The time has passed when citizens could cross many international
borders without the need of a passport. Once, a quick trip to Mexico or
Aruba required nothing more than a valid driver's license and sometimes
your birth certificate. They still are not needed for travel to a U.S.
Territory, but they are required for almost every other nation. Changes
in the law means that there is now much more passport information
travelers should know.
One new offering is a passport card. These
will fit in your wallet, and cost less than a full passport, or passport
book. They are valid only for travel to select nations within the
western hemisphere, if said travel is by land or sea and not air. They
are useful for cruises to the Caribbean or cross border trips to Canada
and Mexico. However, it is best to review the entry laws for the
specific nation to which you plan to travel, since some will require
further documentation.
A traditional passport is still required
for most international destinations and for all international flights.
It may be possible to renew your passport via mail, if you meet the
requirements. If you have never had a passport, or it has been longer
than 15 years since it was issued, you must apply in person. There are
several regional passport agencies, but most post offices and some
country clerks also process passport applications.
Regardless of
where or how you apply, you will need to provide proof of citizenship
and identity. You must also provide two quality photographs in full
color, and there are size and background requirements that apply.
Vending machine photo booths cannot provide pictures that will meet the
restrictions. Many post offices can provide the service, and so can a
number of business stores that offer printing and shipping services.
You
should plan your trip well in advance to allow time to receive a
passport. When the passport office is at its busiest, the lead time can
be 10 to 12 weeks. At minimum, they need 4 to 6 weeks when things are
slow. If you wish, you can pay a fee to have your passport application
expedited, which can cut wait time in half.
Once you are on your
trip, be sure and protect your passport. Should it be stolen or lost
while in a foreign country, contact the American consul or embassy at
once. They can provide a temporary passport or documentation to leave
the nation and return to the U.S. This can be a time consuming and
frustrating process, so it is naturally best to avoid it.
Anyone
who is behind with payments for child support can have a passport
application rejected. Children involved in custody disputes may not be
permitted to leave the country. In most cases, each parent must approve
the application for the child's passport. This can sometimes be waived
if a parent can provide a court decree granting full custody of the
child. Everyone must have his or her own passport, from infancy on. The
proofs required for a child are the same as for an adult when it comes
to establishing citizenship. In addition, the adult must offer proof of
his or her relationship.
Emergency passports can be obtained from
regional passport agencies. Applications are only accepted in person.
The situation must be a genuine emergency that requires you to travel
immediately. You will have to provide the normal documentation, but will
also have to provide proof of the emergency. An official death
certificate or other acceptable notice may be needed which states what
the emergency is and how it relates to you.
In the last few years, much passport information
has become outdated. It always pays to be sure you have the most
current facts. You should review the travel restrictions for your
destination, since they can change quickly. Plan to receive your
passport in plenty of time for your departure date. And if you are
mailing in a renewal request, be sure that you have included all the
documentation requested. All of this will help make your passport application process, and your whole trip, a much more pleasant experience.
