Most countries don't allow international travelers to enter their territory unless they have at least six months left before their passport expires . That might sound like an unnecessary ask for a week-long vacation, but the rule is in place for good reason.

That's because if you do find yourself in a scenario when your passport expires while you're abroad—say due to an unexpected medical issue or trip delay , for example—you could be facing a major bureaucratic headache.

However, although it might feel like a crisis, having your passport lapse while traveling is not the end of the world. There are procedures that travelers can follow to obtain a renewed document and get their trip back on track. Here’s a look at what happens if your passport expires while you’re abroad.

How far in advance should I renew my passport?

Many countries do not allow international tourists to visit unless they have a certain amount of validity left on their passport.…