While your passport is crucial for traveling, it can also hamper you from getting certain jobs or visas. It’s not just the country you are trying to visit that matters; other countries also have their entry requirements for passports as well. For instance, some countries require passports to be valid for six months and others demand a minimum validity period of three years. If you want to travel but your passport is about to expire soon, here’s what you need to know. Do you have a regular passport? Does your country issue regular passports? If not, what are the differences between a standard and an international passport? These are all important questions so let’s take a look at them one by one.
What is the difference between a regular and an international passport?
When you apply for a regular passport, you are applying to the country where you currently reside. When you apply for an international passport, you are applying to the country where you will be travelling to next.In addition to these two passports, other countries issue special passports. For example, the British Passport Office (BPPO) offers passports for travel to countries that are members of the European Union (EU). These passports are called British Continuity passports.Besides these five common passports, some countries also issue diplomatic passports. These passports are issued by the country’s diplomatic missions to other countries. They are called diplomatic passports because they are not transferable to other countries.
How to renew your passport before it expires
If your passport is about to expire, the first thing you should do is visit your local BPPO office and renew your passport. The passport renewal fee varies depending on the country you are renewing in so you should always visit the nearest BPPO office.When you visit the BPPO office, you can also get a new passport book with an updated passport photo. You can also get a new passport card with an embedded chip.
How to get a diplomatic passport if your country issues both
If your country issues both regular and diplomatic passports, there are two ways that you can get a diplomatic passport. You can apply for a diplomatic passport at the country’s embassy or you can apply for a diplomatic passport at the United Nations (UN) in New York.The embassy application process is normally straightforward. You will need to submit an application form and pay the required fees to the embassy. The embassy will then conduct a background check on you and decide if you are eligible for the passport.The UN application process for a diplomatic passport is a little different. You will need to fill out an application form at the UN. Then, you will need to send the application form and the required documents to the country’s foreign ministry.
How to get an emergency travel document if your passport expires soon
Emergency travel documents are issued by the government of a country to citizens who need to travel quickly. Before you apply for one, you should check if your country issues them.In some cases, emergency travel documents can also be issued as a result of an emergency situation (e.g. a natural disaster, war) in the country where you currently reside.You can apply for an emergency travel document at the nearest embassy, the UN or the BPPO. To get an emergency travel document, you will need to provide your passport details, a hotel or flight booking, a medical report and pay a processing fee.
Things to consider before travelling with expired passport
Even if you renew your passport before it expires, it will still be valid for just six months. When travelling with a passport that is about to expire, you should always carry a photocopy of your passport’s data page and the new passport photo page.You should also carry a different ID card with you so that you don’t get stopped by police officers. You should also be extra careful when you are in airports, train stations and border crossings.
Tips for travellers – while you wait for your new passport to arrive
While you wait for your new passport to arrive, you should always carry your expired passport with you. You should also keep a photocopy of your old passport and the data page of your new passport with you.If you are stopped by the police, you should be able to show the authorities your photocopies and show your expired passport to prove that you are a genuine traveler. Similarly, if you are stopped by immigration officials, you can show them the new passport to get into the country.
Final Words
The passport is one of the most important documents that you will ever have. It not only lets you travel internationally, but also gives you the right to enter a country. However, if your passport is about to expire, you should renew it before it is too late.Fortunately, renewing your passport is usually quick and easy. But if you have to wait for your new passport to arrive, you should read these tips so that you are prepared when your new passport arrives.
