A United States passport is still one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. As of 2024, a U.S. passport allows access to 184 countries, either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Make sure to regularly check the expiration date on your passport. It may be time for you to renew it. Here are 5 quick and useful tips to help you get the most benefit when renewing your US passport:
1. Online Passport Renewal Now Available
The U.S. State Department has just rolled out a new online renewal system to improve accessibility and speed up processing times.
2. Check Your Passport’s Expiration Date
Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Make sure to renew far enough in advance to avoid entry issues.
3. Consider Adding a Passport Card
When renewing, consider getting a passport card along with your booklet. It can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, The Bahamas, and some Caribbean islands, but not for air travel. It’s also a handy backup ID and can simplify replacing a lost or stolen passport.
4. Expedited Renewals for Emergency Travel
If you need a passport urgently, regional passport offices can issue one (by in-person appointment only) within hours if your departure is within 14 days. I’ve had great experiences at the Western Passport Office in Tucson.
5. Keep Your Passport Secure
Always keep your passport hidden and secure while traveling. Take a photo of the bio-data page and any visa pages, then back them up to the cloud for easy access if needed.
