You’ve found the perfect international getaway—but before you book those flights or start browsing resorts, take a minute to check your passport. Whether it’s your first time traveling abroad or your first trip in a while, passport delays or expiration surprises can derail even the best-laid plans.

At Grand Itinerary Travel, we’ve seen too many travelers get tripped up by timing and technicalities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you book.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Passport?

Processing times vary depending on demand and the season. As of now:

• Routine processing: 6–8 weeks
• Expedited processing: 2–3 weeks (for an extra fee)
• In-person urgent travel appointments: Limited and only available for emergencies within 2 weeks

Our advice: Always check current wait times through the U.S. Department of State and apply at least 3–4 months before your trip. Renewals take just as long as first-time applications!

Do You Have Enough Time Left on Your Passport?

This is one of the most overlooked issues we see. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

Here are a few examples:

• Mexico & Canada: Usually require passport validity through your departure date
• Europe (Schengen Area): Requires at least 3 months of validity from your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone
• Asia, Africa, and South America: Many countries follow the 6-month rule

Bottom line: If your passport is set to expire in the next year, it’s time to renew—just to be safe.

Should You Renew or Apply New?

You can renew your passport by mail if:

• Your most recent passport is less than 15 years old
• It’s in your current name (or you have documentation of the name change)
• You were at least 16 years old when it was issued
• You still have the old passport to send in

If any of these don’t apply, you’ll need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Common Passport Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some frequent issues we help travelers catch:

• Booking international flights before your passport is in hand
• Using an outdated passport photo (must be taken in the last 6 months with strict size and background rules)
• Signing your passport in pencil or incorrectly
• Traveling with a passport that was damaged or stained (water damage and torn pages can make it invalid)
• Assuming kids’ passports last 10 years (they don’t—they only last 5 years!)

How Grand Itinerary Travel Can Help

We don’t issue passports—but we do help make sure yours is ready to go. When you book your trip with us, we’ll:

• Remind you to check your passport validity
• Help you navigate the renewal or application process
• Refer you to trusted expedited services if needed
• Time your bookings around processing timelines

Peace of mind starts with preparation.

Final Thoughts

Your passport is your ticket to the world—but only if it’s valid, current, and ready when you are. Before you start booking international travel, let’s make sure this small but mighty document won’t cause big problems.

Need help planning your next adventure abroad?
Reach out to Grand Itinerary Travel today—we’ll guide you every step of the way.