Guest post: Live & Invest Overseas
If you’re about to book the first trip you’ve taken in a while, you should do a quick quality control check on your passport and make sure it’s in good working condition before booking your tickets.
If your passport has been gathering dust in a drawer over the past few years, check it for imperfections like torn pages, water damage, stains, and discoloration. Certain countries (Indonesia, for example) have strict quality standards for passports and expect them to be in near-perfect condition. A bit of wear and tear could be the reason you’re denied entry at the immigration counter of whichever country you’re trying to visit.
You should also take a look at your passport’s issue and expiration dates. Some countries require your passport to have been issued within a certain number of years in order to visit them. To visit a European Union country, for instance, your passport needs to have been issued in the last 10 years. A passport that’s due to expire soon could also impact your travel plans. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least the length of your stay, but some ask for six months or up to a year of validity.
One more factor to consider is the number of blank pages your passport has remaining. You’ll need at least enough space to receive entry and exit stamps at immigration—otherwise you could be denied entry. If you’re short on blank pages, you may need to renew your passport early.
Ensuring your passport is up-to-date and in good condition will go a long way to reducing your stress as you look forward to your next adventure.
For more great information about traveling or living overseas, particularly in your retirement years, check out liveandinvestoverseas.com.
David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich and Faisal Karmali do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc.
This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change.
Individuals are advised to seek advice regarding their particular circumstances from their personal tax and legal advisors.
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