Avoid This Honeymoon Disaster

Passports - Photo by J Aaron Farr

With the changes in national and international security over the past few years, passports are now required for most of your travel destinations.  Even Mexico, which used to require only a driver’s license and birth certificate, now requires a passport ID for travel.

Most bridal mags and websites warn you to allow up to 3 MONTHS for your passport application process.  You can get all the information you need on getting a passport, how long the application process currently takes (it varies anywhere from 3-10 weeks) and everything you need to submit your application online at the US Department of State travel site.

But don’t make this critical mistake that almost led to a honeymoon disaster for one bride…

Danielle is a smart, savvy bride.  She already had a passport that was valid until February 2009, so she thought she was all set for her November 2008 honeymoon to Italy.

Little did she know that Italy requires that your passport be valid for 90 days AFTER the date of your return.  If she had tried to board her flight to Italy for their honeymoon with her current valid passport, she would have been turned away, missing her Italian honeymoon.

Fortunately, Danielle was able to put a rush on her passport renewal to meet the requirement, but she wanted to pass this on to you so that you can avoid this honeymoon-killer.

It turns out that some countries require foreign visitors to have a valid passport for anywhere from 90 days to 6 months AFTER their return date.

Make sure you not only check for US passport requirements to make your honeymoon trip–check the passport requirements of the country or countries you’ll be visiting as well.

Thanks for the great info, Danielle!

Check out these helpful articles: 10 Ways To Avoid Honeymoon Disasters and Top 5 Honeymoon Disasters.

Have you narrowly averted honeymoon disaster?  Leave me a comment.