passport rules for travel

Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• New Caledonia
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkmenistan
• Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
• United Arab Emirates
• West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
• South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

• El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

• Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

• American Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

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• Fact Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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Renew an adult passport

Find out if you can renew your passport or have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail or in person in an emergency.

Renew early. Passport processing times  vary. And some countries and airlines deny entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

Determine if you can renew your passport

If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Issued before your 16th birthday
• Issued more than 15 years ago
• Damaged, lost, or stolen. Learn how to report a lost or stolen passport.
• Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change

If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.

How to renew your passport and documents you will need

Passports can only be renewed by mail. Online renewals are currently paused. Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires.

Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:

• You can fill out Form DS-82 online , or
• Download Form DS-82 and fill it out by hand, or
• Find your local passport acceptance facility or regional agency and pick up a copy.
• Passport photo
• Passport fee
• Your most recent passport
• Name change documentation, if necessary

Learn how to submit all your documentation and passport fees by mail.

Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals .

If you need your passport quickly

Learn how and where to get your passport fast for emergency or urgent travel or to get expedited processing. The time it takes for each varies throughout the year, and there may be additional fees. Use the fee calculator or chart.

If you are outside the U.S.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate near you to request a passport while outside the U.S.

If you need to change your name or correct your passport

After you receive your renewed passport, if you change your name or find an error, you will need to get an updated one to reflect the change. The process, cost, and forms you need depend on how long you have had your current passport. Follow the steps from the State Department to change your name or correct your passport.

Check the status of your passport renewal

Learn how to check the status of your passport renewal online . Or check its status by phone (call wait times may be long).

Be aware of passport expiration rules for your destination

Some countries and airlines will not allow a U.S. passport holder to enter if their passport expires in less than 6 months. 

Check your destination country's U.S. passport expiration rules on the  Department of State's country information page .

• On the left, search for the country name in the "learn about your destination" box.
• On that country's page, look for "passport validity."

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Thousands of Post Offices ™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo.

• Renewing Passports : If you answer 'Yes' to all 5 eligibility questions in the " Renew a Passport by Mail " section, mail your renewal form directly to the State Department. If you don't meet all the renewal requirements, you'll need to go to a Post Office in person and do a new, first-time passport application.
• First-Time Passports (and Passport Photos) : Schedule your in-person appointment online.

Schedule an Appointment

Alert: --> online scheduler to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers. The State Department has extremely limited passport services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expect significant delays of several months before receiving your new U.S. passport. Learn More

Alert: Please use our online scheduler , a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk, or visit a Post Office retail counter to make an appointment for first-time passport and photo services. Alternatively, find a location near you with passport walk-in acceptance hours.

First-Time Passports

First-time applicants and people who aren’t allowed to get a new passport by mail.

Apply at a Post Office

Expedited Delivery

Renewing Passports

Most people renewing a passport should mail their application directly to the State Department.

Renew by Mail

Passports for Minors

Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.

Apply for a First-Time Passport

If you've never had a U.S. passport, are 16 or under, or aren't allowed to renew an existing passport by mail, you need to apply for a new passport in person at the Post Office.

Step 1: Gather Documents Early

Generally, you should apply for your new passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling internationally—at least several months in advance. Passport processing times may vary, so be sure to check the latest State Department service estimates . First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.

• Application forms (unsigned)
• Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
• Passport fees

Apply for a Passport in Person

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package

Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.

• Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
• Print your completed application. DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature.
• Have a passport photo taken.
• Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
• Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
• State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."

Get Started on Your Application

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.

Scheduling Online

• Go to Schedule an Appointment .
• Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
• After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Click Review Appointment , then confirm your appointment.

If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.

Using a Self-Service Kiosk

• Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
• At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
• Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
• Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
• Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
• Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
• Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
• Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.

Step 4: Pay Passport Acceptance & Processing Fees

First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra. Learn how to calculate fees and what you can use to pay for them.

Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service

Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.

• $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
• $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)

Application Processing Fees – Department of State

State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.

• State Department Fees State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online .
• Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
• Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You can buy a money order at the Post Office with cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. You cannot pay with a credit card.

Application Status Updates

• Use the Online Passport Status System to check your application status if you applied by mail or in person. You may not be able to get a status update for 2 weeks after you apply or renew. During these weeks, your application and supporting documents are on their way to the Department of State. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page " U.S. Passports ."

Renew a Passport by Mail

If you are eligible to renew your passport, please complete Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 (see completion instructions on the form), and mail your completed renewal application directly to the State Department for processing. To verify if your passport is eligible for renewal by mail, please visit State Department Renew By Mail .

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail

A minor's passport may not be renewed by mail; to renew a minor's passport, you need to submit a new, first-time passport application in person . An adult passport may be renewed by mail if it meets certain requirements.

You can renew your adult passport by mail if you answer "Yes" to all 5 of the following statements:

Your passport:

• Is in your possession to submit with your application.
• Is undamaged other than normal "wear and tear."
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
• Was issued within the last 15 years.
• Was issued in your current name or you can document your name change. (Name changes are explained on Change a Passport .)

If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.

State Department Renew by Mail

Apply early for renewals as many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.

• Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
• Print and sign your DS-82 form.
• Have a passport photo taken. You can schedule a passport photo-only appointment at a Post Office ™ location.
• Calculate your passport renewal fees .
• Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
• Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
• TIP : Pay for Priority Mail Express ® or Priority Mail ® service and get free envelopes that are large enough to hold your application. Order easily online: Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope or Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope .
• Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.

How to Renew a Passport - Details

Step 3: Mail Your Renewal Application

Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.

Choose one of the following services:

• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Delivery Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail ® Service with Signature Confirmation
• USPS Priority Mail Express ® Service (for overnight delivery requests)

Compare Delivery Tracking Services

Step 4: Follow Your Application Progress

If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking ® to see when your package is delivered.

• With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.

USPS Tracking Status

U.S. Passport Application Status

Expedited Passport Delivery

Get a new passport faster in emergencies & special cases.

If you need your passport faster for emergency travel or another special case, you can send your passport application via Priority Mail Express ® service and pay the State Department fee for faster delivery.

Life-or-Death Emergency

If you need to travel within 72 hours (3 business days) for an immediate family member who is dead, dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury:

• Visit the Life-or-Death Emergencies page on travel.state.gov to learn if you are eligible.
• The State Department processes these requests by appointment only.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel.

Urgent Travel in Less than 10 Weeks

If you are traveling in less than 10 weeks, you must call the State Department Passport Agency to schedule an appointment:

• You can call 1-877-487-2778 (1-888-874-7793 TDD/TTY) to schedule an appointment.
• Your appointment date must be within 72 hours (3 business days) of travel, and you must provide proof of travel.

Note : An extremely limited number of appointments are available for customers who are traveling internationally in the next 72 hours (3 business days), and other restrictions apply .

Get My Passport Fast

Renew Your Passport Fast

If you pay an additional $60 for expedited service and mail it with Priority Mail Express , you can get your renewed passport within 10 weeks.

• Check your eligibility under Renew Your Passport by Mail, Step 1: Check Your Eligibility to Renew by Mail .
• Prepare your application as listed under Renew a Passport by Mail, Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package .
• Add these special fees, both payable to the U.S. Department of State, to your regular processing fees.
• $60.00—Expedited application processing at the State Department
• $18.32—1- to 2-day delivery service for faster return shipping to you from the State Department
• Clearly mark "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the envelope.
• Ship your application to the State Department by Priority Mail Express. Cost varies by location.
• Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
• Children need evidence of citizenship.
• Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
• NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years. They are not "renewable": When a child's passport expires, you must apply for a new passport for them. When making a passport appointment for a child, please choose "New Passport Only" or "New Passport with Photo Services."

Apply for a Minor's Passport

• Department of State Passport Website English | Español
• Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
• Get Help in an Emergency Overseas

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.

Report Your Lost/Stolen Passport

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The Guide to Mexico Passport Expiration Rules

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International travel is generally fun, and Mexico may be one of the best destinations for travelers from the United States. This is due to its stunning beaches, favorable exchange rate and, of course, its easy access from the U.S.

But the passport expiration rules in Mexico might keep you from having fun south of the border.

Let’s take a look at Mexico’s six-month passport rule this year, as well as ways to travel to Mexico without a passport and tips for getting your passport renewed.

Passport expiration rules for Mexico

Mexico’s passport validity rules are fairly lenient, especially when compared to other countries.

Unlike in Europe, where U.S. travelers must have at least six months of validity remaining on their passport when they visit, there has been no Mexico six-month passport rule in recent years.

Air travelers

According to the U.S. Department of State’s website, travelers entering by air need only have a passport that is currently valid.

There is no Mexico passport rule of six months. However, those arriving in the country do need to have at least one blank passport page in their book for stamps.

Overland travelers

If you’re entering by land, you'll need a valid passport. If you plan to travel beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles), you will need to stop at the National Migration Institute office to obtain an entry permit.

Note that there are some exceptions to this entry permit rule, such as travel into Baja California , so be sure to confirm what’s required of you before you depart.

The process differs for those entering by water, especially if they're on a cruise or a private boat.

Although all travelers entering Mexico by water need to have a valid passport, there are some exceptions for closed-loop cruises that depart and return to the same U.S. port. In these cases, U.S. citizens need only bring their birth certificates and a valid government-issued ID to board their cruise.

Those on private boats are able to use a passport card rather than a passport book if they’re entering territorial waters but do not go ashore. Otherwise, they’ll need to meet all of Mexico’s standard entry requirements.

» Learn more: When to renew your passport

Can I travel to Mexico with an expired passport?

Even though there aren’t any passport requirements of six months validity for Mexico, that doesn’t mean you’re allowed to travel passport-free. This is especially important to note if you have an expired passport.

Although it may be possible to enter Mexico by a land crossing without needing to present documentation, it’s still something that you need to have with you on your person.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

Renewing your passport

Don’t meet Mexico’s passport expiration rules? You’ll need to renew your passport if you want to enter the country.

If your passport is not damaged and was issued less than 15 years ago, among other criteria, you’ll be able to renew your passport by mail using the DS-82 form.

Here are all the requirements for renewing by mail:

You must submit your passport with your application.

The passport was issued when you were age 16 or older.

The passport was issued within the last 15 years.

The passport was never reported as lost or stolen.

The passport is not damaged other than normal wear and tear.

The passport has your current name or you’re able to provide legal documentation of your name change.

If your passport doesn’t meet all of these requirements, you’ll have to complete an application for a new passport instead. This is done in person through the DS-11 form.

» Learn more: Why (and how) to renew your passport now, even if you’re not traveling soon

Traveling to Mexico without a passport

It’s possible to travel to Mexico without a passport, though the circumstances in which you can do so are limited.

First, there are those closed-loop cruises that we talked about. For example: You board your cruise from a U.S. port, such as San Diego, cruise south down to Mexico and debark in Cabo San Lucas . There is no passport control at the cruise terminal; you’re simply able to get off the ship. At departure, you’ll board, sail north and return to San Diego.

When debarking in San Diego you’ll go through U.S. immigration. If you don’t have a passport, you can instead present your birth certificate and ID.

Second, it’s possible to enter Mexico by land using a passport card.

These allow citizens to reenter the U.S. from Mexico, Bermuda, Canada and Caribbean countries by land or sea. They cost less than a passport book, but they're not valid for other international travel or any travel by air.

» Learn more: Passport book vs. card

Passport expiration rules for Mexico, recapped

If you're interested in traveling to Mexico in the near future, you'll want to be certain that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Although Mexico is more lenient than some other countries, you'll still need to have an unexpired passport or passport card, depending on your method of entry.

Otherwise, some limited travel options exist for those without a passport — though you'll always want to research entry requirements before traveling internationally.

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New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

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The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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A tenth of passport photos were rejected since 2020 for one silly mistake

Most people have experienced the frustration of getting a passport photo just right for it to be accepted by HM Passport Office , but government data obtained by indy100 has revealed many photograph submissions as part of passport applications are still making a simple mistake.

The statistics, received in response to a Freedom of Information request, found the third most common reason for photos being rejected by officials last year was due to the person’s face being too close to the camera, with the first and second most common reasons being issues with file sizes and file types respectively.

Cases of the image resolution being too low took fourth place, while the top five list is finished off by images containing “facial features below [the] threshold”.

UK passport rules mean photos – either printed or digital – must depict a head and shoulders image of individuals having their eyes “open and visible”, with a plain expression (closed mouth), hair out of the person’s eyes and no other objects or people visible.

However, the data suggests photo submissions where a person’s face is too close to the camera has remained a persistent issue over the past three years, with 16.7 per cent of rejected snaps citing this error as the reason for it not being accepted.

Filetype made up 32 per cent of rejection reasons between January 2020 and December 2023, with filetype coming in at just short of 18 per cent.

Just over four per cent of rejections were because officials couldn’t find the person’s eyes in the photo – yes, really.

The same percentage – 1.4 per cent – was given for photos where the face was either two high or too low, while 0.5 per cent were rejected for the face being too far to the left, and 0.4 per cent were refused for being too far to the right.

The news comes a month after travellers were warned of European Union rules post-Brexit which mean EU countries refuse to accept passports where the date of it being issued is older than 10 years from the date of departure, or has fewer than three months left before the expiry date on the day they intend to return to the UK.

The problem is that before Brexit , the Passport Office was handing out passports valid for longer than 10 years, and recent analysis by The Independent has suggested 200 people are falling victim to this technicality at UK airports and being refused boarding as a result.

Putting the stat another way, it’s been estimated that 2.4 million travellers have travel documents which can’t be used for journeys around the EU because of the issue around expiry requirements.

The Independent ’s travel correspondent Simon Calder advises people renew their passport if necessary to avoid the problem - but it’s also worth making sure your application isn’t delayed by issues with the photograph.

HM Passport Office says you can obtain a photo either by taking one yourself, or getting it from a photo booth or shop such as the Post Office, adding that photos taken using the latter option are more likely to be approved.

And if your passport photo looks anything like the snap seen on one unfortunate US citizen's passport from 2017, then maybe speak to someone to get it sorted.

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There isn’t a specific answer to this question. This is because each country has its own entry requirements.

Always check the entry and exit requirements for all countries you’re going to visit before making your plans. Then check your passport to see when it expires. This will tell you whether you need to renew your passport yet.

All countries have their own entry requirements. Read the  travel advisories  to view the entry and exit requirements of each country.

Since these requirements can change, you may also check with the  Government of Canada office  of the country you visit.

You shouldn’t travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly after your planned return. To avoid problems while travelling, you should get a new passport before leaving if your passport could expire around or during your travels.

Some countries won’t allow you to enter if your passport expires shortly after your planned return date. To find out more about entry and exit requirements, consult the:

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Check with the authorities in the destination country to find out if you need any other documents.

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We strongly recommend that your child carry a consent letter if they’re travelling abroad:

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Learn more about children travelling abroad and get a  sample consent letter at Travel.gc.ca .

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Explained: How New Schengen Visa Rules Ease Europe Travel For Indians

The schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 eu countries except the republic of ireland and cyprus..

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

The European Union (EU) recently introduced a revamped visa system tailored specifically for Indian nationals. This new system offers substantial advantages to Indian citizens, allowing them access to long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, which can significantly streamline travel plans and enhance the overall experience for those venturing into the Schengen area.

What Is Schengen Visa

The Schengen area comprises 25 countries out of the 27 EU countries except the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus. It includes countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. This extensive area not only offers diverse cultural experiences but also facilitates seamless travel across borders for visa holders.

A Schengen visa permits a brief stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This visa may be issued as either a single-entry, enabling one entry into the Schengen area, or a multiple-entry, allowing multiple visits for the duration of its validity.

How The New Rules Affect Indians

Under the new regulations, Indian travellers can now obtain a two-year Schengen visa, a marked improvement from the shorter validity periods previously available. To qualify for this extended two-year visa, applicants must have acquired and appropriately utilised two Schengen visas within the preceding three years. Upon successful utilisation of the two-year visa, travellers can typically expect to be eligible for a five-year Schengen visa, provided their passport maintains sufficient validity.

The new rules essentially say that Indian travellers can move freely within the Schengen member countries for short stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for additional permits or authorisations. Under this system, eligible travellers with a proven track record of travel will have simplified access to visas with extended validity, provided their passport's validity permits.

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The 'Cascade' system, as it's termed, is designed to reward frequent travellers with progressively longer visa durations. It begins with a two-year visa, and upon successful use, travellers can potentially qualify for a five-year visa. While these visas do not restrict the purpose of travel, they do not allow the right to work within the Schengen area.

The decision to tweak the rules comes in the broader context of improving relations between the EU and India

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows. 

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU. 

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Update April 12, 2024

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This page provides information about photos if you are applying or renewing using a paper form. 

• Submit one color photo
• Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months
• Use a clear image of your face 
• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence 
• Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
• Take off your eyeglasses for your photo
• Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines

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Attire, hats, and glasses, already have a photo.

Use our  Photo Tool  to crop your photo so it's the right size.

• This photo tool does not check the quality of your image. 
• This tool is for cropping your photo only when you are applying or renewing using a paper form.
• Do not use this tool if you are renewing online.

After you apply, a U.S. Department of State employee will review your photo and decide if we can accept your photo.

Tips for Submitting your Photo

• Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
• Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence. 
• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.
• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.
• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 
• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 
• If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing. 
• If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.
• If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.
• Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover part of your face.
• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. 
• Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can i get my photo taken.

You can go to:

• An acceptance facility  that will take a photo when you apply for your passport
• Any company which offers photo services
• A friend or family member, and print your own photo on matte or glossy paper

Acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your photo. 

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo. 

Do I need a new passport if my appearance changed?

You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. 

Minor change - do not apply for a new passport

• Growing a beard
• Coloring your hair 
• Normal aging process

Major change - apply for a new passport

• Significant facial surgery or trauma
• Adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos
• Significant weight loss or gain
• A gender transition

Do you have more tips to take a photo of a baby or toddler?

Yes. Some tips include:

• Lay your baby or toddler on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet. 
• Make sure there are no shadows on your baby or toddler's face.
• It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.

Picture Perfect Passport

Follow these steps so you have a great passport photo.

Tips for Taking a Good Photo

Learn about a few tips for taking a good photo if you are renewing by mail or applying in person.

Image Sizing Photo Tips

Photos that are taken too close or too far away will be rejected.

Low Quality Image or Paper Tips

Photo is blurry, grainy, pixelated, or printed on the wrong paper. Photos should be high resolution.

Photo Exposure Tips

Photos that are too bright or that show shadows on your face will also cause you problems. Your photo needs to be a clear image of your face. 

Previous Passport Book Photos

Your passport photo needs to have been taken within the last 6 months. We verify that the photo looks like you. 

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New Schengen visa rules announced; longer validity and easier access to Indian nationals

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , WORLD / Updated : Apr 25, 2024, 14:43 IST

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The EU's 'cascade' visa scheme for Indian citizens offers extended validity multiple-entry visas, strengthening ties with India. This initiative simplifies travel within the Schengen area and promotes tourism and business exchange … Read more

The EU's 'cascade' visa scheme for Indian citizens offers extended validity multiple-entry visas, strengthening ties with India. This initiative simplifies travel within the Schengen area and promotes tourism and business exchanges between the regions. Read less

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The EU's 'cascade' visa scheme for Indian citizens offers extended validity multiple-entry visas, strengthening ties with India. This initiative simplifies travel within the Schengen area and promotes...

Inside the Vancouver Canucks’ team plane during a breakthrough season

Flying on an NHL team’s charter plane is a one-of-a-kind experience. The amenities and perks are five-star. There’s a distinct camaraderie in traveling with teammates as well as some traditions and guidelines to consider.

Dressing for flights, for example, has quirks. The collective bargaining agreement requires that players wear jackets, ties and dress pants while traveling to and from games. But since teams are relaxed with this rule once players have boarded the plane, it can result in a hilarious scene minutes before takeoff.

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“I remember my first (dad’s) trip (in the NHL), we get on the plane, all of a sudden guys start whipping their clothes off (and changing into sweats) and it’s like ‘What are you guys doing?’” said veteran defenseman Ian Cole .

“Long trips like three hours (or longer), you don’t wanna be sitting in your dress pants and a dress shirt,” he explained. “It’s pretty funny seeing 20 guys on the plane just shedding all their clothes as fast they can.”

Players then change back into their formal attire before deplaning. It’s just one example that shows how an NHL player’s charter plane experience isn’t a typical travel day.

As the Vancouver Canucks embark on the most pivotal trip of the year to date for Games 3 and 4 in Nashville of their first-round playoff series, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s been like on the team plane this season.

First-class seats, top-notch dining and special recovery tools

The Canucks are serviced by Air Canada’s Jetz division. Their aircraft features two first-class-sized seats on each row, two card tables and space in the exit row for recovery work. It’s comfy and spacious.

“Being a bigger guy, the bigger seats obviously are nice for me,” Tyler Myers said with a laugh. “We have the same flight attendants all year and they get to know you, you get to know them really well. They know exactly what we want when we get on the plane.”

Veteran players typically sit near the back, whereas players with fewer NHL seasons under their belt are farther up.

Brock Boeser explained that the team caters food from the airport when leaving Vancouver. During the rest of a road trip, plane meals are from a high-quality restaurant in the city where they’ve just played.

“The meals on the plane are nice, (especially) compared to stopping at the gas station after the games for food (in the minors),” said Dakota Joshua , who’s also experienced the much more unglamorous travel in the AHL and ECHL.

Some players like Conor Garland are fairly regimented about what they eat on board.

“I usually try to get a salad,” said Garland. “I don’t like the chopped salad but sometimes you gotta eat it. I eat the nuts, chopped salad and I bring my own coffee.”

Others like Phil Di Giuseppe like to rotate through dishes like steak, fish or pasta.

“Huggy’s ( Quinn Hughes ) by me and he’s always snacking on something,” said Boeser. “He’s a health nut.”

Another perk of flying on a charter aircraft is that the exit rows have space for players to do recovery work. This includes tools such as blood flow recovery (BFR) or Normatec technology, which is marketed to increase circulation and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

“BFR is good for your legs, you can jump on those for a bit, maybe for 25 minutes. You can lay down, stretch,” said Garland. “Anything you really need, they’ll get it for you on the plane recovery-wise.

“(Mark Cesari, Canucks strength and conditioning coach) and Alex Trinca (Canucks director of sports performance) are great, even if you have a question about like ‘What should I be drinking on the flight?’”

The card table: ‘Too much bickering’

How do Canucks players pass the time on flights? It varies.

Joshua tries to take a nap because he doesn’t like plane rides, but most players said they have trouble falling asleep.

“It takes you like 5-6 hours (after a game) to try to decompress and calm the central nervous system down,” said Cole. “There’s not a ton of sleeping going on unless it’s a long flight from one side of the continent to the other.”

There are book readers (such as Cole), movie watchers and players who rely on iPads to keep them entertained.

“Garly’s pretty chatty,” said Boeser. “He’ll always be in the aisle talking to other people. A guy that’s pretty dialed in on his laptop is Casey (DeSmith), I don’t know what he’s doing on there.”

“He’s pretty wild on the plane,” Joshua added about Garland.

There will usually be a group of Canucks playing cards for small sums of money, too.

“I’ve been on some teams where it (the money being wagered) gets real aggressive,” said Cole. “It’s not that aggressive here, which is good. We’ve got some boys trying to rein it in a little.”

The players have shuffled throughout the year, but Garland, Sam Lafferty , Filip Hronek and Pius Suter were at the card table early in the season playing a game called 13 Up.

“The highlight of the trips is getting to laugh at the card table,” said Garland. “In Arizona, my card table was my three best friends. it’s been new this year with guys you didn’t know before. Usually you end up going for dinner with those guys because you end up making plans on the plane.”

J.T. Miller and Boeser retired from the card table after spending most of last season with the group.

“(We were) taking too much of their money,” Di Giuseppe joked when asked why Miller and Boeser left. “No, I think they were saying they were playing for so long that they wanted to watch some movies. Maybe it was because of me.”

“Too much bickering,” Boeser said with a smile, explaining his departure.

Garland claimed that he’s been cleaning up this season because the newcomers aren’t very good.

“We have a bad table,” he said. “Last year, Millsy’s a really good player, (Jack) Studnicka was a good player. Boes is OK. This year they’re bad, so it’s pretty easy.” He acknowledged that Di Giuseppe’s “not bad.”

“I’m surprised he said I wasn’t bad, usually he gives it to me,” Di Giuseppe said with a chuckle.

“After a game, I like playing at the table because we’ll dissect the game. That’s another way to flush it out is if it’s good, everyone’s happy and you’re shooting the you know what. And if it’s bad, you just kinda let out the demons.”

The Nintendo Switch turned movie club

At the start of the season, Boeser bought Nintendo Switches and formed a group that would play a PGA Golf video game. Miller and Elias Pettersson were the other regulars, with Myers and Thatcher Demko joining once in a while, according to Boeser.

“It’s one of the only games that most guys would enjoy and play against each other,” said Boeser. “We’re all even right now. Nobody gives strokes yet.”

They still play every so often but over the season, it’s transitioned into a movie club.

“Millsy and Brock were just so much better than everybody else that they just kinda cut us out. They were just being really bad guys doing that,” Myers laughed. “Movie club kind of took over.”

The players will synchronize their iPads together to start a film at the same time. They take turns choosing the movie.

Who’s the best and worst at picking them?

“Best is between Demmer and I. Worst is between Brock and Millsy,” said Myers. “Millsy is a good movie guy but he has a tough time grasping the concept of what types of movies we’re trying to bring into movie club.

“Demmer and I seem to be quality control and Brock isn’t as familiar with movies so he tends to bring in a lot of random ones that probably would never make Demmer and I’s list.”

Forgotten passports and unwritten rules

Most of the Canucks’ plane rides are routine, but The Athletic was curious if the players could share any funny or unique travel tales from this season.

Boeser immediately turned when he heard the question, stared at Joshua in his dressing room stall and smiled: “Just Dak holding us up this year for 45 minutes.”

“Who forgot their passport?” Brock continued while still looking at Joshua.

“Bainsey! (Arshdeep Bains),” Joshua replied.

“Yeah, Bainsey, we had a preseason game going to Seattle and he forgot his passport so that was pretty funny,” said Boeser.

Speaking of passports, crossing the border and clearing customs is something players like to groan about because it adds another layer (and time) to the trip.

“If (it’s another Canadian team) you’re just pulling up to the plane but since you gotta go over the border it’s more of a hassle. It’s not that bad, but we like to complain about it,” said Joshua.

Once players board the plane, there are a couple of unwritten rules for etiquette.

“You can’t take a poop on the plane,” said Cole.

Cole also said that when the team gets off the plane or bus they’ll typically exit from the back forward, with veteran players off first.

“But it’s also not a hard and fast rule,” he explained. “If someone steps up and goes, whatever. Or if someone’s taking a while, guys go, it’s never like a ‘Hey, you guys need to wait.’”

Vancouver’s travel over an 82-game schedule is grueling, with substantially longer flights on average compared to Eastern Conference teams. For example, the trip between Vancouver and Nashville is by far the longest distance of any first-round series. Their travel situation is a disadvantage the Canucks have to accept, but they try to make the most of it.

“It’s a pretty chill group, we’re not the ’86 Mets on the plane, you know?” Joshua said with a laugh.
”We just go about the business, get on and get off.”

With the Canucks arriving in Tennessee on Wednesday, they’re preparing for arguably their biggest challenge yet. Many of Vancouver’s core players will be playing in front of an intimidating road playoff crowd for the first time, Demko remains out with an injury and the series is tied 1-1 after a Game 2 loss .

It’s a season-defining trip — and the result will swing the mood of the flight home to Vancouver after Sunday’s Game 4 for better or worse.

(Photos of Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua and Brock Boeser: Sam Hodde / NHLI via Getty Images and Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press via AP)

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Harman Dayal is a staff writer for The Athletic NHL based in Vancouver. He combines NHL video and data analysis and tracks microstats as part of his coverage. Follow Harman on Twitter @ harmandayal2