For how long are passports valid and can they be renewed?
Answer. Most passports are valid for ten years, but may have to be extended at the end of five years. This is not a formal renewing process requiring new forms and photographs. Your present passport is simply taken to any Consulate and is stamped, extending it for a further five years, usually while you wait. At the end of ten years a new passport will be issued through a Consulate or Embassy, new forms and photographs are required. The process will take a few days depending on Consular policy and upon passport traffic at the particular office.
