Travelling to the US, less than 3 months left on passport
Travelling to the US, less than 3 months left on passport
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G321

Original Poster:

647 posts

225 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
According to a google search and a GOV website, travelling to the US with less than 3 months left on my UK passport shouldn't be an issue as long as I have a return ticket (which, I do). Has anyone done this before and did it cause any issues?
I will be travelling at the end of January and my current passport expires mid April.
The reason I am not renewing prior to the trip is that I'm waiting for Irish registration to come through and get an Irish passport instead, not sure it'll be completed on time

worsy

6,424 posts

196 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
Are you doing the Irish passport via FBR? If so how long has it been in?

New UK passport should be very quick.

When was your UK passport issued?

G321

Original Poster:

647 posts

225 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
worsy said:
Are you doing the Irish passport via FBR? If so how long has it been in?

New UK passport should be very quick.

When was your UK passport issued?
Yes doing FBR which has been about 8 months since I got the email saying all docs have been received.

My UK passport was issued around 9 1/2 years ago but don't want to renew and just have the Irish passport.

worsy

6,424 posts

196 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
G321 said:
worsy said:
Are you doing the Irish passport via FBR? If so how long has it been in?

New UK passport should be very quick.

When was your UK passport issued?
Yes doing FBR which has been about 8 months since I got the email saying all docs have been received.

My UK passport was issued around 9 1/2 years ago but don't want to renew and just have the Irish passport.
You'll be close to having the certificate then!

Just checking it wasn't a scenario where the passport was 10 years and 3 months old, however it looks like not a consideration for the US.

G321

Original Poster:

647 posts

225 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
worsy said:
You'll be close to having the certificate then!

Just checking it wasn't a scenario where the passport was 10 years and 3 months old, however it looks like not a consideration for the US.
Yes hoping it will be soon although research shows it's taking around 10-12 months currently

x5tuu

12,649 posts

208 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
Went over to the US in late August with someone who's passport ran out mid-September, no issues at all.

Their ESTA was still valid throughout and they had proof of a return ticket booked (but wasn't asked for or needed) - zero issues.

G321

Original Poster:

647 posts

225 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
x5tuu said:
Went over to the US in late August with someone who's passport ran out mid-September, no issues at all.

Their ESTA was still valid throughout and they had proof of a return ticket booked (but wasn't asked for or needed) - zero issues.
Great, that's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks

surveyor

18,560 posts

205 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
G321 said:
According to a google search and a GOV website, travelling to the US with less than 3 months left on my UK passport shouldn't be an issue as long as I have a return ticket (which, I do). Has anyone done this before and did it cause any issues?
I will be travelling at the end of January and my current passport expires mid April.
The reason I am not renewing prior to the trip is that I'm waiting for Irish registration to come through and get an Irish passport instead, not sure it'll be completed on time
Yes and Yes it did cause issues.

I had spotted the danger too late to do anything about it, but as we were flying from a small local airport, I went a couple of days early when I knew check-in was open. They told me we would not be able to fly. That then gave them time to check the rules (they have a book) and the manager to educate the check-in staff. He was on duty when we flew, but they recognised me anyway.

Had bigger issues which meant leaving my wife behind for a couple of days - but that was covid pass related.

GCH

4,129 posts

223 months

Monday 21st October 2024
quotequote all
The reason the figure of 3 months (well, 90 days to be specific) is important, is because that is the max length of stay for someone entering visa free under the VWP (via an ESTA).
It's not an issue though, as if you have less than this time available they will simply adjust the 'until' date on the stamp accordingly. As long as you have a return (or onward) ticket out of the US before expiry, then you should be ok.

Also, remember that when you do get your Irish passport, you will need a new ESTA as they are tied solely to a specific passport.