Eight passport blunders to avoid

While forgetting your passport is a nightmare for international travel, many other passport details can also spoil your trip before you even arrive at the airport.

Here’s how to steer clear of eight frequent passport pitfalls.

Verify that your passport is valid for at least six months

A common oversight is not knowing about the six-month validity requirement. This guideline mandates that your U.S. passport must remain valid for a minimum of six months upon entry, irrespective of your stay duration. This is also why the U.S. State Department recommends renewing passports at least six months prior to expiration.

Most nations across the European Union, Asia, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Middle East, and the South Pacific follow this guideline; however, a few exceptions exist that necessitate passports to be valid for the intended duration of stay or for a period ranging from one to three months.

"During my visit to Romania a few years back, I was asked about the less than six months of validity on my passport," recounted a senior editor from TPG. "But I was aware it wasn’t a problem since Romania only requires a minimum of three months. I informed the gate agent, and they allowed me to pass."

Verify the current processing times for passports

Besides the six-month validity issue, the State Department advises travelers to renew their passports at least six months in advance to prevent delays in passport processing times; these times have remained unchanged since December 18, 2023.

"Routine passport processing typically takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service is 2-3 weeks," a spokesperson from the State Department previously stated, highlighting a return to processing times seen before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

The stated wait times do not account for mailing durations, so be sure to add a few extra weeks for the complete door-to-door period to receive your passport.

Consider opting for expedited service

If your travel plans are nonurgent and fall within six to eight weeks, you might want to choose expedited service through the State Department. This option accelerates your application for a faster turnaround of two to three weeks, plus mailing time.

"I have never regretted choosing to pay extra for any service that allows me to expedite the process," remarked a TPG project manager.

For those with urgent international travel plans, there are several options available. The most affordable choice is through the State Department, which offers a limited number of in-person appointments for two specific situations:

• Emergency situations — such as a death — that necessitate travel within 72 hours or three business days; travelers must provide proof of the qualifying event.
• Nonemergency situations that require travel within 14 days or a foreign visa within 28 calendar days; you must supply proof of travel for this.

Several third-party services provide expedited passport services, with processing times as fast as 24 hours. These services tend to be pricier and vary in cost depending on the type of passport request and urgency involved.

Be prepared for delays — and have a backup plan in place

Travelers heading to countries that also require a visa for entry should anticipate delays in receiving their passports back and consider having a backup plan.

Consider the experience of a TPG aviation reporter, for instance.

"Once you send your passport to an embassy for a visa to be added, don't expect it back according to your schedule," he advised. "Also, be prepared for the possibility of a last-minute, six-hour drive to the D.C. area to retrieve it from a remote mailing facility."

Make sure the name on your passport is up to date

Avoid foreseeable errors. For instance, a TPG senior business associate was turned away at the Chinese border because the middle name on her old passport did not match that of her current passport.

"Middle names must match exactly on your ticket, visa, and passport in Asia," she cautioned.

For name changes, the State Department requests that travelers submit their name change document (like a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if their current name differs from that on their latest passport.

Ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages

The State Department advises that some countries require passports to contain at least two to four empty pages for visas or stamps.

The department states, "Some airlines will deny boarding if this requirement is not fulfilled."

If you need additional pages, you must renew your passport book. A standard passport contains 28 pages, but you can opt for a 52-page book if you travel internationally often.

"On your passport application, choose the 'large book' option to receive a passport with extra visa pages," according to the State Department.

Additionally, keep in mind that visa stamps take up more space in your passport.

"I exhausted my pages due to numerous full-page country stamps, which left no room for others and hindered my ability to get full pages for visas," a TPG engineering manager explained. "Now, I stick post-it notes on the completely blank pages I have left that say 'Do not stamp.'"

Keep in mind that passports for children have specific requirements

There are three primary differences when applying for passports for individuals aged 16 and under:

• Both parents or guardians must be present when applying for the child's passport. If that's not feasible, the State Department mandates additional documentation.
• To renew your child's passport, you must use a specific form (DS-11).
• Children's passports are valid for only five years, compared to ten years for adult passports.

Safeguard your passport with a protective sleeve or case

Consider utilizing a protective sleeve or case to avoid damage to your passport, especially while traveling.

For instance, a TPG credit card managing editor faced a $500 fee to replace his Australian passport after spilling coconut oil on the photo page during a flight from Sydney to the U.S., leading the Australian government to void it.

"You are part of a lineage of all the passports that preceded you," he remarked.

To enhance protection, carry your passport in a plastic bag while traveling.

In summary

The State Department provides additional tips to help you avoid common passport errors:

• If you're renewing your passport, be sure to include your most recent passport with your application and attach a signed and dated DS-82 form.
• Complete every section of your passport application; do not leave any fields empty.
• For first-time applications or for children under 16, refrain from signing the form in advance; wait until instructed to do so in person.
• When renewing by mail, sign and date the application form upon completion.
• Pay close attention to the specified passport photo requirements.
• Check what the State Department recognizes as proof of U.S. citizenship.

Making sure your passport is valid and meets all necessary requirements is just as crucial as bringing it along on your journey.