How come Canadian Passports might not be accepted 6 months before they expire?

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My Passport and my Mom's Passport are set to expire in February 2008 and my Dad's in March 2008. We found out threw the news and etc that United States Customs officialls might not accept Passports that are 6 months away from their experation date. So because of that my family and I are going to fill out the online form and everything to get our new Passports, because they say that way makes the process go a lot faster. So we will be ok when driving this August to WDW and flying there this December. However what I don't get is if our Passports might not be accepted 6 months prior to their experation date, what is the point of having an experation date?

 

[tone.def]

Ask the country you're travelling too. Some countries only require 3 months.

 

[ChisJo]

I was going to Asia for 2 weeks for a trip with my best girl friend. My passport was set to expire in 6 months, and they almost didn't let me over the border because of that. It took a lot of convincing to explain that we were only going there for a couple of weeks, but truthfully, had I known about that, I would have gladly replaced it before going because it wasn't fun to deal with that - the stress wasn't worth it!

 

[maryliz]

I don't think you'd have a problem with the USA right now. I know plenty of people that have crossed with a passport within that 6 month expiry window. I personally wouldn't spend the $$$ early right now for a trip to only the USA ... overseas yes.

I agree that it's ridiculous that a 5 year passport is only good for 4 1/2 years ... but since it has nothing to do with our govt, but instead the govt of the country we wish to travel to, we have no say in it. If we want to travel, we must abide by their rules. But this example is something we could use to address our own gov't when lobbying for 10 year passports instead of 5. The 6 month expiry wouldn't seem so bad after 9 1/2 years.

 

[misslissa]

As a TA, I can tell you... it is rediculous to travel anywhere with a passport expiring in 6 months. Most countries won't accept it as being valid... because world situations can change.

So, just get it updated. A passport is only really valid for 4 1/2 years.

Check with Passport Canada to be sure... and for all the details.

http://www.pptc.gc.ca/

 

[misslissa]

I don't think you'd have a problem with the USA right now. I know plenty of people that have crossed with a passport within that 6 month expiry window. I personally wouldn't spend the $$$ early right now for a trip to only the USA ... overseas yes.

I agree that it's ridiculous that a 5 year passport is only good for 4 1/2 years ... but since it has nothing to do with our govt, but instead the govt of the country we wish to travel to, we have no say in it. If we want to travel, we must abide by their rules. But this example is something we could use to address our own gov't when lobbying for 10 year passports instead of 5. The 6 month expiry wouldn't seem so bad after 9 1/2 years.

Quite true

But, I'm 100% sure there'd still be people who would complain about 9 1/2 years.

 

[Belle1997]

Ok I am trying to find out what the requirements are. Now we will be driving to buffalo so technically we only need birth certificate and driver license. And flying out of buffalo.

Mine Expires March 8th 2008 and Flying out September 16,2007. Really do not want to go through the hassle of a new passport. How can I know for sure what the requirements are.

Thanks

 

[kg66]

As the TA posted, don't take a chance RENEW it! Check the passport web page guidelines. I'm a limousine driver and we take people from the Windsor/Essex County area over to Detroit Metro Airport everyday, and I have had people interrogated for their reasoning as to why they wouldn't renew their passport knowing that it expires in 6 months! Customs Officers can and will send you back, no skin off their back, they're just doing their job! Don't take a chance to ruin your vacation!

 

[misslissa]

See the website above. It is Passport Canada. There is also a phone number there that you can call. They will be the only ones who can say for sure.

 

[Belle1997]

Ok went to the site, of the above poster for answer to my questions.

this is the info I got should clear up some issues:

If I enter the US by land without a passport, will I require a passport to board a US domestic flight (i.e. Buffalo to Orlando)?
No, the new US passport requirement applies to passengers on international flights only. Passengers boarding US domestic flights are not legally required to have a passport, however, all passengers must show proof of their identity. We recommend you contact your airline to determine their identification requirements.


If I travel by air, does my passport need to be valid for any length of time prior to the date of my entry into the US?
No, as long as the passport is valid the day you return to Canada.


Will travellers need a passport to enter or re-enter Canada?

Canadian entry requirements have not changed. If you are Canadian, you do not need a passport to enter or re-renter Canada.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a new American law that requires, for now, that all AIR travellers, including Canadians, carry a valid passport, or a Nexus Air Card when travelling to the United States from within the western hemisphere including Canada.

Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security requires that airlines demand that traveler present a valid passport, or a Nexus Air Card to board a plane.

The U.S. Government has assured Canada that it is not the intention of WHTI or APIS to prevent Canadians from returning to Canada.



So for now I am not wasting money on a new passport.

Since we are flying out of Buffalo and my passport is still good five months after I get back

 

[bavaria]

Quite true

But, I'm 100% sure there'd still be people who would complain about 9 1/2 years.

AGREED! some people will find the negative in anything

My EU/German passport has a 10 year expiry; last time I flew from Germany it was due to expire 5 days after the flight. I was asked by the LH agent and advised that my new passport would be arriving shortly at my local consulate, so no issue

 

[calliemom]

As a TA, I can tell you... it is rediculous to travel anywhere with a passport expiring in 6 months. Most countries won't accept it as being valid... because world situations can change.

So, just get it updated. A passport is only really valid for 4 1/2 years.

Check with Passport Canada to be sure... and for all the details.

http://www.pptc.gc.ca/

Actually you need to contact U.S. Customs! I recently received an emailed response to a similar question and their response was as follows:
"The 6 month validity of passports regulation does not apply to Canadian Citizens".

 

[surfer_ed]

Do you think I will be OK for the Bahamas? My DD passport expires next year...right around 6 months after our scheduled trip on the Wonder.

Since kid's passports expire after only 3 years, that makes them expensive if they are really only good for 2.5????

 

[calliemom]

Do you think I will be OK for the Bahamas? My DD passport expires next year...right around 6 months after our scheduled trip on the Wonder.

Since kid's passports expire after only 3 years, that makes them expensive if they are really only good for 2.5????

I would contact the Bahamian consolate to verify the validity of the passport and the amount of time a passport needs to be valid for.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I've always been confused by the fact some countries turn you away if you have 6 months or less remaining on your passport but at the same time this is direct from Passport Canada's website:

"Generally, bearers of valid passports cannot apply for a new passport until the remaining validity on their current passport is six months or less."