Trying to make the best out of your vacation and already planning some much-needed international voyages but your passport has just expired? Wondering if you can still book a flight or travel with it?
Go ahead and read our article to find out the answer to this and some other questions you might have about expired passports and international flights.
Booking international flights with an expired passport
The general rule when it comes to booking flights is that identification documents usually come up only at around check-in time. So the actual booking process shouldn’t be any problem. However, when check-in comes around, you are required to show a valid form of ID.
When it comes strictly to international flights it has to be a passport. So if you’re booking an international flight today with an expired passport, make sure to apply for a new form of this identification document so that your check-in and your whole journey can go smoothly.
Where to next? Try these articles to learn more about passports:
- Passport Validity for Travel to India [2024 & Beyond]
- Passport Expiration Rules for Mexico: When Can You Travel?
- Passport Lost Before a Flight—Can You Still Travel? [And What to Do]
- Emergency Travel with an Expired Passport
- Lost Expired Passport—What Should You Do?
- Things You Need To Know About Passport Expiration For Minors
- Can Venezuelans Travel With Expired Passport?
International travel with a passport that is almost expired
There is one more thing that we need you to know about – when it comes to traveling, there are some expiry deadlines that you have to mind because if you pass them you cannot enter some countries. Below you can find out what these dates are for the most popular international destinations as well as what to do when your passport expires in less than 6 months.
Passport expiring in less than 6 months
Should you want to travel outside of the country, the 6-month mark is a time that you should start thinking about your passport renewal options, as some countries have strict rules about short expiry dates for passports.
Traveling to Mexico
If you’re thinking about going to Mexico for a short while you don’t have to worry about much when it comes to the passport’s expiry date. You will be granted access to enter even if your passport is just about to expire – it only has to be valid upon crossing the border.
But if you’re planning your stay for longer than 180 days (6 months), you’re going to be required to obtain a visa that can be found in your passport book. In this situation, it’s customary that your passport is valid during your whole visit.
The US embassy in Mexico will allow you to renew your passport during your prolonged stay should you need to.
Popular destinations around the world for American travels
Here you can find a list of other international destinations that Americans like to visit and what deadlines for your passport they hold:
- United Kingdom – your passport has to be valid during your whole visit;
- China – it has to be valid for additional 6 (six) months from the date of entry;
- Spain – the document has to be valid for additional 3 (three) months after you leave the country;
- Brazil – your passport just has to be valid upon entry;
- Thailand – it must be valid for additional 6 months from the date that you enter Thailand.
Passport Photo Online
Passport Photo Online is a tool to help you take your passport photos in no time. It allows as many retakes as you might need, and offers professional editing.
You can use this app fully from the comfort of your own home and get your photos delivered straight to your house – saving you some time to plan more international travels.
It’s also cheaper than the typical passport photo service at your local chain store (up to 50%).
Using Artificial Intelligence technology, Passport Photo Online makes sure that your new passport picture is correct according to the official guidelines of the US Department of State.
An expired passport and international flights – summed up
Can you book an international flight with an expired passport? Sure! Bookings don’t usually require any legal documents to be presented. Just make sure that your passport is fully prepared by the time you need to do check-in.
International flights and an expired passport: FAQ
Can I travel with my passport that expired just 6 months ago?
Yes, if the travel is inside the country. Should you want to travel internationally, you’re going to be required to have a valid passport with you.
Can I go outside of the US with an expired passport?
No, you can’t travel outside of the United States if your passport is expired. You can face serious consequences, such as getting detained at the border, etc. It’s much easier to obtain a new passport.
Sources
- [1] https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/international-travel/international-travel.jsp
- [2] https://www.alternativeairlines.com/passport-expiry-rules
Karolina’s passion for law, technology and photography led her to PhotoAiD S.A., where for the past 3 years she has been an expert in the implementation of passport photo compliance procedures in +80 countries around the world.
