Vault Guardian renewal education
My passport expires in a few weeks — can I still travel?
You just noticed your passport expires soon and you have a trip coming up. Whether you can travel depends on your destination — and on how fast you act.
You just noticed your passport expires soon and you have a trip coming up. Whether you can travel depends on your destination — and on how fast you act.
The 6-month rule (and where it applies)
Most of Europe (Schengen zone), most of Asia, and much of Latin America require your passport to be valid at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
Airlines will deny boarding at check-in if you don't meet this rule — even if your destination technically allows entry. They're liable for your return flight if the country turns you away.
Countries that only require validity 'through your stay'
Canada, Mexico, the UK, Ireland, and most Caribbean destinations only require your passport to be valid through your return date.
Always verify on the U.S. State Department's country information page before booking.
How fast you can actually get a new passport
Routine: 6–8 weeks. Expedited: 2–3 weeks (+$60). Urgent travel appointment at a passport agency: 1–14 days, but you must show proof of international travel within 14 days.
Private expediting services can turn it around in 24–72 hours for $200–$800, but the government appointment is still required.
If your trip is in less than 2 weeks
Book a Passport Agency appointment at travel.state.gov the moment you know. Slots open daily at 8am ET and get taken within minutes.
Bring: printed itinerary, proof of payment, old passport, new photo, DS-11 or DS-82, and payment. Missing one item = rescheduled = missed trip.
VaultGuardian pings you 90, 60, and 30 days before your passport expires — so 'do I have enough time?' is never the question.
Download Vault Guardian to track renewals at 90, 60, and 30 days.