If you're running out of pages in the back of your passport, you have
two potential solutions: adding additional pages or getting a renewal.
This guide will help you decide which option is best for you.
Passport Expiration Date
First, take a look at the expiration date on your current passport.
If your current passport expires within the next 12 months, you're
probably better off getting a passport renewal. Many countries have
what's called a "6 month rule," which means they won't allow you to
enter if your passport expires in less than six months. To prevent
issues while traveling, the Department of State recommends renewing your
passport at least nine months in advance.
Adding new pages costs $82, while getting a passport renewal costs
$110. Also, when you apply for a passport renewal, you can include a
signed, written request for extra passport pages in the new passport.
There is no additional charge for adding pages at the time the passport
is issued, you just have to request them. So, if your passport expires
relatively soon, getting a renewal is probably the best value for your
money.
However, if you have a lot of time before your existing passport
expires, getting extra pages is the cheapest, easiest way to go.
Number of Refills
Each "refill" of visa pages consists of an additional 24 pages
stapled into the back of your passport book. You allowed to get new visa
pages added a total of three times for each passport. If you travel a
lot, you could run out of refills. If that happens, you have no choice
but to get a passport renewal. You can try to stave this eventuality off
as long as possible by only having your passport stamped where it's
absolutely necessary.
Visas
One other item to consider when deciding between adding pages and
getting a passport renewal is whether or not you have valid visas in
your existing passport. If you do have valid visas, you'll need to do a
little bit of research to see what happens to them after your passport
is renewed. Some countries will allow you to carry the expired visa in
your old passport, others will allow you to transfer your visa and some
may make you apply for your visa all over again. These procedures could
make a difference when it comes to deciding between adding passport pages and applying for a passport renewal.
