Introduction
Hi readers,
Do you have an upcoming international trip planned? If so, you’ll need to make sure your passport is up to date. But how long is a passport good for? The answer depends on a few factors, but in general, most passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about passport validity, including how to renew your passport and what to do if you lose it.
Passport Validity Periods
The validity period of a passport varies from country to country. Here are some examples:
United States
US passports are valid for 10 years for adults (age 16 and older) and 5 years for children (under age 16).
Canada
Canadian passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
United Kingdom
UK passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
Australia
Australian passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
New Zealand
New Zealand passports are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the general rule that passports are valid for 10 years. For example:
Emergency Passports
Emergency passports are issued to citizens who need to travel urgently due to an emergency, such as a medical emergency or a family emergency. Emergency passports are typically valid for only a few months.
Official Passports
Official passports are issued to government officials and diplomats. Official passports are typically valid for longer than regular passports, often for up to 5 years.
Diplomatic Passports
Diplomatic passports are issued to diplomats and their families. Diplomatic passports are typically valid for as long as the diplomat is assigned to a foreign country, which can be for several years.
How to Renew Your Passport
If your passport is about to expire, you will need to renew it. You can renew your passport by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. The process takes about 4-6 weeks, so be sure to start the process well in advance of your travel date.
To renew your passport by mail, you will need to complete the DS-82 form and submit it along with your old passport and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
To renew your passport in person, you will need to bring your old passport, a completed DS-82 form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to a passport acceptance facility.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport
If you lose your passport, you will need to report it to the US Department of State as soon as possible. You can report a lost passport online or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Once you have reported your passport lost, you will need to apply for a new passport. You can apply for a new passport by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility. The process takes about 4-6 weeks, so be sure to start the process well in advance of your travel date.
Passport Validity Table
The following table provides a summary of passport validity periods for some of the most common countries:
| Country | Adult Passport Validity | Child Passport Validity |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 10 years | 5 years |
| Canada | 10 years | 5 years |
| United Kingdom | 10 years | 5 years |
| Australia | 10 years | 5 years |
| New Zealand | 10 years | 5 years |
| Emergency Passports | A few months | A few months |
| Official Passports | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years |
| Diplomatic Passports | As long as the diplomat is assigned to a foreign country | As long as the diplomat is assigned to a foreign country |
Conclusion
I hope this article has answered your question about how long a passport is good for. If you have any other questions about passports, please visit the US Department of State website.
And while you’re here, be sure to check out our other articles on travel, including:
- How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- The Best Travel Destinations for 2023
- How to Save Money on Travel
FAQ about How Long is a Passport Good For
How long is a US passport valid for?
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Adults: 10 years
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Children under 16: 5 years
How long are passports good for in other countries?
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Australia: 10 years
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Canada: 10 years
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EU countries: 10 years
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India: 10 years
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Japan: 5 years
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Mexico: 10 years
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UK: 10 years
Does my passport expire on my birthday?
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No, your passport expires on the date printed on the passport, regardless of your birthday.
What happens if I travel with an expired passport?
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You may be denied entry to the country you are visiting.
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You may be charged a fine.
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You may be detained or deported.
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
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Yes, you can renew your passport up to 9 months before it expires.
How do I renew my passport?
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You can renew your passport by mail or in person.
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You will need to submit a completed application form, a recent passport photo, and the required fee.
What if I lose my passport?
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Report the loss to the nearest US embassy or consulate.
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You will need to apply for a new passport.
What if my passport is stolen?
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Report the theft to the police and the nearest US embassy or consulate.
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You will need to apply for a new passport.
Can I get a passport in an emergency?
- Yes, you can apply for an emergency passport if you need to travel urgently.
- You will need to pay an additional fee and provide proof of your urgent travel.
