New Passport

[lgp1]

Hi,

We're taking our Granddaughter to Disney next September and would like any help on whether we should renew her passport before we go.

She had her passport done when she was four months old and she will be four years old when we go. Obviously there is no resemblance to her then and now, which is why we were wondering if we need to renew it.

Personally I think it should be ok but my wife thinks it should be renewed.

Thank you
Lyndon.

 

[2Tiggies]

It will be fine, but will be almost up for renewal by the time you travel. A child passport is only valid for 5 years so although you don't have to, I would just get it renewed. I think (unless it's changed) that they will add up to 9 months onto the new one if you renew early. You may want to get that confirmed.

My DD had her first passport pic taken when she was 2 weeks old but I only renewed it when I had to and although in my opinion there was no resemblance, not once were we questioned. Only once at Heathrow did one of the customs officials practically climb over the counter to have a good look at her face, but nothing was said. I then simply left it to expire and had a new one issued a few months before we travelled again the following year.

It's really your call but I would go ahead and renew it closer to the time.

Remember that her ESTA is linked to the passport number so if you or her parents want to take her to the US again, the ESTA which is no longer free, is valid for two years; but if she has to have a passport renewed in that period you/her parents would need to apply and pay for a new one.

 

[Elise79]

We just got back DD is nearly 3 we had her passport done at 6 mths old and looks nothing like the photo! We had no trouble at all but we did get a couple of comments like haven't you grown!

We won't be renewing it until it expires in 2 years as I think kids passports are over priced anyway.

 

[dixonsontour]

Yes i'd just renew as needed - don't worry about the picture.

We've been with DD aged almost 4 and of course her passport photo bore no resemblance to her as the picture was when she was 3 weeks old.

Just remember kids passports only last 5 years not 10 like an adult.

 

[disneyholic family]

typically airlines require that the passport be valid for another 6 months when you fly....so if her passport is valid for more than 6 months from the time you travel you should be ok..

 

[Mouseketeer1974]

As long as the passport has 6 months left on it I'd stick with the old one until you have to renew. At £50 per renewal every 5 years I leave my girls' as long as possible. My younger one has only just stopped using one which was issued when she was only a few months old and we've never had a problem.

Save the cash and spend it on your grandaughter in the parks!

 

[irisheyes123]

I wouldn't renew it my nephew is 11 in his passport photo and is 20 now never has any problem flying on it though he cant wait to change it next year as he gets slagged a lot over it

 

[lgp1]

Thank you everyone for your help

Lyndon.

 

[wayneg]

typically airlines require that the passport be valid for another 6 months when you fly....so if her passport is valid for more than 6 months from the time you travel you should be ok..

Majority of UK travellers are exempt from the 6 month rule. I have not come across an airline who requires it, some travellers have been mis-informed by phone by staff not knowing the correct rules but usually websites give correct info like Virgin:
"Passport required.
- Nationals of United Kingdom may enter with passports valid
for period of intended stay."

US Embassy info saying 6 month rule is waived.
"Passport Valdity
With the exception of passport holders of Brunei the requirement that a passport be valid for six months beyond the holders stay in the United States is waived. If your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires. Note: Citizens of Brunei are not covered by this ruling and must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months from the date on which they depart the United States, regardless of their proposed length of stay."

Unfortunately its far easier for airlines & travel agents to say there is a 6 month rule than give the correct info for each country.

 

[crabbie1]

Majority of UK travellers are exempt from the 6 month rule. I have not come across an airline who requires it, some travellers have been mis-informed by phone by staff not knowing the correct rules but usually websites give correct info like Virgin:
"Passport required.
- Nationals of United Kingdom may enter with passports valid
for period of intended stay."

US Embassy info saying 6 month rule is waived.
"Passport Valdity
With the exception of passport holders of Brunei the requirement that a passport be valid for six months beyond the holders stay in the United States is waived. If your passport is valid for less than 90 days, you will be admitted into the United States until the date on which the passport expires. Note: Citizens of Brunei are not covered by this ruling and must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months from the date on which they depart the United States, regardless of their proposed length of stay."

Unfortunately its far easier for airlines & travel agents to say there is a 6 month rule than give the correct info for each country.

A lot of People are still saying that this 6 month rule applies. I hope it isnt Wayne as I m going by your knowledge not to renew DB irish passport which will have 5 and half months left Shall I email US boarder to check

 

[wayneg]

A lot of People are still saying that this 6 month rule applies. I hope it isnt Wayne as I m going by your knowledge not to renew DB irish passport which will have 5 and half months left Shall I email US boarder to check

The only people who quote the 6 month rule are people who do not know we have an agreement with the US that makes us exempt from it. Details here(where I expect the Boarder Patrol would direct you to if you email) https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/905
Quote from that page
"As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the U.S., however, the U.S. has signed agreements with a number of countries to waive this requirement. When such an agreement is in place, the passport must be valid for the entire period of the visitor's intended stay, but the additional six month validity period is not required."
We are one of the countries included in that agreement. Full list of counties who have signed up to the agreement http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/104770.pdf

Some people have been given wrong info by the airlines or TA's, either by phone or email. This is because they have been told to give a standard 6 month rule answer. I had a discussion with a travel agent about it, she checked with her superiors who told her they gave the standard answer for all countries as its easier than finding out the correct info for each individual country.
Airport staff know the correct rules and that is why there is no problem on arrival.

 

[irisheyes123]

A lot of People are still saying that this 6 month rule applies. I hope it isnt Wayne as I m going by your knowledge not to renew DB irish passport which will have 5 and half months left Shall I email US boarder to check

My sisters irish passport was almost up when we went last june she had no problems at all with it...