How Long Do Passports Last

Anyone traveling internationally is sure to need a passport. But how long do passports last? Passports typically have a shelf life of ten years for adults and five years for children.

When a passport is issued, a date of issue and a date of expiration is printed inside the cover page. Normally, a passport is valid for ten years for those aged 16 and older, and for five years for those that are 15 and younger on the date it was issued.

Note that the expiration of a passport does not mean that its holder cannot travel, the passport holder must be sure to renew their passport prior to the expiration date if they plan to use it for travel.

Travelers should also be aware of possible visa requirements for their destination country. A passport without a valid visa will not grant the holder access to a new country, even if the passport itself is valid. As with the passport, visas usually have a limited shelf life, too.

Time is of the essence when it comes to passports and visas. Both documents cannot be renewed if the passport has expired or if visa has expired. That means that those whose passports or visas have expired must apply for new ones. Depending on the destination, this process can take several weeks or months.

As a result, travelers should be sure to check the expiration date of their passport and any visas they’ll need well in advance of their planned travel date. That way, they won’t be stuck on the wrong side of the border should an expired passport or visa occur.

By keeping an eye on expiration dates, travelers can be sure to not get stranded from their destination. Whether a passport is issued for five years or ten years, it is always important to take note of the expiration date and take the necessary steps to renew it before its too late.