Do I need to renew my passport now?

by KP
(LA, CA)

My passport expires on 20 March 2010. I am traveling out of the country on Dec 5-12, 2009. Do I need to renew it before I travel?

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KP,

You do not need to renew your passport now unless...

Passports are valid until the date of expiration. You could actually take your trip in December even if your passport expired a day after you returned unless...

...you plan to enter a country that requires a visa.

The foreign entry requirements for many countries include a passport that has at least six months validity beyond the date of entry. Therefore, the answer to your question can only be answered by answering the following questions.

What countries do you plan to visit?

Is a visa an entry requirement for U.S. citizens who want to visit?

If a visa is required, how much validity does the country require your passport have in order to get the visa?