Returning to the US with a US Passport expiring within 6 months
If my US passport expires in November of this year (2020), and I want to travel in the UK beginning in March, will I need to renew to be able to board a plane back? I may be returning as late as May or June, so my passport would expire within 6 months when returning to the US.
Best Answer
You have an absolute right to enter the country of your citizenship. That's what citizenship means. They can punish you for lack of paperwork, but the punishment is civil, and can't include refusal to enter. However, they can detain you indefinitely while the proof of citizenship is obtained.
However, you cannot get on an airplane without proper documentation that meets the airline's and government's standard. So the "absolute right" is limited in practicality.
The passport needs to be merely "not expired" to fly home.
If you're doing a land crossing, an expired passport will work, but you should expect 5 lashes with a wet noodle.
If a citizen is doing a land crossing, a plain Real-ID, non-"enhanced" driver's license will also work, but expect 50 lashes with a wet noodle (comprising, in actuality, of some imposed delay and a stern lecture).
A citizen can show up at a land crossing with no documentation at all, but expect some delay while they confirm your identity. It will really help to have a good story.
I believe they have some actual civil penalties they can throw at you if you make a habit of it (they know).
Pictures about "Returning to the US with a US Passport expiring within 6 months"
Can I leave the US if my passport expires in 6 months?
Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check our Country Information to learn about entry and exit requirements for the country or countries in which you are traveling.Can I return to the US with an expiring passport?
Extension of Temporary Measure Allowing Return Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passport. U.S. citizens currently abroad whose passports expired on or after January 1, 2020, may be able to use their expired U.S. passport for return travel to the United States until June 30, 2022.Can I return to the US with a passport expiring in one month?
U.S. citizens currently abroad whose passports expired on or after January 1, 2020, may be able to use their expired U.S. passport for return travel to the United States until March 31, 2022.Can I get back into the US if my passport expires in 3 months?
Answer: Your passport is valid until the date of expiration. The only problem may be the entry requirements of the country or countries you plan to visit. Many countries require your passport have 3 to 6 months validity remaining before they will allow you to enter or issue a travel visa.6 Month Passport Validity Rule | Can I travel with less than 6 months left on my passport?
More answers regarding returning to the US with a US Passport expiring within 6 months
Answer 2
The UK does not have any minimum passport validity requirement other than that your passport is valid for the duration of your visit:
You must also:
…
- have a valid passport for the duration of your stay
You do not need to renew your passport for your proposed trip. Note that EU countries in the border free Schengen area do require 6 months validity for entry, but not for the whole proposed trip. Even if you want to visit France, for example, you don’t need to renew unless you enter less than 6 months before November.
Answer 3
You can return to the US as long as your passport is valid on the day of arrival. If your passport expires two months after you arrive, so much the better.
The US has a six month rule for the passports of certain foreign countries, but it does not apply to US passports. You should also check whether the countries you're visiting have similar rules. Many do, but the UK does not.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Stephen Taylor, Arturo Rubio, Giant Asparagus, Viktoria B.