PASSPORT WATCH: Count Your Pages
Washington Post, 12/10/2006
A heads-up from the U.S. State Department: Americans who don't have two blank pages in their passports can be barred from entering South Africa. The U.S. embassy has received frantic calls from Americans stuck at the airport, warns State Department spokesman Steve Royster. Those who overlook the South African rule face at least a hassle: If they're feeling kindly, South African officials might allow travelers in long enough to visit the U.S. embassy; then they must report back to border officials.
That's just one of the peculiar requirements that can crop up. Some countries check your passport expiration date and turn you away if it's not good for six more months. Others, to prevent parental child abduction, require that you prove the kids traveling with you are yours , or that you have both parents' permission to travel with the children.
To be safe, check consular information sheets on the country you're visiting at http://www.travel.state.gov. You'll also find info on how to get free blank pages, and a reminder that as of Jan. 23, you need a passport for flights to any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. (The new rule does not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.)