth certificate. If you or a loved one needs a copy of your birth certificate or other types of Cook County vital records, West Suburban Currency Exchanges, Inc. can help you submit a request for the required documents. For assistance with Cook County vital records and other services necessary to prepare for your trip, visit West Suburban Currency Exchanges, Inc. today.
