Exploring Travel Possibilities With A New Passport

Travelling with a new passport can be a confusing process, especially if you have booked your trip with an old passport. In most cases, you can travel with a new passport, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, some countries require that your passport has a validity of six months before international travel, while others require three months. This rule is in place to prevent overstaying in a foreign country. Secondly, if you booked your trip with an old passport, you must inform the airline of the new passport details. This is an acceptable practice, and some airlines allow you to update your API (Advance Passenger Information) online. In some cases, you may need to carry both your old and new passports if your old passport has a valid visa.

Travelling with a new passport

Booking Travel with an Old Passport

It is possible to book flights using your old passport and then update the airline with your new passport details later. This is a common practice, and most airlines will allow you to update your passport information online or by contacting them directly. However, it is important to note that some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months before you depart for international travel. This requirement may be based on the date of your departure from or arrival in the country. Therefore, it is essential to renew your passport before it expires and to check the specific requirements of your destination country.

Informing the Necessary Parties

If you have booked your travel using an old passport, it is crucial to inform the airline of your new passport details. This is because your passport number is linked to your booking, and failing to update this information may result in issues when checking in or boarding your flight. Additionally, if you have obtained a visa using your old passport, you should also inform the relevant foreign country's immigration authorities of your new passport details.

Travelling with an Old and New Passport

In some cases, you may need to travel with both your old and new passports. This is especially important if you have a valid visa in your old passport, as you will need to present both passports upon arrival at your destination. It is also recommended to carry your old passport when travelling internationally, even if it has expired, as it can serve as additional identification and proof of your citizenship.

Renewing Your Passport

It is important to renew your passport before it expires to avoid any issues during your travel. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your departure or arrival. Renewing your passport typically involves completing the necessary forms, providing supporting documents, and paying the associated fees. The time it takes to renew a passport can vary, so it is recommended to renew well in advance of your travel dates.

Booking flights with an old passport

When booking a flight, you don't need to provide your passport number, only to fly. However, if a passport number is requested when booking, you can use your old one. It's meaningless as only the passport number entered when checking in for your flight matters.

Your old passport number won’t match the new one. When they go to check you in for an international flight, they physically swipe your passport on the keyboard and the system checks that everything matches. If it doesn’t, you will be flagged and asked for additional ID for check-in. Depending on the country you’re travelling to, you could be denied boarding. Especially if it’s somewhere that requires a visa prior to arrival. There’s also a high chance you will be denied boarding in the foreign country for your return flight. Passport numbers have to match the booking, not just name and picture.

That said, book the flight with the old passport, and when the new passport arrives, call the airline and have them change the passport number with the new one.

You don't need to call the airline to update your passport number. It can be updated when you check in.

You don't need a passport to book an international flight. You need a passport to board an international flight.

Travelling with two passports

Booking your flight

When booking your flight, use the name and passport details that match the passport you intend to use when entering and exiting your destination country. This is important to ensure that the airline knows you will be allowed to enter your destination. If you have different names on your passports, book your flight using the name on the passport you will use for that particular trip.

Checking in and boarding

At check-in, show the passport of the country you are travelling to. This is so the airline can verify that you will be allowed entry at your destination. At the gate, it doesn't usually matter which passport you show as long as it is valid for travel.

Immigration

When passing through immigration, show the passport for the country you are entering or exiting. For example, if you are flying from Country A to Country B, show your Country B passport on arrival. On the return journey, show your Country A passport.

Special cases

If you have the same name on both passports and both countries accept dual citizenship, you can simply follow the basic formula outlined above. However, if your names are different or if one or both countries do not accept dual citizenship, you may need to take additional steps.

If your names are different but your countries are ok with each other, show your passport that matches the name on your ticket, as well as the passport that proves you're allowed to enter the destination country.

If one or both countries do not accept dual citizenship, you may need to book a flight via a third country where you don't need a visa. This way, you can enter and exit each country with the appropriate passport without them knowing about your other citizenship.

Other considerations

• Some countries may have specific requirements for dual citizens. For example, Israeli-American dual citizens must enter and depart Israel using their Israeli passports. Always check the regulations for your specific countries before travelling.
• Immigration officers are aware of the possibility of multiple passports and are not concerned as long as you have valid documentation for entry and exit. However, they may ask questions if they notice you have multiple passports, especially if they are from countries that do not get along.
• Using two passports can be useful if you are running out of space for stamps in one passport, or if you have a visa in one passport but not the other.
• Always carry both passports with you when travelling, even if you only plan to use one. This is important in case you need to prove your right to enter or exit a country.

In summary, travelling with two passports is generally straightforward as long as you follow the guidelines outlined above and research the specific requirements for your countries of citizenship and destination.

Passport validity requirements

The validity of your passport is crucial when planning international travel, as it serves as your travel document and permits you to travel abroad. Typically, an ordinary passport is valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on your country of origin. However, it is essential not to assume that your passport is still valid and to check its expiration date before travelling.

The Six-Month Passport Rule

The majority of countries adhere to the six-month passport rule, which dictates that your passport must be valid for at least another six months from the date of your departure or arrival, depending on the country. This rule is in place to prevent overstaying in a foreign country and to ensure you can return home without complications.

Some countries, like the Bahamas, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, calculate the six-month period relative to the time of departure. Meanwhile, other countries, like the Central African Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United Arab Emirates, require your passport to have at least six months of validity upon arrival.

Three-Month Passport Validity

There are also countries that only require three months of passport validity. For instance, when departing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, or when travelling to Schengen countries, your passport only needs to be valid for three months from the intended departure date from the EU.

Other Passport Validity Requirements

In addition to the six-month and three-month rules, certain countries have their own unique requirements. For example, the Democratic Republic of the Congo only requires your passport to be valid until the day after your planned departure. The United States of America also has its own set of requirements.

Furthermore, some airlines may have their own policies, requesting that your passport be valid for six months after you leave your destination, even if the country itself does not enforce such a rule.

Exceptions to the Passport Validity Rules

There are a few exceptions to these rules. For instance, Paraguay allows entry as long as your passport is valid, regardless of the validity period. Additionally, countries with bilateral agreements may shorten or waive the six-month requirement. Therefore, it is always advisable to contact a representative office or embassy before your trip to confirm the specific requirements for your destination and nationality.

Renewing a child's passport

Passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years. You cannot renew your child's passport. If your child is under 16 and their passport has expired or will expire soon, you must submit a new application in person.

Step-by-step process for children under 16

• Fill out Form DS-11 and print it: Use the Form Filler tool to fill out your child's form on a desktop or laptop computer and then print it. Do not sign your child's form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee.
• Get evidence of U.S. citizenship (and a photocopy): Your evidence must be an original or replacement copy. The document must have the official seal or stamp of the office that issued it. You must submit one of the following documents for your child:

• U.S. birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport

Show your relationship to your child: You must submit a document that lists the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. Examples include:

• U.S. birth certificate (also evidence of U.S. citizenship)
• Foreign birth certificate
• Divorce or custody decree

• Get a photo ID (and a photocopy): Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID and a photocopy of it. If your photo ID is from a different state than the state in which you are applying, bring a second photo ID.
• Show more documents (if both parents or guardians cannot apply): If one or both parents or guardians cannot apply in person with their child, you will need to show more documents.
• Get your child's photo: You must provide one photo with your child's application. Do not attach or staple your child's photo to the form. The acceptance agent or passport employee will review the photo and staple it to your form.
• Pay the fees: When applying using Form DS-11, you will pay two separate fees - an application fee and an execution (acceptance) fee. You will pay the application fee to the U.S. Department of State, and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility that takes your application.
• Find a location to apply: If you are travelling in more than 3 weeks, go to a passport acceptance facility such as a post office, library, or local government office. Check with the facility to see if you need to make an appointment. If you are travelling in less than 3 weeks, make an appointment to apply at a passport agency or centre.
• Track your application status: You can subscribe to email updates about your application status, and learn more about each status update. It may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your child's application status is “In Process.”

Frequently asked questions