20. In order to facilitate the extension of validity of Convention Travel Documents where refugees are outside the issuing country, it is also provided that diplomatic or consular authorities, specially authorized for this purpose, shall be empowered to extend, for a period not exceeding six months, the validity of a travel document issued by their Governments [Schedule, paragraph 6(2)]. Although such extensions are stated to be for a period not exceeding six months, a number of Contracting States have authorized extensions by their diplomatic or consular authorities for longer periods. Alternatively, arrangements have been made whereby Convention Travel Documents can be transmitted by diplomatic or consular authorities for renewal, without the need for the refugee himself to return to the issuing country. Such measures take account of the hardship which sometimes arises for a refugee if, in order to renew his travel document, he is required to return to the issuing country, especially when great distances are involved.