September is National Passport Month. An article by Link NKY shares tips and resources from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for international travelers.
AAA is reminding travelers to check passport expiration dates, review entry requirements for their destinations and renew travel documents well ahead of international trips. This is important because the U.S. State Department estimates routine passport processing takes four to six weeks after the application is received, excluding mailing time which can take up to two weeks.
Here are a few other helpful tips:
Check how long your passport is valid. Passports issued to people 16 and older are valid for 10 years, while passports for children under 16 are valid for five years.
Review your destination’s validity requirements. Some countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel, meaning a passport may need to be renewed before its listed expiration date.
Have proper documentation. New applicants generally need to submit a birth certificate, while those renewing may need to submit their current or expired passport.
Track your application. Travelers who apply in person or renew by mail can monitor their passport application status online through the U.S. State Department.
Did this blog post inspire you to check your passport expiration date? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if your travel documents are up to date.
