It is always better to renew your passport at least 6 to 9 months before it expires rather than letting it run out. In 2026, most countries (including many in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East) strictly enforce a "six-month validity rule," meaning they will deny you entry if your passport has less than half a year of life remaining. If you wait until it expires, you lose your primary form of international ID and cannot travel spontaneously in an emergency. Additionally, renewing an active passport is often a more streamlined "renewal" process, whereas some jurisdictions treat an expired passport as a "new application," which can require more documentation and potentially a fresh police verification. For 2026 travelers, renewing early ensures you never miss a trip due to a technicality, and in many regions like India, you can even apply for a renewal up to one year before the expiry date.