Should I renew my passport that expires next May but has only 1 visa page left?

by rob
(new jersey)

Question: I will be traveling to France in October and also have a Brazilian visa good for 5 years in this passport. I will need it for next year. Should I ask for more pages? How many? how log are they good for?

Answer: You can apply to add visa pages in your passport when there are between 2 and 4 pages left. There is no fee for this service unless you want the process expedited.

Although your current passport does not expire until May of next year, you may consider taking this opportunity to renew it. American citizens are encouraged to begin the renewal process approximately nine months before their travel document expires.

While you may lose a couple of month's validity by doing this, you may save money in the end since the State Department Passport Services has plans to raise the application fees soon.

If you travel extensively, you should request additional visa pages when you submit your application. All you need to do is include a signed, written request for additional visa pages when you apply to renew your passport.

For more information, click the links below.

Add Visa Pages to Passport

Apply to Renew Passport

Concerning the visa, you need to check with the Brazilian consulate. Your current passport will be returned to you along with your new one. Some countries require you to get the visa transferred to the new passport while others allow you to enter by presenting both passports.