Two recent items in the national media may be of interest to Seabrookers traveling overseas. The first is the Six Month Validity Passport Rule. Most countries require travelers who wish to enter their country to hold passports that have at least six months of validity remaining. The other one, reported by The New York Times, among other publications, has to do with the need for the new requirement for US citizens traveling to Europe beginning in 2021.
Six Month Validity Passport Rule
A passport doesn’t necessarily expire on the expiration date! Many countries accepting foreign visitors require passports be valid for as much as six months prior to entry. This is to ensure that you don’t overstay your passport validity. They may require 1, 3, 4, or 6 months validity (in addition to a visa in some cases). To check the countries where you will be traveling, click here. The requirements for passport validity may change, so check your country well in advance of your travel.
Most people can renew their passport by mail. Click here to see the requirement for renewing your passport.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Beginning January 1, 2021, US citizens will need an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to Europe. It is known as Europe’s travel authorization and will enable you to travel to any of the Schengen Zone countries if you plan to visit for less than 90 days.
The Schengen Zone was established by twenty-six European countries that have passport-free borders. Some of these countries are Spain, France, Greece, Germany, and Poland. Currently, citizens of the United States are not required to obtain an ETIAS but will need it after the January 1, 2021, deadline.
To learn more about the ETIAS Waiver for Americans countries click here. To see which countries are involved in the Schengen Area, click here.
As always, check with your travel agent or go online to confirm these requirements as well as any immunizations that may be required or suggested.
–Tidelines Editors
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