Renewing Passport

[Wood]

So were just about to book a trip to mexico and I look at my passport, it expires March 9th, 2012. I don't know why but I thought it was good for at least one more year.

We wanted to go in the next couple weeks, but from my understanding the passport needs to have at least 6 months left on it

So my question is, is there anyway I can get it renewed in time for a trip late February/early March?

[puckluck]

You could have it done in 1 day if you really had to as long as you have proof of ticket. They recently told me that after having the same fears as you.

[getbak]

I renewed mine in December and received it within a week without paying any extra for a rush. The promised delivery was 10 business days.

If you went to Harry Hays tomorrow, you should have the new passport in your hands by February 29th at the latest (without paying extra for a rush).

[normtwofinger]

The airline will not allow you to fly with a passport that expires in less than 6 months. Sometimes it will get by them, but then you most likely will be turned away by customs of the country you are traveling to. If it gets to that point, the airline is responsible for returning you to your departure point, because they were supposed to check your passport.

Like puckluck said, you should be able to get a same day passport with the proof of ticket. It will just be more expensive.

[Crazy Bacon Legs]

They can do a rush job at the passport office. It costs extra money, but I suppose it all depends on how motivated you are to actually go on the trip.

Their turnaround is pretty decent for regular passport applications, but it depends on what your window of opportunity is for the vacation.

I would recommend getting in there ASAP. As in tomorrow. Or today. Or yesterday, if you can somehow swing that. But if you could do that, you wouldn't need a passport would you?

[Wood]

How much more are we talking for a rushed one?

[JonDuke]

Prices:
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/section6.aspx

Also, avoid the Harry Hays building at all costs and opt for the south office instead. It will save you quite a bit of time in the line up

[normtwofinger]

nm

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

Prices:
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/section6.aspx

Also, avoid the Harry Hays building at all costs and opt for the south office instead. It will save you quite a bit of time in the line up

"Urgent service is not available at the Calgary (South) office. Clients requesting express or pick-up service are encouraged to apply at the Calgary office located in the Harry Hays Building "

[Phanuthier]

FYI... I just submitted my Canada passport a month ago (approx Jan 18) from the USA. I got my renewed passport in the mail yesterday (Feb 13).

[chummer]

Originally Posted by normtwofinger

The airline will not allow you to fly with a passport that expires in less than 6 months. Sometimes it will get by them, but then you most likely will be turned away by customs of the country you are traveling to. If it gets to that point, the airline is responsible for returning you to your departure point, because they were supposed to check your passport.

Like puckluck said, you should be able to get a same day passport with the proof of ticket. It will just be more expensive.

Whaaat? I took my boy to Maui at Christmas and his passport expired mid January. Air Canada said nothing and the U.S. Customs guy politely reminded me that my son's passport expired in 3 weeks. Certainly no mention of being turned away.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

Also, avoid the Harry Hays building at all costs and opt for the south office instead. It will save you quite a bit of time in the line up

Not anymore, Harry Hays is a lot better than it used to be.

When I renewed mine in December I parked at 1:35pm and was back in my car at 1:53 -- so it was 18 minutes total, and less than 10 minutes waiting.

If you live down south, the south office makes sense, but it's not worth going out of you way to go there.

[normtwofinger]

Originally Posted by chummer

Whaaat? I took my boy to Maui at Christmas and his passport expired mid January. Air Canada said nothing and the U.S. Customs guy politely reminded me that my son's passport expired in 3 weeks. Certainly no mention of being turned away.

Consider yourself lucky. It probably worked out that way because it was a Canada-USA travel situation and it was a child. The US customs agent probably felt that it wasn't a risk that you and your child were going to illegally overstay.

Any other country and you likely would have been denied entry. When you board an international flight departing from the US, they always check passports at the gate to make sure everyone has a valid passport.

EDIT: After researching this more, the USA has a list of countries exempt from the 6-month rule, and the tourist only needs a valid passport for the at least the duration of their stay. Canada is on this list, so that's why you were still allowed to enter with your son.

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...n_04162008.pdf

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by chummer

Whaaat? I took my boy to Maui at Christmas and his passport expired mid January.

The 6 month thing is for Mexico.

In order to avoid delays and misunderstandings, we strongly recommend that you travel with a passport valid for six months after your arrival date.

[puckluck]

Originally Posted by getbak

Not anymore, Harry Hays is a lot better than it used to be.

When I renewed mine in December I parked at 1:35pm and was back in my car at 1:53 -- so it was 18 minutes total, and less than 10 minutes waiting.

If you live down south, the south office makes sense, but it's not worth going out of you way to go there.

Yeah, I was at the Harry Hays a few weeks back and I was really impressed with the speed and with the service.

They really do a good job.

[normtwofinger]

Originally Posted by ken0042

The 6 month thing is for Mexico.

In order to avoid delays and misunderstandings, we strongly recommend that you travel with a passport valid for six months after your arrival date.

Not just for Mexico. Most other countries too.

[Wood]

So we do have the flight booked, it's on March 1st. If I go tomorrow will the express rush (2-9 days) be safe?

[sureLoss]

I just renewed mine on February 2nd at the Harry Hays building. Took me 20 minutes total.

The lady told me I would be mailed on the February 16th. I received mine on the 13th.

You can ask them if you need the express rush

[chummer]

Originally Posted by normtwofinger

Consider yourself lucky. It probably worked out that way because it was a Canada-USA travel situation and it was a child. The US customs agent probably felt that it wasn't a risk that you and your child were going to illegally overstay.

Any other country and you likely would have been denied entry. When you board an international flight departing from the US, they always check passports at the gate to make sure everyone has a valid passport.

If anything it's harder for a single parent to travel with a minor.
Everytime I travel with my son I have to get a letter of consent from his mom.She always notarizes it although I don't think that is necessary.
They haven't always asked for it but have been told we could be refused entry without it.

But yeah I might have pushed my luck with the expiring passport.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Wood

So we do have the flight booked, it's on March 1st. If I go tomorrow will the express rush (2-9 days) be safe?

You have to put your travel date on the form and they'll tell you whether you need to pay for the rush.

They should guarantee delivery in two weeks without rush service, but they might make you pick it up at Harry Hays.