Can I visit the Canary Islands if my passport expires in 4 months?
by Emma
(Blackburrn)
Question: I have only 4 months left on my passport and am due to go on holiday in the next couple of days for a week. Will I be able to go to the Canary Islands or will I be sent back?
Answer: The Canary Islands are a territory of Spain and, therefore, you must abide by the entry requirements for that country.
Spain is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes without a visa.
Your passport should be
valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our
Schengen Fact Sheet.
Since you will depart next week for a one-week stay on the Canary Islands, it appears that your passport will have approximately three months validity upon your return to the U.S. You need to verify this.
If your passport will have less than three months of validity remaining, then you need to renew it quickly. With such a short time to do this, you only have two options.
One, personally schedule and appointment and submit your renewal application at a
regional passport agency. Two, authorize a professional expediter to submit your application for
emergency passport renewal.
UPDATE:
High demand and mailing delays are impacting how long it takes to get a passport.
- Standard service is currently taking between 10 and 13 weeks.
- Expedited service is currently taking between 7 to 9 weeks.
NOTE: Processing times begin when applications are received at a passport agency or center. Requesting 1-2-day mailing service is recommended.
Need to get a passport faster?
Requesting express service at post offices and other facilities that accept application forms from U.S. citizens.
Where processing centers are located. How to schedule an appointment. What documents to take with you.
How to pick a legitimate courier service company to assist in getting your passport quickly.
Guide to help you decide if standard or fast track processing is the best option for your situation.
Learn to expedite passport renewals as quickly as the same day. Where and how to renew passport in a hurry.