Washington DC, 8 April 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) Department of State has reminded US citizens who plan to travel abroad in the near future to check their passport expiration dates before booking their flights.

Many countries around the world require passports to be valid for six months beyond the dates of the traveler’s trip. Therefore, it is important to check your passport’s expiration date before making any travel arrangements.

The six-month rule is in place to ensure that travelers can return to their home country without any issues. It is also a precautionary measure to ensure that travelers have a valid passport for the duration of their trip.

If a traveler’s passport is set to expire during their trip, they may be denied entry into their destination country, or even face deportation.

“Checking the expiration date of your passport is one of the most important steps in planning an international trip,” stated the US Department.

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“We want to make sure that US citizens are aware of this requirement, so they can avoid any issues while traveling abroad.”

To renew a passport, US citizens can visit a US Department of State Passport Agency or US Embassy or Consulate. They can also renew their passport by mail or through a passport expediting service.

The Department of State also reminds US citizens to be aware of the entry requirements of their destination country, including visa requirements, vaccination requirements, and any other travel restrictions.

Travelers should also be aware of any travel advisories issued by the US government for their destination country. Where are you travelling? Learn about your destination here.

In addition, travelers should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy or Consulate about safety conditions in their destination country, and to help the US Embassy or Consulate contact them in an emergency.

Travelers are urged to plan ahead and check all travel requirements before booking their trip. By taking these steps, travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable international travel experience.