"Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond date of return"..

[240sxer]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

[Lizy]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

My B/f had problems entering to Hong Kong because of this.
I would suggest to have your passport valid of at least six months before you travel.

[sillysimms]

It depends which country you are going to and what country you are a citizen of. For travel to some countries, yes your passport must meet the 6 month rule.

If you're going to the States (and you are a Canadian citizen - or a citizen of another country listed on the "exempt" list at the link below), you're exempt from the 6 month rule and only need the passport to be valid for the intended length of your stay. This is the info from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (in case you're travelling to the U.S.):

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf



And from Passport Canada:
http://www.pptc.gc.ca/support/faq.aspx?lang=eng&id=1102

"Does my passport need to be valid for a specified length of time prior to the date of entry into the United States?

No, as long as the passport is valid the day you return to Canada."

If it's another country you're travelling to, you need to check their requirements.

[Jay1234]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

Most asian countries really enforce this rule, I know of a few colleauges that got refused when trying to travel to Tawian.

It doesn't take that long, just get it renewed!

[3weddings]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

Seriously?? You would rather be detained than go through the headache of RENEWING your passport???

It's a simple renewal.....easy!!!

For more Passport info read this AMAZING thread!!
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...hours+passport

[molala]

It won't be the country that hold against you..it would be the airline here..that means..you wouldn't even get the chance to board your plane. Why? Because the immigration will fine the airline if they allow you to board the plane without a valid passport for 6 months upon departure. Now, go renew your passport

[ottawasportsfan2010]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

Yes alot of cases the rule is taken very serious.Aslo in some cases its not just a slap on the wrist they will hold you and or refuse entry.

[3weddings]

Adding that my husband renewed his passport in Ottawa and was in and out in less that 5 minutes using that link!! he was at his desk (after putting his app in at the British Consulate) by 930 am in Gatineau!!! So time shouldn't affect you!

[jassy]

It really depends on the country. I left for Peru and Bolivia when my passport was 5 months from expiring and returned to my home country a month later and no one asked or cared. However, I had 4 months remaining on my passport when I came home, you are cutting it close with only 1 day remaining. I would just renew your passport in your situation.

[Talamasca]

I see this rule when I'm booking my ticket. I'm due to return Nov. 28th, my passport expires March 29th, 2009. How serious is this rule? I really dont think I have the time (or wish to go through the headaches) of renewing my passport. Are the other countries really going to hold this against me?

Why risk it? Renewal is easy enough. You want a headache? Try being detained in a country that rejects your passport. You'll be telling horror stories for years to come.