Traveler Beware

[Doppler]

I had to get an expedited Canadian passport (took less than 24 hours) because my existing passport was turned away from a flight to Singapore because it expired six months before my return flight... in other words, when I tried to leave North America, my passport had six months and five days before expiry.

Not at all surprised to read the OP's story. I think that's standard in lots of countries... and a buddy who works for our federal cops told me that if a passport does NOT have a blank page when you arrive in ANY country, it MAY be considered invalid!

Beware indeed.

 

[Searcaigh]

My bad, what's the average wait time for a cdn passport? Mine expired 20 years ago and I've never gotten around to renewing it.

In Dubai they quote 4 weeks but in effect my last one took 8 working days.

I am so upset that my virgin UK passport has been violated with a Saudi visa :shocked2:

I have to admit that when I entered Manado last July I was surprised to see that they had changed the visa stamp for a full page sticker, like Saudi, Iran, Sudan, etc.

 

[tdchandl]

...and pay that little extra to the cdn gov for the thicker version.

 

[jbb]

...and pay that little extra to the cdn gov for the thicker version.

The extra pages don't cost you a thing with a US passport request.

Rules are rules, you don't have to wait to renew a passport. Renew a year early if it is more convenient. Sorry I have no sympathy for someone who doesn't see that they have less than a page left in their book - it is the whole purpose of the document after all.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Tdchandl, thanks for the head's up on the extra pages. I wouldn't have thought of it and plan to get a ten year passport this time around. No way would usual number of pages cover me. I'm almost out now though had checked to ensure would have that free page for Indonesian sticker . . .and then realizing my bigger problem of the six months remaining. Grrr, if only I'd dealt with this in Aug or Sept but it seems so ridiculous to have to renew a passport that is valid for another 10 months . . .or 6 for that matter. Grrrr

 

[Indah]

Hello Centrals,

anyone who bribes should be arrested for it. Corruption always at least two parties. Both are equally wrong.

 

[tracydr]

I'm sorry that happened to you but it is in the writeup info for entry. My concern at this time is that while I have a page left, my 6 month period will be reached while I'm at Raja Ampat and wondering if I'll get back into Singapore from Bali. Guess I'll have to try for new passport. Such a pain when I've little time to do it between now and then. Whereas plenty of time upon my return. (Need my passport for this long weekend and again in three weeks and then only have 3 weeks available before travelling to SE Asia. One has to give up their passport during the renewal process.

Not sure about Canada but there is an express service for passports available in the US. It's still scary to give up your passport right before a trip, I understand. You'd think in these days of computers, that they could renew a passport without sending it through the mail. I would certainly take care of that if its going to expire anywhere on your trip,though. Would not be fun to be stuck enroute in a foreign country.
I just wish that we could keep our passports permanent and add extra pages. I hate losing the history from all the cool stamps from the countries I've been to.

 

[Wingy]

New passport would be a sensible option otherwise have some US$ ready!! You are in Indonesia afterall!!

Attempting to bribe indonesian imigrasi wouldnt be the smartest move - they hold grudges.

 

[Centrals]

Hello Centrals,

anyone who bribes should be arrested for it. Corruption always at least two parties. Both are equally wrong.

I do not like the idea also. Unfortunately, in a country like India, Indonesia, Philippines etc etc it is FACT of life.
What would you do if you turn up at the airport and the immigration officer tell you that your passport is invalid? You pay the "fine" or get the paper done properly. I know what I will do.

---------- Post added October 11th, 2013 at 11:22 AM ----------

Attempting to bribe indonesian imigrasi wouldnt be the smartest move - they hold grudges.

O really!!
My experiences told me otherwise.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Tracy, we have 2 or 3 different degrees of expediting. I also chose not to renew by mail but instead do it in person. Regardless, they still relieve me of my current passport during the process. That said, with specific request they will also return the cancelled passport to me though it has a corner cut off. This pleases me greatly, as like you, I love my stamps and stickers.