6 Common Passport Mistakes You Should Never, Ever Make
Few feelings compare to the excitement of embarking on a big international trip. After months of researching and booking an itinerary, the time for the adventure finally arrives.
But that joy quickly disappears if you can't actually get to your destination. We've all heard passport horror stories ― surprise requirements, forgotten name changes, denied boarding, issues at the border, etc.
To help you avoid this fate, we asked experts to break down the most common passport mistakes and how to keep these issues from ruining your vacation.
'One of the biggest mistakes we hear about time and again is not understanding when someone should actually be renewing their passport,' Katy Nastro, a travel expert and spokesperson for the Going travel app, told HuffPost. 'Many people assume that if they have a month or so left before the expiration date, they can still travel the world, but in most cases, they cannot.'
Most countries require that your passport be valid for a certain duration beyond the dates of your trip. The length is usually three or six months, though there are outliers, but either way, you'll want to make sure yours is good to go.
'The best advice is to check well in advance of your trip to ensure you can enter the country you intend to fly to so you don't get turned away upon arrival or worse, denied boarding the flight over altogether,' Nastro added.
'A rule that many travelers miss is needing an adequate number of blank pages in their passport,' said David Alwadish, the founder and CEO of the passport and visa concierge service ItsEasy.com. 'Some countries require these for stamps or visas. Travelers should check their destination's rules and ensure they have enough blank pages before traveling.'
The requirements vary, but lots of popular destinations call for one or two empty pages. Some even require three, so experts advise making sure you have at least four blank pages, especially if you're an avid traveler with a passport that's close to expiring. Remember that even just one stamp means a page is not blank.
'If you're looking to travel internationally in 2025 or are toying with the idea of international travel in the next few years, send your passport in now,' Nastro advised. 'Just as driving a car requires a license, a passport is a non-negotiable for international travel. Do your future globetrotting self a favor and take care of it even without any trips planned.'
'The passport could also have the wrong last name ― for example, if you forgot to change your name when you got married and it still has the maiden name, or you got divorced recently,' Alwadish said.
It's understandable that this might happen. After all, big life changes like planning a wedding or dealing with the end of a marriage consume a lot of time and energy.
But try to carve out a little time to confirm your name change is accurately reflected on all necessary documents. Otherwise, you might face some issues at the airport or international borders.
'You should make sure your passport isn't damaged, in which case they'll turn you away,' Alwadish noted.
The U.S. Department of State notes that travelers should replace their passports in the case of water damage, torn-out pages, 'a significant tear,' unauthorized markings on the personal information page or a hole punch. Normal 'wear and tear' like a bend in the book or fanning of pages after regular use is fine, however.
So, if your dog chewed up your passport or your child scribbled all over the data page, you'll need to submit the damaged book, along with a signed statement explaining the condition and the typical passport application paperwork, to the State Department to get a new one.
'Understand whether or not you need visas or electronic travel authorizations, and how long those are valid for,' Nastro advised. 'I used to travel to Australia quite frequently, and one time I almost forgot my ETA to enter and had to scramble to apply and hope it made it within the hour of boarding my flight. Luckily it did, but trust me ― you don't want to play that game!'
Many countries require international visitors from visa-exempt countries to apply for these special authorizations, which usually involve paying a small fee. Earlier this month, the United Kingdom implemented a new ETA with a fee of 10 pounds. The European Union is reportedly planning a similar measure.
The process of applying for a passport comes with many opportunities to mess up, and plenty of people do. Forgetting to send in your old passport, missing key fields in the application, presenting an inconsistent signature, using the wrong ink color, submitting an incorrect check and overlooking a name change are just some examples.
'Incorrect information may seem minor, but it's a major stumbling block causing weekslong delays,' Alwadish noted. 'Make sure to review all the information provided in your application with a fine-tooth comb.'
People also commonly submit photos that do not meet the specific requirements set by the State Department.
'The list of the parameters must be followed,' Alwadish said, noting that common reasons for photo issues include 'head size was too large or small, person was not looking at the camera, photo was of poor quality, photo was not taken within last 6 months, photo was digitally altered or filtered, person had squinted or closed eyes, person was wearing eyeglasses, or person wore a head covering without attesting to religious reasons.'
So THAT'S Why You Can't Smile In Your Passport Photo
The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make With Their Kids' Passports
Is 'Check-In Chicken' The Ultimate Airplane Seat Hack? Here's What Experts Say.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
10 common passport mistakes that could wreck your summer vacation
With international travel in full swing, U.S. travelers are facing longer processing times and tighter entry requirements in many destinations. One small mistake on a passport or visa can lead to denied boarding, a trip delay — or even dashed plans altogether. So whether you're renewing your passport, applying for the first time or traveling to a country that requires a visa, you absolutely must button up all the necessary details. Here are 10 passport and visa mistakes that could ruin your summer vacation, and how to avoid them with help from David Alwadish, the founder of passport and visa services. 1. Waiting too long to renew your passport Routine passport processing can take up to eight to 11 weeks — and even expedited service may take five to seven weeks. If your passport is within a year of expiring, start the renewal process now to avoid missing your trip. 2. Not realizing your passport might already be 'expired' Many countries require at least six months of passport validity beyond your travel dates. Even if the expiration date is months away, airlines may still deny boarding if you don't meet the destination's entry requirements. 3. Booking international flights before checking passport rules Before you buy your ticket, check both your passport expiration date and any entry requirements for your destination — including visa rules, blank page requirements or COVID-era documentation that may still apply. 4. Assuming kids' passports last 10 years Unlike adult passports, which are good for a full decade, child passports (for those under 16) expire after five years. It's a common oversight that leads to last-minute scrambles — and potentially spoiled family vacations. 5. Using the wrong kind of passport photo Passport photos must follow strict rules on background color, lighting, size and expression. (Services like Itseasy can help validate photos taken at home, but always make sure to double-check the official guidelines to avoid rejection.) 6. Forgetting to sign your forms An unsigned passport application is one of the most common reasons for delays. If you're renewing by mail, make sure all forms are completed properly, including your signature and payment details. 7. Mailing your renewal to the wrong address The correct address for mailing your passport renewal depends on your location and whether you're using expedited service. Always confirm on to ensure you're sending it to the right place. 8. Not tracking your application If you're mailing in your application, use a shipping method with tracking. Many app-based services also offer real-time updates, so you're not left wondering where your passport is or when it will arrive. 9. Overlooking visa requirements for your destination Even some popular summer destinations — like Turkey, Egypt or Vietnam — may require U.S. travelers to apply for a visa in advance. Some are e-visas, but others require more lead time, so research early. Also starting this year, the UK rolled out a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which will require U.S. visitors to apply online and receive approval before entry. While the process is quick and digital, it still adds a new step to your travel planning — and forgetting it could mean being turned away at the airport. Always check your destination's visa requirements well in advance, even if you've visited before without one. 10. Failing to review your documents once they arrive Always check your new passport or visa as soon as you receive it. Make sure your name is spelled correctly, your dates are accurate and everything is in order — before your travel countdown begins.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
A Definitive Guide To Airplane Seat Etiquette
Perhaps one of the biggest pains of air travel is the part where you have to sit for hours in a tight, cramped seat. Over the years, there have been debates about the ethics of reclining your seat, sharing your armrests and other aspects of airplane etiquette. And people are divided when it comes to the question of how to use certain features ― or whether you should abstain entirely. So what is the right way to approach these in-flight considerations? Below, five etiquette experts share the rules and general guidelines they follow as air travelers. 'Whether to recline your seat is a matter of polite awareness,' Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, told HuffPost. 'We want to be able to maximize our comfort without inconveniencing anyone else. This is quite a challenge in the shrinking seats found nowadays on airplanes.' She noted that reclining is the norm for red-eye or long-haul flights, where there's an assumption that passengers will at least attempt to sleep. But for quick trips of under two hours, it's better to just remain in the upright position. If you want to recline your seat, show common courtesy to the person sitting behind you. Look back and make sure they aren't super tall and already cramped. They could also be juggling a baby on their lap or wearing a knee brace. These would all be reasons to refrain from reclining. If you ultimately decide to do it, at least give a warning. 'It's polite to alert someone behind you before reclining one's seat,' said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the podcast 'Were You Raised By Wolves?' 'I know I've nearly had my laptop snapped in half on more than one occasion by a seat that rapidly reclined without warning. And when reclining and going back up, it's considerate to do it slowly. It's easy to knock a hot cup of coffee off a tray with a seat that moves quickly.' You might also consider just reclining partly, if possible. 'For those fortunate enough to be seated in first or business class, this is not an issue,' Smith said. 'There is ample room to recline without impacting any other passenger's personal space.' 'The most commonly asked questions still remains 'Who gets the armrest when seated in the middle seat?'' said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert, the author of 'Modern Etiquette for a Better Life' and founder of the Protocol School of Texas. 'The most obvious answer, and the unspoken rule of protocol, is the person sitting in the most uncomfortable seat ― the middle ― gets the armrests on both sides.' Life etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, also known as Ms. J, echoed this advice, noting that it's simply about common courtesy and empathy. 'Let's face it, this may not ever be a win-win situation,' she said. 'However, if you are fortunate enough to have the window seat, you can look out on the lovely clouds and monitor the landing. If you get the aisle, you may be able to stretch out a bit, or at the very least, you can get up and stretch without disturbing others. The middle seat person is stuck in the middle. So give the middle person a break and let that person be the decision maker with armrests.' If you're in a row with only two seats, the armrest between them should be shared, as there is no undesirable middle seat in that scenario. 'Now, for a row of four seats, 1–2–3–4, passenger 2 has the armrest between 1 and 2, passenger 3 has the armrest between 3 and 4,' Smith explained. 'The armrest between 2 and 3 is shared.' There are exceptions to the armrest rules, however. 'If you are a tiny human and the person next to you is folding themselves into a yoga pose to fit in the seat, you should share the armrest, even if it is 'yours,'' Smith said. 'Yes, humans are territorial creatures and when a resource is a premium, our thoughts quickly turn to what we can claim. But what separates us from many animals is our ability to empathize and work together. If you do not need space, offer to share.' Try to be mindful of others when it comes to moving seats. 'If the door of the cabin closes and you find yourself seated in the middle seat, next to the aisle seat, and no one is claiming the window seat, move over to give your seatmate and yourself more room,' Gottsman said. 'If someone is next to you and does not move, you can say: 'It looks like we are lucky enough to have a little extra room. Would you like to move across and we can use this seat for our extra magazines and laptops?' It's a subtle way of saying 'please move over.'' Gottsman also offered advice for what to do if someone asks you to swap seats with them. 'If someone asks you to change places with them so they can be closer to their family members, and the seats are equal, take one for the team and do it,' she said. 'If it's not an equal move and you will get stuck in the middle seat, you can say, 'I'm sorry, I am going to have to say no.' They will move along and ask someone else to change seats next.' As previously noted, there really isn't much space between airplane rows these days, so it's not uncommon to feel movement at the back of your seat. Keep this in mind when you're dealing with the seatback pocket in front of you. 'Seat pockets were designed to hold safety information, air sickness bags, and the occasional magazine,' Smith said. 'They are not designed as [a] footrest. Please do not try to hook the backs of your heel into the opening, as this may cause lower back distress to the passenger whose back you are now pressing.' She gave similar advice regarding the tray table. 'It is there for drinks, snacks, and the occasional meal. It was not designed to support your laptop, as a substitute drum set, or a drafting table. Your tray table is to hold lighter items,' Smith said. If you do need to use the tray for your computer or iPad, be considerate of how much motion you create. 'You should not be pounding away on your laptop keys or engaging [in] any ongoing jiggling, bouncing or tapping,' Smith said. 'The tray table is attached to the seat in front of you. Every movement of your tray table causes additional, and usually unwanted, movement of that seat and should be avoided whenever possible.' On the flip side, try to be polite to the passengers behind you if you need to ask them to ease up on their disturbance. 'Avoid glares and sighs when a child starts to cry or accidentally kicks the back of your seat,' Gottsman said. 'If someone kicks the back of your seat consistently, you can turn around and ask if they wouldn't mind being a bit more careful, saying something like 'I know we are in tight quarters, unfortunately I can't seem to move my seat forward' with a smile on your face. They will get the message.' She also urged passengers to speak to the parents, not the child, in these situations. 'In a pleasant but controlled voice, try saying: 'I know it must be hard to keep those little legs still for so many hours. Would you kindly keep an eye out, because I am trying to work/sleep/meditate/watch a movie and keep getting distracted. Thank you so much,'' Gottsman advised. Naturally, there are times during a flight when passengers need to get up to use the bathroom or take a stretch break. Be respectful of your neighbors during these moments. 'Do not climb over someone without their expressed permission,' Smith said. 'Those in the aisle seat should be allowed to rise and enter the aisle so that you can easily access your seat.' Patricia Rossi, a civility expert and author of 'Everyday Etiquette,' urged passengers to minimize time in the bathroom when possible. 'Do your business in the airport,' she said. 'That bathroom on the plane is not a day spa, so don't keep everyone waiting.' And when you do get out of your seat, don't treat the plane like your home ― it's a shared space filled with other people. 'When it comes to airplane etiquette, just because you can do something doesn't mean you necessarily should,' Leighton said. 'Walking around barefoot is certainly something you can do on airplane, but should you?' 'I worked in the airline industry for over 15 years, so I'm no stranger to rude passenger behavior,' Mitchell said. 'Since the advent of COVID-19, rude behavior, in general, has escalated and the airline industry has had to respond to some outlandish behavior to protect the life of passengers and crew alike.' To help promote a peaceful and civil atmosphere, she urged air travelers to pay attention to the little ways they can show respect for their crew and fellow passengers ― whether it's using a polite tone when speaking or cutting down on alcohol intake. 'Airplanes these days are tight, and a bit of consideration can go a long way in making everyone more comfortable,' Smith said. 'Before I board a plane, with all of the annoyance and indignities, I remind myself that I will be in a chair, in the sky, and how much faster it will be than other modes of transportation. A bit of perspective can shift your attitude towards the positive.' The Most Hygienic Way To Pee On A Plane 8 Secrets About Flight Delays You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip The Worst Foods To Eat Before Flying
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
8 Questions You Should Ask Before Traveling With Your Dog
Going on vacation with your dog can be a great way to forge unforgettable memories and explore a new place without having to leave your canine companion behind. 'Traveling with your furry friends can be a lot of fun,' Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare, told HuffPost. 'According to 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.' But not every pet is suited for travel ― and not every destination and trip type is suited for pets. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight across the country, you should carefully consider if it makes sense to bring your pup with you on the journey. So where to begin? Below, dog and travel experts outline eight questions to ask yourself before taking a trip with your dog. 'For those who are looking to bring their pups along for the ride, be sure to consider the different pet-friendly accommodations available in the area,' Bourgerie said. Do your research and find out which hotels and home rentals are available to you and your pup. Lauren Gumport, the vice president of communications and brand strategy at Faye Travel Insurance, recommended using the filters on sites such as and Airbnb. 'It's always nice when hosts or your hotel also love animals,' she said. 'I've had great experiences where a hotel asks me the size of my dog in advance so they can put an appropriately sized dog bed in the room.' In addition to dog beds, some accommodations offer pet-sitting services, treats and even special dog menus. 'A pet-friendly hotel will be a better option for you and your dog than one that's simply pet-tolerant,' said Dr. Tammy Hunter, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. 'This is because while a pet-tolerant hotel will allow your dog to stay with you, a pet-friendly one will likely be more welcoming and have different dog-specific amenities available. Look for places that allow dogs access to on-site areas and offer plenty of outdoor space for your dog to play.' 'Always consider if your travel destination is somewhere your dog would enjoy being,' advised Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. 'Is your dog comfortable in new environments, are they comfortable around strangers or in crowded areas? Some dogs are better suited to quieter destinations with lots of nature, while others thrive in bustling towns.' On the other hand, some dogs might just be more comfortable at home playing fetch with a pet sitter. In addition to your pet's temperament, assess whether the destination has dog-friendly public spaces and activities that your pup could enjoy. 'A dog-friendly vacation should have walking areas, a dog-friendly beach, stores that allow dogs and ample parks, trails, beaches or other outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome to join ― leashed or off-leash,' Ellis said. 'Destinations with dog-friendly hiking trails or even kayak and boat rentals that allow dogs are a huge plus too. Ask yourself, are there dining options that [are] pet-friendly, such as on the patio?' 'You'll want to consider the weather conditions of where you're headed,' Bourgerie said. A Fourth of July trip to Florida might sound fun for you, but is that level of high heat exposure good for your dog? Are you able to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control in your car and your accommodations? Can you pack enough water and food to keep them safe in the event of an extreme weather incident? 'Depending on the size and breed of your dog, they may not be comfortable or safe in certain climates like extreme heat or cold,' noted Angela Laws, head of community at the home- and pet-sitting service TrustedHousesitters. 'Consider the length of your trip and how your dog handles travel, whether by car, plane or train,' Ellis said. 'A long journey might be stressful for some dogs, and some may love it where you can work in some nice roadside stops together.' Stress, anxiety, motion sickness, getting lost and exposure to infectious diseases are all potential issues for dogs in transit to a far-off destination. If your trip is short, consider whether it's worth the hassle and risk to bring your pup with you, versus letting them relax at home with a sitter or run around with other dogs at their favorite doggy boarding spot. Talk to your veterinarian if you're still unsure. 'When traveling with your pet, make sure to have access to their veterinary records, proper confinement ― bag, crate or both ― and any medication they may need,' said Dr. Carly Fox, a veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. 'In addition, make sure your pet has clear identification and is microchipped.' She recommended putting together a pet emergency kit with everything in one place. Beyond health and safety, consider their happiness and sense of security away from home. Are you able to pack familiar toys, blankets and grooming supplies? What about a water bowl, leash, waste bags and plenty of their regular food? 'How you get to and from places on vacation is something people may not think about until they get there, so dog parents should check in with public transportation, ride-share services and taxis to see if they're dog-friendly,' Laws recommended. Assess what you'd like to do on your trip and how to get there. If most activities are within walking distance, that can work out quite nicely. 'Always check local pet policies before you go, including leash laws and breed restrictions, just in case,' advised Dr. Michelle Dulake, a veterinarian and co-founder of Fera Pets. Destinations like Hawaii have strict rules and requirements for canine visitors, so you'll want to make sure you have the proper documentation. And other places simply do not allow dogs or limit their access to certain areas. 'If you're heading to national parks, make sure they accept dogs,' Gumport said. Service dogs may be exempt from certain restrictions, so do your research and make sure their paperwork is up to date. 'Finding cities and destinations that have local veterinary clinics, pet stores, dog-sitting services and boarding is a major plus for your pup's care,' Laws noted. Make sure to look up the resources available for you and your dog before you reach the destination. Get a sense of your proximity to care in the event of an accident or sudden illness. 'I always look for the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital in case of an unexpected emergency,' Fox said. 'It's better to be safe than sorry!' 10 Dog-Friendly Destinations Worth Visiting With Your Pet The Rudest Things You Can Do At The Dog Park Is It Too Hot To Take Your Dog Out? Here's What To Know Before You Go.
