From NBC Universal:

Passport processing times are back to normal after big delays in 2023, making it less likely travelers will miss a trip because of a stalled renewal. However, another common passport snafu threatens to upend your trip overseas — involving passports that haven’t expired but are close to doing so. Many countries require several months of validity remaining on U.S. passports for travel or securing a visa, leading to possible travel denial.

Certain regions, such as the Schengen Area and many countries in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, require 90 days to six months of validity on U.S. passports for travel or visa entry. This means gatekeepers like border officials and some airlines can deny travel if your passport lacks the required validity, possibly costing you a vacation.

For travelers, it’s important to understand the validity requirements for U.S. passports in specific regions. Failure to comply could result in denied travel or additional visitation requirements, such as a visa at an extra cost.

When planning international travel, it’s crucial to carefully monitor your passport’s expiration date. While a U.S. passport allows tourists to stay for up to 90 days in Europe without a visa, certain countries may require a separate visa for entry. Travelers can find passport and visa requirements for specific countries on the State Department website.

Passport processing delays plagued many travelers last year due to an unprecedented volume of applications. The State Department has returned to pre-pandemic processing times, following a historic volume of applications. Despite the return to normal processing times, it can still take up to two weeks for travelers to receive their new passport after the government receives their application.

Passports generally cost $130 for adults, with additional fees for first-time applicants. The State Department considers a passport valid for 10 years, although travelers under 16 receive a five-year validity. Expedited processing and mailing time may incur additional fees and delays. The number of valid U.S. passports in circulation has almost doubled since 2007, with 48% of Americans currently possessing one.



Read more: Don’t let this passport quirk upend your next vacation