In 2009, 880 million people globe trotted. This represents a 4%
decline from 2008 when over 922 million people traveled. Among the top
10 destinations were Europe, the United States, China, Germany, Turkey,
Australia and Austria. Americans traveling for business or pleasure
internationally, the passport application is critical.
Despite the downturn in travel, the travel forecast from the World
Tourism Organization predicts an average annual escalation rate of 4%.
The travel industry has become more responsive to consumers with custom
travel options. Culinary tourism, medical tourism, wildlife tourism,
heritage tours, spiritual tourism and similar travel niches have emerged
to meet travel tastes. Business and leisure travel have expanded to
meet global travel interests.
The reason for travel along with destination can dictate the type of
trip planning research needed.
Some travelers are going abroad for short
term or long term work and others are traveling for academic reasons.
Still others are making cultural trips to explore art in Amsterdam or
medical tourism in Brazil for inexpensive cosmetic surgery. The
destination will determine which international travel identification,
visa and immunizations are needed. The State Department and the World
Health Organization advise tourists about country specific conditions
and requirements.
People can apply either in person or by mail depending on whether it
is the first application or a renewal. If it is the first time and you
are under age 16 or if a previous one was obtained when you were under
the age of 16, you must apply in person, not by mail. If a previous
passport was stolen, lost or damaged or if it was issued more than 15
years ago, you must also appear in person.
There are a variety of forms issued by the Department of State's
Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services, designed to
meet travel requirements. For first time travelers in need of a passport
book or passport card, they must complete Form DS-11 Application for a
U. S. Passport. The card is less expensive than the book and is used to
travel across land or by sea across U. S. borders between Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The Form DS-82 is to renew
passports. People will use Form DS-5504 for name changes, correcting
data, and replacing a limited travel document. As the divorce rate for
married couples in the U. S. is 50%, this form can be easily used to
bring travel papers current for anyone needing a spiritual retreat to
eat, love and pray for better days.
For first time adult applicants, the process can take 4-6 weeks.
Adults complete DS-11 with the exception of signing the document. The
document can be completed online and printed out or the form can be
printed and manually filled out. A person will not sign the document
until in the presence of a processing agent. The document along with
evidence of U. S. Citizenship, proper identification, copy of
identification, two passport photos and payment is to be made in person
at a processing facility.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website provides
details regarding agents, applicable fees and acceptable methods of
payment. The U.S. Postal Service is not only an agent, they also offer
instant, inexpensive on-site photography services to secure the two 2x2
inch color head shots for the passbook.
Numerous agencies can assist travelers headed abroad with special
services. The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs will
provide expedited services for an additional fee of $60 and the shipping
costs from mail couriers. The service is available to both first time
applicants or to those renewing. Expedited service reduces processing to
2-3 weeks.
