Before you head off for that international trip, make sure you check the expiration date on your passport. Even if it’s past the date of your return, you still might not be allowed to travel, depending on the country you’re visiting.
CBC News points out that many countries require a passport to be valid for a certain amount of time beyond the end of a visit to their country:
The rule is in place in order to ensure a visitor who unexpectedly needs to stay for a period longer than originally planned still has a valid passport to leave the country. Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the end of a stay.
So if your passport expires in 70 days, you might run into trouble on your way to France, which requires passports to be valid for 90 days after the return date on your ticket.
Though not a new rule, it’s something you might not know if you don’t travel globally often and think that your passport is valid because of the expiration date.
One couple in CBC News’ story lost thousands of dollars due to this issue, having to change their flights and cut short a dream vacation. To avoid having this happen to you, look up the country’s passport requirements before you travel there.
Be sure to visit the Smart Traveller website if you’re not sure.
Preventable Passport Problem Costs Family Thousands [CBC News]
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