Avoid Making These 5 Surprising Passport Mistakes

Your next international vacation should be full of excitement, magical moments, and unforgettable stops at the most extraordinary restaurants, shops and destinations the world has to offer.

The last thing you need, then, is to show up at the airport simply to get turned away due to an expired passport, or even too many stamps in your book. (Who knew?!)

Check out these five surprising passport mistakes you'll want to avoid making so you can reach your destination (and return home) with no problems at all!

Mistake #1: Not Checking the Expiration Date

This doesn't even just mean a passport long since expired. Some countries only accept passports that won't expire for six months or more. So if you have four months left till your expiration date, it's probably safer to get a new one than be turned away at the gate!

Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Apply

It's pretty common knowledge that passports take forever to receive and/or renew, but with all the stress of a trip, this important detail can sometimes be forgotten. In general, passports take at least six weeks to arrive on time. If you require it sooner, expedited services will cost $60 and take about three weeks.

Need it even sooner than that? Check out this page to learn how to book an appointment at a passport agency or center.

Mistake #3: Not Correctly Filling Out the Form

We've all made some typos here and there, but an error on your passport application will result in a missed flight. Even if the printer was to blame, you'll still need to correct it before heading through security. The bright side? The correction process is free. You’ll just need a DS-5504 form that you can either mail in or fill out online. 

Mistake #4: Not Updating Your Name After a Change

Legally changed your name recently? Passports don't automatically update, so you'll have to go through the renewal process. You'll need to use a passport renewal form (DS-82), submit a color passport photo, an official document showing your name change, and your current passport (plus the fees that go along with it). We suggest ensuring you’re eligible for the DS-82 form.

If it's been less than a year since your passport with your old name was issued, you might be able to update for free with the DS-5504 form.

Mistake #5: Having Too Many Stamps

Who knew that being a world traveler can have its downsides? Though you're very lucky to have so many stamps in your book, some countries require you to have two to four blank pages in your passport.

Mistake #1: This happened to me personally 4 years ago when traveling from the States to England, then on to Paris. Everything was great until I tried to go through passport control in Paris to return to London. Apparently France requires that there is at least 6 months remaining on the passport in order for it to be current... mine had a month! And boy they certainly gave me the tenth degree by drilling me on where I was going, how long I would be staying and when I would be returning back to the States... the funny thing is they let me into France! Finally after missing our Eurostar Train, they let me pass... so always be aware of the countries you're traveling in and out when it comes to what their requirements are.

If you love traveling as much as we do, make sure you're always on top of your passport status to avoid any mishaps at the airport and reach your destination as soon as possible and without any stress or headaches! 

Until Soon ~ Happy Travels!!

Your friend in travel ~ Sheem