Passport about to expire, question...

[Cosimo]

How about I just walk into the post office masturbating? Will I get a free passport instantly ?

You'll get some free travel and probably some free board and lodging at “Her Majesty’s Pleasure”.

 

[hughtrimble]

Because the country you visit wants to know your passport will still be valid during your stay.

Yup, and remain so for a reasonable amount of time after your 'intended' departure date (health issues, ticket issues, who knows what else could delay your departure).

The country (especially within the EU) also doesn't know you're going to leave when your ticket says you will...

 

[agnes]

6 months left. Regardless of location as far as I'm aware.

Get that updated now, passport renewal doesn't take more than a week these days. Hugely efficient.

Send forms off this afternoon from the post office, have it next Friday. I am willing to put money on it.

 

[Xordium]

I wouldn't count on that I put mine in 13 days ago check and send at the post office and mine has not arrived yet.

 

[Wzd]

I just few to/from Amsterdam last weekend and mine runs out in 10 days, only just posted it off for renewal yesterday You'll be fine...Greece will be glad for your tourism anyway

They estimate a 3 week turn around for renewals though, even with the Post Office's Check & Send.

 

[Cosimo]

6 months left. Regardless of location as far as I'm aware.

Get that updated now, passport renewal doesn't take more than a week these days. Hugely efficient.

Send forms off this afternoon from the post office, have it next Friday. I am willing to put money on it.

Just under two weeks when mine was done in January.

 

[DirtyJester]

Pay another £8.75 at the post office and they will check your form and send it off for you.

This.

Just under two weeks when mine was done in January.

2 weeks to the day for mine, that was last month.

 

[Bromhead]

I had an expired passport and left it to the last minute (the day before) before I was due to leave on holiday to renew my passport. Drove up to Liverpool, popped in dropped it off, went shopping and 3 hours later I had a new shiny one.*

*It cost considerably more to do that though if I remember correctly.

 

[mame]

I renewed mine in March and used to PO checking service. It took about 2 weeks.

 

[Lopéz]

6 months left. Regardless of location as far as I'm aware.

That is not correct, it is dependent on the destination.

 

[bainbridge]

Mine only took 10 days in March using check and send but the post office lady said they get very busy in April and it starts taking longer.

 

[Amp34]

I've heard the 6 month figure before, but logically what's the point of an expiry date if you can't use it up until the expiry?

Seeing as Greece is in the EU I don't think there'll be any problems.

The 6 months figure is a guideline because some (not most) countries require you to have 6. months validity. These are generally places like Pakistan.

Check with Greece but most likely it will just be a case of valid for your entire stay, as long as you leave the day before it expires you'll be fine.

 

[Pawnless Endgame]

Yeah I paid £72.50 to get mine renewed in late 2012, which lasts for 10 years. That's the standard price for a 4-week turnaround. I think that's just to cover their backs, as my new one arrived in only a fortnight. I think you can also pay a bit more for a faster turnaround.

OP, make sure you apply for the E111 card too! It's health insurance for EU countries. Apply online, no cost, and mine (for example) arrived in a week.

 

[loltim]

I read the thread title in the voice of Dwight from The Office. True story

 

[malachi]

OP, make sure you apply for the E111 card too! It's health insurance for EU countries. Apply online, no cost, and mine (for example) arrived in a week.

This,

Keep in mind though a E111 card, is NOT a form of travel insurance. You will still need to take that out before you leave.