Can you still travel to the US on an expired passport?

In 2020, the US authorities introduced in a brand new rule to assist travellers. It was designed to take away a barrier to journey, at a time when assessments, paperwork and quarantining made taking a flight a annoying course of.

However that rule has lately been revoked, that means US passport holders ought to urgently test their paperwork.

US passport validity rule scrapped

Through the pandemic, the US State Division dominated that US passport holders may journey on expired passports.

The coverage utilized to passports which expired on or after 1 January 2020.

This rule was initially supposed to finish in March of this yr, however it was then prolonged till 30 June.

It was created on account of “unprecedented [passport] appointment backlogs“. In 2021, some passengers needed to wait so long as 18 weeks to get their passports.

However as of 1 July 2022, the State Division introduced, these returning to the US should maintain a sound passport so as to get past border checks.

“In case your passport has expired, please contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate to use for a US passport,” the State Division mentioned in its web site replace.

The right way to renew a US passport

In case your US passport is because of run out quickly, the federal government recommends filling out your renewal utility kind as quickly as doable. That is particularly vital if the nation you’re going to requires your passport to be legitimate for a minimum of 6 months for entry or departure.

Nations like Australia and Canada require your passport to be legitimate for the size of your keep, whereas others akin to China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey want a minimum of six months.

How lengthy do US passport functions take?

The US State Division estimates that it takes eight to 11 weeks to course of a passport utility for the time being.

But when your journey is quick approaching, you possibly can pay $60 (€60) to get it expedited in 5 to seven weeks.

How are the brand new US passports totally different?

In case you’re after a renewal, your subsequent US passport is likely to look different to your previous one. There are improved options on this one.

Referred to as the ‘Subsequent Era Passport’ (NGP), this new iteration of the traditional model has enhanced security measures. This features a “polycarbonate knowledge web page, laser-engraved personalisation, and up to date paintings.”

And your earlier picture shall be remodeled right into a laser-engraved, black-and-white picture, with the web page itself set to grow to be extra sturdy.

It’s additionally price taking into consideration that the brand new US passport is dearer – at $165 in complete, $20 (€20) greater than earlier than the pandemic, when it was $145.