My passport expires in March 2013 and I know some countries like America require at least 6 months on your passport.

How long before it expires can I renew ?

Reason I ask is I'm thinking of booking a holiday late September/October next year and would obviously be within the 6 month before it expires.

Mick

You can send off your passport for renewal up to 9 months before it expires.

I found this link on the official website which tells you everything you need to know, including how long the process takes:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/Renewingorextendingyourpassport/DG_174096 

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Although I obviously lost some time on the early renewal they still added the extra 9 months to the end date.

Hope that helps - John

Now I've booked route 66 in october I know I'll have to renew my passport as its within 6 month of its expiry date.

That leads to another couple of questions :-

1. When renewing do you keep the same passport number ?

2. As I'm changing passport do I have to apply for a new ESTA even though my current one is still within its 2 year date ?

Thanks

Mick

Unfortunately your ESTA expires with your passport, so you will need a new one when you renew. Your number will change too.

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

Another question -

How long will my passport renewel take ?

I've just booked Austrian lakes in August which I can do on my old passport but then need to renew before my Route 66 trip in October (got about 6 weeks between holidays).

Thanks

Mick

I found this information on the official website.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/howlongittakesandurgentappplications/DG_174109 

They aim to get your new passport back to you within three weeks (and in my experience it is usually quicker than that). Alternatively you can pay extra and get your passport back in a week or even the next day.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

Will prob pay extra for peace of mind.

Mick