passport global entry

Travel Smart with PamRoc: Don’t Let Your Passport Ruin Your Plans!

05/13/2025 | PamRoc Lifestyle |

Let’s talk about one of the easiest ways to ruin a vacation before it even starts—passport problems.  It may seem simple, but overlooking expiration dates or missing an update after a name change can throw a major wrench in your travel plans.

Here’s what every savvy traveler should know:

***Set a Reminder

Your passport doesn’t just need to be valid—it often needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates to enter many countries. Add a calendar reminder to renew it at least six months before it expires. Trust me, future-you will thank you!

***Name Change? Don’t Wait!

Recently, I had to update my passport after marrying Rocco (yay!). But updating my passport was only half the job. Since I have Global Entry, I also needed to verify the name change in person with Homeland Security. No appointment required—but I had no idea this was necessary until my first flight afterward… when my TSA PreCheck disappeared.

I was told I didn’t need to reapply for Global Entry, but the name change had to be verified at an enrollment center. Lesson learned!

***Before You Jet Off Internationally, Ask Yourself:

  • Is my passport valid for at least 6 months beyond my return date?
  • Have I updated my name if it recently changed?
  • Do I need a visa for my destination?
  • Is my Global Entry or TSA Precheck still properly linked?

Taking a few minutes to double-check your documents before your next trip can save you a whole lot of stress (and possibly tears) at the airport.

Pro tip: Take photos of your passport and ID and store them securely in the cloud—you’ll be glad you did in case anything gets misplaced abroad.

Have a travel question or need help planning your next getaway? Reach out—I’ve got your back (and your boarding pass)!

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