Can I travel with an expired passport? And What TSA Accepts for Various Flights…

There is much controversy about whether you can travel with an expired passport. Big things are at stake and might be at risk if you miss your flight. You will be also returned from your destination country back to the US because of an expired passport.

Let’s figure it out: Can you travel with an expired passport domestically inside the US and internationally?

Can I travel with an expired passport?

If you’re traveling internationally, the simple answer is no. You cannot travel with your expired passport as it’s not a valid identification. You need to apply for a new passport to travel freely abroad if your passport has expired or it will be within the next 6 months.

Since July 1st of 2022, the updated policies have been introduced for COVID-19 stating that U.S. citizens can’t use an expired passport to the United States. Please contact the US Embassy or Consulate to acquire a new passport.

So what’s the catch in the question: Can you travel with an expired passport? Let’s proceed.

Can I travel within the US with an expired passport domestically?

While on domestic travel, your US passport is not required. At the same time, you need a valid ID to be in line with the TSA rules and board a domestic flight. The expired passport is not such a valid ID. It’s a little tricky here. You can take your expired passport for traveling within the US, but you still have to convince the TSA officers that is your identity.

Can you travel to Mexico or Canada on an expired passport?

If you’re about to travel to neighboring countries, such as Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbeans, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires a US citizen to own a valid passport book for air travel. The allowed entry rules are more lenient for land and sea travel.

Can I travel to Canada with an expired passport or Mexico by car?

Children who are older than 16 can use a valid passport book, enhanced driver’s license, or trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST cards).

For travelers under 16, a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship is enough. While with a school, church, or youth group, those under 19 can also use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship.

When driving to Canada or Mexico, make sure you’ve got enough time to pass the border checkpoints. Be prepared to wait sufficient time for additional screening or to be detained temporarily until your identification and citizenship are verified. It’s still a good idea to have a valid passport about you to avoid the carry-on altogether.

There are a few expedited services in the market to make use of for passport renewal and speed up your passport application process and processing times.

Can you go on a cruise with an expired passport to a foreign country?

To answer the question of whether you can travel on a cruise with an expired passport, it’s worth knowing the international destination you’ll be visiting on your route.

If it’s a marine voyage and you don’t plan to board off in any foreign port with a valid visa, you can use a driver’s license, and a birth certificate instead of a valid passport or passport card. In case, your cruise is not a loop cruise and will cover a few ports overseas, you’ll need the current passport for traveling there.

Either way, it’s good to have your valid travel document as a passport in case of unforeseen circumstances or urgent travel. You might need to port in a foreign country and travel back to the US from there.

What happens if you try to travel with an expired passport?

If you attempt to travel with an expired passport, these are the situations you’ll face at the airport:

Regarding international flights: Even if you are allowed to board an international flight by mistake, you will be returned to the US from your country of destination ASAP.

Regarding domestic flights: You need to provide another identity proof at the TSA checkpoint if you are traveling with an expired passport.

What is the six-month validity rule with valid passport?

Passport validity requirements are the rules implemented by most countries. They imply that you’re required to have at least 6 months left to avoid complications during your trip or in the event of an emergency that potentially extends your stay.

For international travelers, it’s wise to double-check the expiration date of your old passport. Use passport services if you need expedited processing for further international travel.

When traveling with an expired passport, the document must have a 10-year validity if it was issued after you were 16 or a 5-year validity if you got it before you were 16. It shouldn’t be damaged or altered, and you should have your passport with you.

FAQ

How can I travel with a passport expired?

If you decide you can travel with an expired passport, remember to have at least one more travel document verifying your identity with a photo: like a photo ID, driver’s license, ID card, Real ID, or any other state-issued ID. You can travel to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbeans by car, however, be prepared to wait for the identity control at the border.

Where can I travel with an expired passport?

You can travel within the US with an expired passport. You need to have other evidence of your identity for the TSA officers.