Going to Mexico - passport question

[puckluck]

I'm planning to go Mexico in the next few weeks and my passport expires on May 16th. I've heard some countries and airlines refuse passports that expire within 6 months of the date of travel.

Does anyone know if I'd be refused at the airport with a passport that expires in May?

The officer at the passport office told me to check with my travel agent but I haven't booked the flight yet. Any information would be appreciated.

[Kybosh]

I thought every country that required a passport needs at least 6 months remaining to be valid.

[chummer]

Your passport is fine until May 16th.

[DownhillGoat]

When exactly are you travelling? Turnaround on renewal is usually 10 days (if you go to the passport office).

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by chummer

Your passport is fine until May 16th.

Not correct. Some countries require your passport be vaild X amount of time past your date of going there.

[Nufy]

I heard the same thing about the 6 month window...

Mine is up in May as well and I'm heading to Jamaica in Feb.

I didn't want to take the chance and renewed mine last week.

Best not to take the chance IMO...

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by chummer

Your passport is fine until May 16th.

It's legal until then but that doesn't mean he'll get into the country.

The best one to ask is the travel agent. I'd ask for it in writing, maybe by email. It's less than six months so a grey area. We were in Mexico this time last year and got new passports even though ours had a few months left before expiry.

[GreenLantern]

I wouldn't leave this up to us, I would contact the govmunt and ask them...

Hate to get there and have it be a hassle because IginlaScores123 on some msg board told you it would be ok..

[Hockeyguy15]

From the Government of Canada website....

Entering Mexico
As of March 1st, 2010, all Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Canadian citizens without a valid passport will not be allowed entry into Mexico and will be returned to Canada. In order to avoid delays and misunderstandings, we strongly recommend that you travel with a passport valid for six months after your arrival date.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca...as.aspx?view=d

[Northendzone]

i'd just renew it, makes it easier in the long run

[geos]

I wouldn't take that risk. There was a lady in a news article a few weeks back that got turned around on the ground in Signapore and had to fly home, get a temp and fly back to meet her friend. Now that, would suck.

Get it renewed today. You've got time. Why would you take that risk?

[getbak]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

The best one to ask is the travel agent. I'd ask for it in writing, maybe by email.

That might help you get your money back if you're refused entry, but it won't help you get into Mexico if they decide to stop you.


I'm going down there next week, and my passport was set to expire in March.

From what I read, the issue is that even though you've booked a return flight and everything, when you enter Mexico, you receive a six-month visa (or whatever it's classified as), so you can legally stay down there for that full time. If your passport expires before your visa does, there could be problems in returning to Canada. The Mexican officials could choose to err on the side of caution, and decide to deny your entry.

I found stories from people on both sides of the issue, some who said the person never even looked at their passport; and some who said they had to put up a fight to be allowed in (I don't remember if any were actually denied entry and sent back to Canada).


I decided not to risk it and renewed. I got my new passport in a week, even though it was supposed to take two.


Look at this way: A passport is valid for 60 months and costs $87 to renew. If you renew it 4 months early, you lose $5.80 of its value. Is it worth $5.80 to not worry about getting any hassles from the Federales?

[Travis Munroe]

The cost to have it renewed is much greater than the risk of being stuck in Mexico

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

The cost to have it renewed is much greater than the risk of being stuck in Mexico

Just so I'm clear...You're saying don't have it renewed?

[chummer]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

It's legal until then but that doesn't mean he'll get into the country.

The best one to ask is the travel agent. I'd ask for it in writing, maybe by email. It's less than six months so a grey area. We were in Mexico this time last year and got new passports even though ours had a few months left before expiry.

I stand corrected.I took my boy to Maui in December with a passport that expires in mid. January.The agent politely reminded me of the expiry date but we had no hassles.

Mexico is a different story though,I'd renew it now.

[Thor]

Not sure why any sane travel agent would sign a piece of paper throwing the responsibility onto their shoulders if you get refused...

But get it renewed, its very unlikely they will turn you around but take no chances and renew it, you can get it done even a few days before you leave so there is no excuse not to.

[Rerun]

nm

[speede5]

Great way to sell passports, good for 5 years but hey, the last 6 months dont count.

I would guess that the 6 month number is because that is how long you can usually stay without a visa, but if you have return flights booked before the expiry date it shouldn't be a problem.

[speede5]

And, people stil go to Mexico?

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

Just so I'm clear...You're saying don't have it renewed?

you are correct