Here are some tips on getting passports fast. First and foremost,
it is always best to plan ahead whenever possible, especially when the
need arises for sudden international travel. To reduce last minute
delays, it can never hurt to have a valid passport at the ready. This is
important especially when one's travel itinerary might require visiting
countries where entry is difficult to obtain. Also, every consulate has
their own process of granting visas.
In obtaining a passport, the
process time can vary depending on the applicant's citizenship status
and whether or not this is a first time passport. For instance, first
time passport applicants have to apply in person with a few sets of
photos, documentation, and forms. Hence, if one does not already have a
passport, they should obtain one as soon as reasonable to avoid future
hassle. Additionally, all toddlers, infants, and newborn children
require a passport for international travel.
Depending on one's
country of residence and planned destination, an immigration visa is
often required. Generally, neighboring countries are not as strict as
they might be for distant sovereignties.
If one does not know the
immigration protocol, to make things easier this information should be
determined. Most consulates have some type of information available on
the Internet or travelers can simply call the local embassy to obtain
the necessary information.
For passport renewals, the time it
takes to get the passport returned is directly proportional to the
amount of money one spends. The standard process can take up to a month.
Usually the applicant fills out a form, that can be obtained either
online or through the mail, and mails the passport along with all
necessary documentation to the appropriate address. There are expediters
that can hasten the process. For visa applications, however, there is
less certainty because even expediters have less control over foreign
consulate operations. In general, most consulates are rather prompt.
One
important tip is to always have a few recent passport size photos at
the ready. The photo should display the full unencumbered face on a
light background. This can save a lot of time, money, and aggravation
when in a rush. As it is, the documentation and forms that need to be
submitted can be time consuming and might require additional copies.
Technology, however, has helped make this process much simpler than it
used to be.
Any traveler should know that bureaucracies vary from
country to country and consulate to consulate.
Therefore, one should
step into this process knowing that documentation and paper work has the
potential of being rather arduous. Most forms and required
documentation lists are available online.
Also, one can simply call the
consulate or visit a local office. These forms also come with
instructions, expected deadlines, and fee schedules.
Another item
to keep in mind is that fees vary greatly depending on the service, type
of visa, and timing. For all expedited services, the cost is almost
always a multiple of the basic fee requirements.
There are also
peripheral costs that one needs to keep in mind, aside from the
application fees. For instance, passport photos and any additional copy
requirements. Although these are not overly burdensome, the process can
become overbearing depending on the urgency. Most consulates, however,
usually direct applicants to local photo and copy shops for assistance.
Obtaining passports fast can be expensive and /or exhausting depending on how quickly one needs the new passport
and the embassy or consulate granting visitation. Additionally, this is
also contingent upon the destination, port of origin, and travel
circumstances. Some special instances, such as that of seeking asylum,
might require representation and it might be wise to attain professional
legal help.
