If you plan to travel to the U.S., one of the most important requirements you should check is the validity of your passport. Many travelers are unaware that the United States requires a passport to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.
If your document is close to expiring, you could face problems boarding the plane or even be turned away at the port of entry. Here’s what to do if your passport expires in 6 months.
Six-month rule: What is it?
The so-called “six-month rule” establishes that to enter the United States, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to leave the country. This rule seeks to ensure that the traveler has a valid document for the duration of his or her stay, even in case of unforeseen circumstances.
However, there are important exceptions. The United States has agreements with several countries (such as Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Chile, among others) through the so-called “Six Month Club”, which allows citizens of those countries to enter the country with a passport valid until the exact date of departure, without requiring an additional six months of validity.
What happens if your passport is about to expire?
If your passport expires within the next six months and you are not a citizen of an exempt country, you may have difficulty:
Boarding the plane: Many airlines check the validity of your passport before allowing you to fly. If your document does not meet the requirements, you may be denied boarding.
Passing through immigration in the U.S.: Even if you manage to board, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may prevent you from entering the country.
Applying for a visa: If you plan to apply for a tourist visa (B1/B2), and your passport is about to expire, you may be asked to renew it before proceeding.
What is recommended?
Buzzy
The official recommendation of the U.S. State Department and embassies is clear: renew your passport if it is due to expire in less than six months, even if you belong to an exempt country, to avoid any setbacks.
See also the updated “Six Month Club” list to confirm if your country is included and what are the specific conditions.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
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