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Passport Expiration #83573
01/23/2016 02:13 PM
01/23/2016 02:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
Marilyn Offline OP
Traveler
Marilyn  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
Is it fact or fiction that the BVI's require your passport to be valid for 6 months after your trip? For years I've told people about the 6 month rule, but I just did a google search and see that the anecdotal recommendations range from 90 days to 6 months to no requirement at all. I think I've been passing on folklore rather than fact. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge regarding passport expiration dates?

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Re: Passport Expiration [Re: Marilyn] #83574
01/23/2016 02:18 PM
01/23/2016 02:18 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
Manpot Offline
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Manpot  Offline
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 17,029
Tortola/ Sonoma, California
I have on simple question:"Why chance it?" I have had immigration officers come up with some of the more bizarre rules that have nothing to do with fact..especially one"lady" in St Thomas who seems to make things up as she goes..PM me and I'll give you her name so you can avoid her!

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: Manpot] #83575
01/23/2016 02:42 PM
01/23/2016 02:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
Marilyn Offline OP
Traveler
Marilyn  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
"Just renew it" was my thought too. But the guy asking the question is an engineer and wanted to know the source of my information. That got me wondering about what the requirements actually are and I couldn't find anything on the official government sites. We've been going to the BVI's since 1993 but this time we're taking 6 newbies with us. They're asking all sorts of questions I haven't thought about in a long time. It's kind of fun looking at things through fresh eyes.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: Marilyn] #83576
01/23/2016 03:02 PM
01/23/2016 03:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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MrEZgoin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
There was a long thread on this a while back and my takeaway was: FICTION

I posted info from the state department website, and others posted conclusive data as well.

that won't stop the chorus of "Better safe than sorry", etc.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: MrEZgoin] #83577
01/23/2016 03:05 PM
01/23/2016 03:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
Traveler
MrEZgoin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: MrEZgoin] #83578
01/23/2016 05:36 PM
01/23/2016 05:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
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NCSailor  Offline
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N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Again, why risk it? There is no uniformity at BVI customs. What passes one day may not the next. Ruin an expensive vacation when you need to renew anyway? Doesn't make sense to me.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: NCSailor] #83579
01/23/2016 05:57 PM
01/23/2016 05:57 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
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MrEZgoin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
I think most people asking the question are in the position of deciding if they should get an expedited passport renewal at additional hassle and expense.

I don't think anyone has yet reported being turned away, so the level of risk has not been demonstrated.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: MrEZgoin] #83580
01/23/2016 06:20 PM
01/23/2016 06:20 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
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N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Quote
MrEZgoin said:
I think most people asking the question are in the position of deciding if they should get an expedited passport renewal at additional hassle and expense.

I don't think anyone has yet reported being turned away, so the level of risk has not been demonstrated.


Ok, you be the test case and let us all know how it goes. Then we can all learn together.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: MrEZgoin] #83581
01/23/2016 06:26 PM
01/23/2016 06:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
Quote
MrEZgoin said:
There was a long thread on this a while back and my takeaway was: FICTION

I posted info from the state department website, and others posted conclusive data as well.

that won't stop the chorus of "Better safe than sorry", etc.


You are talking about the U.S State Dept. The BVI gov't does not go by U.S. rules. As Mal says they can change the rules as they seem fit.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: sail2wind] #83582
01/23/2016 06:52 PM
01/23/2016 06:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
SuburbanDharma Offline
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SuburbanDharma  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,321
Charlotte, NC
My parents came with us over Christmas with less than 2 weeks remaining on both of their passports, despite my utter horror that they hadn't renewed. My mom insisted "why do they give you an expiration date if it's actually expired 6 months before the date???"
I figured we'd just go to St. Croix or the Spanish Virgins if they wouldn't let us in but they didn't even bat an eye. I don't think they even look at the date. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Tonguea.gif" alt="" />


If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning. [Linked Image]
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: SuburbanDharma] #83583
01/23/2016 07:14 PM
01/23/2016 07:14 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
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N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
I came in with a cooler of beer last month plus cigars. But did get hassled. No tax. Two years ago same thing. I paid tax. The BVI customs is a joke especially at WE where the so-called officers are barely high school grads, wiseguys and have their jobs solely through family connections.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: sail2wind] #83584
01/23/2016 07:26 PM
01/23/2016 07:26 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
Traveler
MrEZgoin  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
Quote
sail2wind said:
Quote
MrEZgoin said:
There was a long thread on this a while back and my takeaway was: FICTION

I posted info from the state department website, and others posted conclusive data as well.

that won't stop the chorus of "Better safe than sorry", etc.


You are talking about the U.S State Dept. The BVI gov't does not go by U.S. rules. As Mal says they can change the rules as they seem fit.


Sigh. The state department compiles information about the requirements of other countries on that website, of course it doesn't dictate them. Do you have some reason to believe that the information is in error?

Beyond that, by your argument, they can also deny you entry because your passport doesn't have a year remaining. Or two years. Or because they don't like your shirt.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: SuburbanDharma] #83585
01/23/2016 07:49 PM
01/23/2016 07:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
gd1147 Offline
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gd1147  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
Think of it this way, if the normal tourist visa entering the country is 30 days, and your passport expires in 2 weeks, if you stay the 30 days you cannot go back to the USA without visiting a consulate in Barbados and getting your passport renewed.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: gd1147] #83586
01/23/2016 08:27 PM
01/23/2016 08:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
Traveler
MrEZgoin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
Having a passport so close to expiration that it expires during your trip is a different matter.
If that happens you MAY be denied entry back into the U.S.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: gd1147] #83587
01/23/2016 08:46 PM
01/23/2016 08:46 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Quote
gd1147 said:
Think of it this way, if the normal tourist visa entering the country is 30 days, and your passport expires in 2 weeks, if you stay the 30 days you cannot go back to the USA without visiting a consulate in Barbados and getting your passport renewed.


I travel international for work. 10-15 countries every year. I guess with your periodic trip to the BVIs you are an expert. So I will stand down.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: NCSailor] #83588
01/23/2016 08:55 PM
01/23/2016 08:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
MrEZgoin Offline
Traveler
MrEZgoin  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 793
Redmond, WA
Quote
NCSailor said:
Quote
MrEZgoin said:
I think most people asking the question are in the position of deciding if they should get an expedited passport renewal at additional hassle and expense.

I don't think anyone has yet reported being turned away, so the level of risk has not been demonstrated.


Ok, you be the test case and let us all know how it goes. Then we can all learn together.


I already have. No problem.


M4000 "Lio Kai"
Re: Passport Expiration [Re: NCSailor] #83589
01/23/2016 08:57 PM
01/23/2016 08:57 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
gd1147 Offline
Traveler
gd1147  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
Quote
NCSailor said:
Quote
gd1147 said:
Think of it this way, if the normal tourist visa entering the country is 30 days, and your passport expires in 2 weeks, if you stay the 30 days you cannot go back to the USA without visiting a consulate in Barbados and getting your passport renewed.

I travel international for work. 10-15 countries every year. I guess with your periodic trip to the BVIs you are an expert. So I will stand down.


Was I talking to you? Do you know me or my travel experience? I didn't think so. So your apology will be accepted. If anything I was reinforcing your point of "why risk it." Glad you outed yourself as an [censored] and hope to never meet you IRL.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: gd1147] #83590
01/23/2016 09:07 PM
01/23/2016 09:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Quote
gd1147 said:
Quote
NCSailor said:
Quote
gd1147 said:
Think of it this way, if the normal tourist visa entering the country is 30 days, and your passport expires in 2 weeks, if you stay the 30 days you cannot go back to the USA without visiting a consulate in Barbados and getting your passport renewed.

I travel international for work. 10-15 countries every year. I guess with your periodic trip to the BVIs you are an expert. So I will stand down.


Was I talking to you? Do you know me or my travel experience? I didn't think so. So your apology will be accepted. If anything I was reinforcing your point of "why risk it." Glad you outed yourself as an [censored] and hope to never meet you IRL.


ok

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: SuburbanDharma] #83591
01/23/2016 09:30 PM
01/23/2016 09:30 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 6
Texas
E
electricboone Offline
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electricboone  Offline
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E
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 6
Texas
Gets a little testy in here on a full moon, huh?

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: electricboone] #83592
01/23/2016 09:35 PM
01/23/2016 09:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
Marilyn Offline OP
Traveler
Marilyn  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 65
California
Okey Dokey. OP here. Thanks for your input everybody.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: electricboone] #83593
01/23/2016 09:37 PM
01/23/2016 09:37 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
gd1147 Offline
Traveler
gd1147  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 255
Dirty Jersey
I have no idea why someone who doesn't know me or my travel experience would need to dump all over me even though I never mentioned them in a comment etc. But if that's the norm for today's society we are all headed to hell in a hand basket.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: electricboone] #83594
01/23/2016 09:41 PM
01/23/2016 09:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
N
NCSailor Offline
Traveler
NCSailor  Offline
Traveler
N
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
Quote
electricboone said:
Gets a little testy in here on a full moon, huh?


Nah, we are all friends. We are eating raw meat only though waiting for the Panthers v Arizona tomorrow.

Re: Passport Expiration [Re: Marilyn] #83595
01/23/2016 09:53 PM
01/23/2016 09:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Mercy me, no idea why this went so sideways, but regardless it is done..


Carol Hill

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