Start with the most important rule: check your passport’s expiration date right now. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. If it expires before July 2027, you need to renew before booking flights for 2026. Renewal takes 6–10 weeks standard ($130 fee) or 2–3 weeks expedited ($190). Do not wait until March 2026 for a June trip. This guide covers exactly what documents you need, where to get them, and what mistakes travelers make every year. No fluff. Just steps that work. 1. Passport and Visa Basics: What Changed for…