Canadians are urged to check their passport before March break due to a little-known rule

If you're heading out of the country for March break, now is the time to check your passport — because a little-known passport rule could throw a wrench in your travel plans.

Passport Canada is urging Canadians to renew their passports well in advance, recommending at least six months before the expiry date. And there's a good reason for that.

Many popular travel destinations — including the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Singapore, China, and Turkey — require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. If it's not, you could be denied entry upon arriving at your destination or even stopped from boarding your flight in the first place.

This is all because of what's known as the "six-month rule." More than 70 countries have this requirement to prevent travellers from overstaying or getting stranded due to unexpected issues or emergencies. Essentially, it gives people a safety net if their trip is extended because they face an emergency or flights get cancelled.

What does this mean for Canadians travelling during March break? Well, before you panic, check the Government of Canada's travel advisories to see your destination's specific entry and exit requirements.

If the six-month rule doesn't apply and your passport is still valid for travel, you're in the clear. But if your destination enforces this rule and your passport has less than six months of validity left, you'll need to renew it ASAP — otherwise, you might not even make it past check-in.

At this point, mailing in your application probably won't cut it. With March break just around the corner, your best bet is to visit a Service Canada Centre or passport office in person.

If you're travelling in less than two weeks, don't wait — head straight to a passport office that offers urgent or express pick-up. You'll need proof of travel, and extra fees may apply, but it's the fastest way to get your passport in time. Full details about how to renew can be found on the Government of Canada website.

If you don't have immediate travel plans, you can take your time and apply by mail or visit a Service Canada Centre at your convenience. Just keep in mind that processing times can fluctuate, so renewing well in advance is always a good idea.

Beyond passport issues, Canadians heading on vacation this March break should also be aware of other important travel advice.

Both CATSA (the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) and CBSA (the Canada Border Services Agency) have issued travel advice to help smooth out airport experiences during this busy season. If you're flying out, it's worth checking their latest tips on how to get through security faster and what to expect at customs.

Planning a trip to Europe? There are some new travel requirements you should know about before you go. And if you're off to the Caribbean, be sure to check for any travel advisories that might impact your trip.

No one wants to deal with last-minute passport panic or travel headaches, so if your vacation plans include a flight out of the country, take a few minutes to check your passport now. A little planning can go a long way in making sure your getaway is smooth sailing!

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