Renewing passports?

[CJK]

My passport expires March, 2008. We are planning to go to Florida (flying from Toronto) this September and again in December. Therefore, it's time to renew!

I just went to the passport website, and they said that starting August 15th, there's a new simplified passport renewal program. Basically you won't need to fill out lengthy forms if you meet certain critiera. I fit all the criteria just fine, but I'm worried about one. It says that you must have had a valid passport for 5yrs. My passport doesn't expire until March /08, so does that mean my passport isn't valid for this program?

If it's not valid, should we just start the whole process over and just get new passports? I'm a little worried since our trips are fast approaching. Thanks for any insight.....

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

The website actually says that to be accepted for the programme, your previous passport "must have been valid for five years". I take this to mean that it has to be a "five year passport", not that it must have been issued at least five years ago. Therefore, as long as your passports aren't temporary and only good for a shorter period of time (i.e., issued in an emergency, or with only partial documentation, such as after birth), then you should be fine with the renewal process.

I probably wouldn't bother to do it, though, until after your trip in September...with Passport Canada's track record, I could see it taking a while to get all the kinks out of the system!

Have fun...two trips in the next six months...I'm jealous~

 

[bbangel]

If your last planned trip is in December and your passport doesn't expire until March, why are you renewing now? They won't refuse your passport unless you are returning after March.

 

[Claud26]

correct me if I'm wrong but, in order to fly into or in the US your Passport must not expiere within the next 6 months ...SO when they go in December the passport will only be Valid for 3 more months, SO less then 6 months, which means you can not use it to travel to the US.

 

[bbangel]

For a Canadian travelling to the US you only need a valid passport. No time restricition is mentioned.