Should You Get a Passport Card For Your Next Passport Renewal?

2008, the US government began issuing a new type of passport, the US passport card. Now, when you renew your passport, you may notice that the passport renewal application asks you whether or not you would like to apply for a passport card. You can apply for a passport card either instead of or in addition to your regular passport book, but should you?

To answer that question, we must look at the differences between a passport book and a passport card. The passport card was made to be more convenient and easier to carry than a passport book. 

About the size of a driver's license or credit card, it fits easily into your wallet. It's also less expensive, $20 compared to $75 for a passport renewal.

   

 However, unlike your passport book, a passport card is only valid in certain situations. You can use your passport book to travel just about anywhere. A passport card, on the other hand, will only get you to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, and then only if you are traveling by land or sea. Passport cards are not valid for air travel, even if you are flying to one of those regions.

As you can see, due to the limitations of the passport card, most travelers should apply for a regular passport book when they renew their passports. A passport card is best for people who need to drive across the border for short, regular trips to Canada and Mexico.

However, the passport card is only $20, so it can't hurt to apply for one during your next passport renewal. Just make sure you get the passport book, too, if necessary.

If You Would Like A 24 hour United States Passport Urgently, Pay Attention Here

If you need to get your new or renewed passport within 24 hours, you may very well have to prepare yourself for expensive aggravations to spring up along the way. If you are required to get your 24 hour American passport than this probably means there is some kind of urgent situation involved and you are willing to put up with the hassles.

If this is the route you choose, make sure you deal with a reputable expeditor company in order to minimize these hassles. If you plan on stopping into a regional passport agency, make sure you have all of the required paperwork. Being prepared will help reduce the stress involved.

You should be advised that a 24 hour passport will cost you a lot more than if you just wait 3 business days. Waiting 3 business days can save you at least $150.00. Fees are applicable on how quickly you will receive your passport and there are options that you can choose from. You can get your passport within as little as 24 hours, or two weeks. The quicker you need your passport processed the more it will cost you.

When you want to get a passport within 24 hours, there are factors that may hinder obtaining a passport in such a quick time. For instance, if this is your first time applying for a passport the procedure may very well take more than 24 hours. With a new passport you will need an official witness for the signing of all paperwork involved. This is not applicable for renewed passports, and renewed passports can be sent through surface mail.

If you live near a major city your chances of getting a new or renewed passport within 24 hours increases. This is because there are regional passport agencies located in major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco and Miami to name a few. You can make an automated appointment at one of these regional passport agencies and obtain your passport by providing proof of your expedited trip outside of the US with an airline ticket for instance.

If your situation does not permit making an appointment, because of the time consumption required, than show up at the nearest passport agency on a business day as soon as they open. Make sure you have with you proper ID, and paperwork required for application and your proof of travel. Once you have explained your situation and have provided evidence of all documents required someone should be able to assist you.

Make sure you've chosen a good US passport expediting service to handle your passport dealings because the wrong company can keep you waiting for a long time for your passport.

About the Author

If you are not near a city with a passport agency you can utilize a passport expediting service. You can find a American passport expediting service available that can deliver your 24 hour pasport. The agency will ask you to send your paperwork through mail in order to process it with a passport agency. Once they have processed it, then can either ship it to you or hand deliver it to the airport if they have an office in the city of your departure.

Need a Passport Expedited for a Last Minute Vacation?

Expediting a passport can be accomplished in merely a few hours if necessary. It is highly probable that you require a valid passport if you have a last minute vacation planned that will take take you to another country. The information that is offered below will assist you in getting a US passport fast in case of emergency travel plans.

To expedite a US passport in 24 hours, citizens have to either deliver their applications and documents to a American passport processing agency and personally present them or request a competent expediting service to get it done on their behalf. Which method should be used? The choice truly will depend on how much time you can dedicate to getting them. If you are planning for a last minute trip, you are almost certainly pressed for time and may benefit from the services of a passport expediting service.

If you want to apply it personally, you need to phone and schedule a visit to the nearest regional center. These are located in major urban centers in the USA including New York, Washing DC, Houston and San Francisco among others. At the moment, there are eighteen regional agencies in the USA. The Department of State has plans to inaugurate more processing centers soon.

Given that your departure is close, it is likely that no appointment can be scheduled. Appointments are normally reserved a couple of days after the call is made. In such a circumstance, you might attempt visiting the regional center without an appointment.

Individuals must present evidence of emergency travel plans when applying for expedited passport service. Some other requirements consist of a filled-out application, photo Identification, copy of Identification, proof of United States citizenship, a pair of recent passport pictures and the proper payment. One of the key reasons forms are delayed is issues with pictures. Applicants need to get the pics at an establishment that has experience with passport photographs.

Travelers who live too distant to personally hand in the application form, can get the application form expedited through a reliable expediting service. The quantity of expediters has grown significantly in the last years due to the growth in the volume of applications for passports by United States citizens.

Identifying a trustworthy expediting service can be undertaken swiftly with the assistance of the world wide web. Applicants can do their own search and visit the sites individually or go straight to U.S. Passport Service Guides directory of expert passport expediters. The website directory allows you to swiftly review and assess each passport expediting service. Inside just minutes, you can find a service that can get the job done for you.

The following step is to complete the expediter's form. It will be necessary to determine the passport service you require and the expedited service you desire. Provide your travel info and contact information. Immediately after you make payment for this service, you will need to gather the requested form and documents and send to the expediter.

The majority of expediting services make available a choice of expediting services like 11 business days, 8-10 business days, 5-7 business days, 2-4 business days and one business day. Fees begin at $65 and go to $299 for same day service.

Now that you understand what alternatives are accessible to you, you can choose the expediter that best attends your criteria for securing expedited passports for last minute travel in under a day.

About the Author

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide, the experts in expedited passports, to quickly review and compare professional passport and visa expediters.

Import Information On Travel

Traveling to a different country can be a superb as well as an intricate experience. It's very difficult to be familiar with new language, legal systems and customs for unplanned travelers. You can have a lovely foreign experience with proper planning and guidance.

Health and safety are the primary issues for the travelers. Whenever you're going to a trip with your family as well as alone you've to be very careful about your health because human body is so sensitive and can't adjust with a new environment immediately.

If you're going to abroad, certain points should be kept in mind like:

Check your visas & passport (if required). Fill the emergency information page of the passport carefully.

Study consular information sheets or travel warnings for the city where you want to visit.

Learn carefully all rules & regulations of foreign country.

Be familiar with local laws and customs of the country where you want to travel.

Obey U.S constitution because it keeps you safe in foreign country.

Make at least two photocopies of your passport to avoid the harassment in case your passport is lost or stolen. You should leave one copy of your passport in your relative or friends' house where you're live in.

Make a list about your journey or the places where you'll visit during foreign travel and leave a copy of it at your home so that your family members can easily contact you in case of emergency.

Contact regularly with someone at your home.

Don't spend time at unknown places.

During your foreign travel don't accept things from strangers and don't handover your luggage to a stranger.

Register yourself with the nearest U.S consulate/embassy before departure.

Don't wear expensive jewelry or clothing due to safety reasons.

Don't carry large amount of money and extra credit cards with you while traveling.

Try to deal with authorized agents only at the time of exchanging money.

Last but not the least, contact nearest U.S. embassy immediately at the time of trouble.

Here are some health related instructions that are very much important while traveling to another country. Carry some medicines and medical supplies that you're using regularly because it's very difficult to find certain medicines in other country. If you find that vary medicine it is not sure that the formulation will be same. It can easily cause allergy or other bad effects to your health.

You should be careful about your meal while traveling. Try to follow a healthy diet chart that will help you to be fit & fine. Carry a written copy of your medical history that includes all information about you like:

• name, address & phone number

• blood type

• vaccinations

• name of your doctor and doctor's address & emergency phone numbers

• copy of health insurance that describes your policy number

• a list that shows your current health problems like heart disease or diabetes

• record of all allergies

• an alternative phone number instead of your parents'

Don't forget to carry a first-aid kit with you. While focusing on these guidelines you'll enjoy your travel and feel relax during your journey. 

By: Albert Garcia

Steps to Obtain an Expedited Passport

If you are new to passports you might be surprised at the time variation from application to receiving the document. It is possible, following specific protocol, to receive a passport the same day you apply. It can also take a minimum of ten weeks for your passport to be issued. Generally, however, if you receive a passport within one month, sometimes less, then this is considered a rush. There are two ways in which you can expedite passport. If you choose either of these ways, in both cases you will need to complete the passport application as well as carry some application materials along with you.

For an additional $60 for expedited service via the government this will allow for overnight delivery.

 In doing this you may be able to receive your passport in four weeks from the initial date you applied. On the other hand, if you visit a passport office, after making an appointment, you might possibly receive the document in as little as three weeks.

Let us look at the two ways you might try in order to expedite your passport. If you do not plan to leave the country within two weeks then the first method is for you. However, if you plan to leave the U. S. within two weeks then you need to look at the second method.

You will need to complete the passport application materials. If you do not have a U. S. birth certificate then you will need to learn what to do about it. Secondly, for method one, determine the cost for the actual passport fee. Add the additional $60 to cover the rush fee. Find out the address of the passport office. Contact them to determine what they accept for payments.

Now, put all of your materials inside a suitable manila envelope. Address this to the correct office and then write "Expedited" on the outside. If you want, you can pay for overnight service for each way. Take the manila envelope to the post office, or you may choose to use FedEx or UPS. Whichever way you choose to send your envelope, be sure to ask for the two-way service.

The second method, as previously stated, is for people who will be leaving the United States within two weeks. You need to be aware, however, even if you follow the directions to the letter, it is not a guarantee that you will have your passport within the two week period. You must prove that you will be leaving the U. S. In about two weeks via an e-ticket, a paid itinerary, or some other valid method. 

If you check the Department of State website you will see that you may not go to the post office or apply through the mail, if you plan to be gone within two weeks. It is mandatory that you apply in person.

As in the first method, compile your application materials, get the cost and add $60, then locate the agency nearest to where you live. Make an appointment over the phone and make certain to get the correct address along with the date, time, and record your confirmation number.

Arrive early for your US passport appointment. Make certain all of your paperwork is in order. You must have proof you will be leaving the country. If you do not have this, then you will encounter problems. Now, complete the process and wait. Hopefully, your expedited US passport will come in the nick of time!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3530756

Going to St Thomas? Find Out If You'll Need a Passport

St. Thomas is one of the most popular places in the Caribbean. It is an island that forms a part of the US Virgin Islands. Also, this is where the capital of the US Virgin Islands is found, Charlotte Amalie.

 This island has great beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination among many American tourists. In this article, we'll tell you if you need a passport to go to St. Thomas.

Now why is this destination so popular in the first place? The main reason for this, of course, is that it is located in the Caribbean. And if you know your beaches, you'll know right away that the Caribbean has some of the best beaches anywhere in the world. That's the reason why many tourists flock to St. Thomas every year especially those who love the beach, as well as water sports such as windsurfing and kite boarding.

St. Thomas is also a great destination for those who love history. For one, St. Thomas is one of the first islands that Christopher Columbus discovered in the late 15th century. St. Thomas eventually became a Danish colony until it was sold to the US in the 20th century.

Today, St. Thomas is a part of the US territory called the US Virgin Islands. And since this is a US territory, any travel made here by a US citizen from another US territory is considered a domestic travel. And if this profile fits you, then you don't need a passport to visit St. Thomas.

However, keep in mind that you be required to submit proof of your citizenship before leaving the territory. Because of that, you need to bring with you a document that proves that. You can present any of the following documents: your birth certificate as well as any government-issued ID such as your driver's license. Of course, you can also present your US passport.\

But why do others say you need a passport to go to St. Thomas even if you're an American? It's probably because of the confusion that stemmed from the creation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI specifies that you need a passport when traveling to WHTI areas.

 Since WHTI areas include the Caribbean, some people assumed that it also includes the US Virgin Islands. Again, because the Virgin Islands are US territories, you don't need to present a passport to go there.

Should you decide to bring a passport with you, make it the passport card. Why bring a passport card? That's because passport cards are more lightweight and convenient to bring compared to passport books. Passport cards are so small, you can slip them into your wallet. Also, applying for a passport card is cheaper than applying for a passport book.

Again, do you need a passport to go to St. Thomas? Not if you are an American Citizen coming from another US territory. Just make sure that you bring any government-issued document with you to help prove your citizenship whenever it's required, although bringing your passport as well couldn't hurt.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3374195

What Do You Do If You Need to Leave on a Trip to a Foreign Country Tomorrow and Have No Passport?

With the baby boomers beginning to retire and travel the world there will be a big boom in overseas travel over the next 10-15 years. It's always nice to plan trips months or even years in advance, but sometime you just want to take off and go at the drop of a hat. Well you can do that if you travel within the borders of the US, but what about when you want to go to Europe or Australia. What if your best friends or a family member calls you and says we're going to London next week, would you like to come with us? You need a passport and you need it in a hurry. You can't afford to wait months to get it. You'll miss out on that fun trip.

Pre-Internet it was a nightmare to get a passport. The internet has made the whole travel industry function like a well oiled machine. It's so much easier to book travel now with so many incredible website and so many published great deals you can find online. Well getting a passport in a much smoother process now too. All you need to do is a little homework online and you can find a few companies out there that can help you expedite your passport and get it pushed through the process.

 All you do is pay fee depending on how quickly you need it. You obviously pay more for a 24 hour turn around as apposed to 1 or 2 weeks. But gone are the days of waiting 3 months to get your passport.

There are several services offered by a variety of companies today for emergency passports What about when you need to leave the country with a child who has never had a passport? What about getting your passport renewed very quickly? What about for woman, when you get married and you need to change your name on passport in time for that honeymoon in a foreign country and you wait until the last minute? Or how about when you are already in a foreign country and you loose your passport and need to leave for home in just a few days. What do you? It's just nice to know that there are new services available that weren't available just 10 years ago to help make unexpected travel to foreign countries a bit easier. It's even nicer when it just a click of the mouse away to make it happen.

Chris McCann is the founder of [http://www.expedited-passports.com] He is a successful entrepreneur who enjoys helping others with their travel needs. If you are in a bind and do need a passport fast, check out his website and he can help you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1046911

Renewing Your US Passport Quickly

Leaving the country soon? Forgot your passport expired last year? If you have already booked your ticket abroad, all hope is not lost. With the help of a passport expediting service it is often possible to get your passport renewed in as little as 24 hours. Passport renewal is a fairly simple process and is very easy to accomplish by mail though an expediting service. You will need to send your expired passport along with a fully completed Form DS-82. You will also need include two new passport sized photos (2" x 2") and a check to cover the government fee. Currently the government fee for a passport renewal is $135. It is also important to note that if your expired passport was issued while you were under the age of 16, you will need to apply for a new passport, as you are unable to renew a child passport once you are over the age of 16.

The Form DS-82 can also be used to change the name on your passport if your passport was issued less than a year ago. If you have legally changed your name for any reason, you will need to obtain a new passport with the correct name and information. If you plan to do this you will also need to send your valid passport, issued less than a year ago, a completed and signed DS-82, and legal documents showing your name change (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).

While passport expediting companies offer fast 24 hour service, please remember that the US Passport Agency has the right to request further documents or information at any time. So it's best to get your passport renewal as soon as you are able to do so!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3658516

Sometimes There is No Other Choice But to Use Expedited Lost Or Stolen Passport Replacement Services

When a trip is coming up or actually happening, there is nothing worse than the realization that your passport has been stolen or is lost. It is bad enough when the trip has not yet started, but is right around the corner. It is even worse when someone is in a foreign country and has no documentation to prove that they are indeed a US citizen. It is times like this that call for expedited lost or stolen passport services.

If a passport is lost or stolen, how the situation is handled depends on where the traveler is. If the person is still on U.S. soil, everything can be handled rather quickly and without great expense. If the traveler has already gone abroad, everything changes, but it can still be taken care of. As long as you know what to do, there is no need to panic.

From the moment the passport is discovered to be missing, it is important that the passport holder jumps right into action. A phone call to the State Department should be the first move to make them aware the passport has indeed been lost or stolen. They can then do what they have to on their end to make sure that it is not used for illegal purposes.

In order to get a hold of the State Department, the passport holder must call their toll free number (877-487-2778) and report what happened. After they have done that, they can go to the website and download the DS-64 form. This is the form that must be filled out in order to get a replacement passport.

The DS-64 form will have to completed and turned in along with a new passport application. The process itself is the same as the process to get a new or replacement passport from this point forward and all fees are also the same. As long all forms are filled out properly, the time frame to get the new passport should be the same as if they were getting one for the first time.

Realizing that a passport can be lost or stolen at an inopportune time, there are passport expediting services that can be used to make everything happen quicker. Just like the expedited services for a new passport, lost or stolen service cost $60 to have it back in about three weeks. If that does not make things better, there are quicker services that are available for a higher fee.

If the person is already abroad, the process changes just a bit. The citizen will have to go the local US Embassy or Consulate and let them know what happened. If they have copies of all of their documents, they should bring them with them. At this point, the representative will let them know what has to happen and guide them through the process.

Nobody wants to ever think of losing their passport at the wrong time, but it is nice to know that you can get an expedited lost passport replacement. Many passport expediting services are available if you need them. This situation can be quite stressful, but as long as the passport owner knows what to do, everything can be taken care of rather quickly. Be prepared and keep copies of everything and know contact numbers before the trip ever happens and everything will be fine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3785069

Where Colorado Residents Can Apply For a Passport

Colorado residents have numerous location available to them where they can apply for an United States passport. Passport offices, also known as passport application acceptance facilities are located in a lot of cities and towns throughout the state. The majority of these facilities are located in post offices or county government offices. Applicants for new passports are required to submit the application to an authorized agent.

At least one acceptance facility is located in each of the following counties: Adams, Alamosa, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Baca, Boulder, Broomfield, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Crowley, Custer, Delta, Denver, Dolores, Douglas, Eagle, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Huerfano, Jackson, Jefferson, Kit Carson, La Plata, Lake, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Morgan, Otero, Ouray, Phillips, Pitkin, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Rio Grande, Routt, Saguache, San Miguel, Summit, Teller, Washington, Weld, Yuma.

There are some counties that do not have a passport office. In this case, you need to look in a neighboring counties. El Paso county has the highest number of acceptance facilities with at least twelve. The state capital offers six location. Here is the address of a couple of these.

Denver County Court
1437 Bannock Street, Room 140
Denver, Co 80204

USPO - Downtown Station
951 20th Street
Denver, Co 80202-9998

You can choose either regular processing or expedited processing when you submit your application. You should receive your travel document in four to six weeks if you select regular processing. It should arrive in two to three weeks if you decide to expedite the process.

The State Department has regional agencies that attend travelers who need to obtain a passport in less than two weeks. If you are in an emergency situation and need to get your passport in less than two weeks, then you can apply at the Colorado passport agency located in Aurora. The address is as follows:

Colorado Passport Agency
Cherry Creek III
3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600
Aurora, CO 80014

You first schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778. Oftentimes, it takes many attempts before you are attended. Once the appointment is scheduled, you need to arrive at the Colorado agency with the completed but unsigned application Form DS-11 and the other required documents. You will also need two passport photos and payment for the fees. If all things are correct and in order, you should receive your new passport the same day.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide to access a list of Colorado passport offices, download application forms and learn more about rush passport expediting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3287574

US Passport Renewal Made Easy

When the time comes for your U.S. passport renewal, there are 2 options: You can renew by mail or in person. Mail seems to be the easier choice, but you must meet certain requirements in order to qualify.

You must have your old passport, and it must be in good condition. The name on your passport must be your legal name; if it is not, you have to prove your name change with documentation. If you are under the age of 16, you cannot renew by mail. Also, if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, regardless of you age, you must appear in person.

Along with your old passport, you will need to send a form called "DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport" which can be printed online. You must renew in person if you no not meet these conditions.

Your application can easily be submitted at any United States passport agency. If you are in another country when your passport expires, you can simply visit your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Passport agencies can be found in: Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Honolulu, and Washington D.C. 

Additionally, there are numerous passport application acceptance centers throughout the country.

You will have to show proof of citizenship and photo I.D. when applying for your renewal in person.

 Also, remember to get 2 passport photos taken in advance and bring them with you. These are inexpensive, and there are many places to get them.

If you are cringing at the thought of the cost of passport renewal, you will be glad to know that the new passport card is only $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 16. The traditional book-style passport costs $75.00 for adults and $60.00 for children.

There is an additional "execution fee" of $25.00 if you apply in person, and you will have to pay a $60.00 "expedite fee" for express processing of your new passport if you need it in under 2 weeks.

Whether you choose the new card or the traditional passport, your renewal process should be simple as long as you plan in advance and follow these simple steps.

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for How to Get a Passport [http://www.how-to-get-a-passport.com] and other travel sites as Web Content Provider.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2800814

Your Passport--A Ticket to Excitement

Thanks to the Intelligence and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the cost of a Baja cruise, a Bahamas honeymoon, or a Vancouver theater weekend will be going up. The security-related changes will affect all Americans who travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada by requiring them to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States.

In order to begin the implementation of this new requirement, the government is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed time line. Beginning December 31, 2006, the passport requirement ($97 for adults, $82 for children under the age of 16) will be applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. On December 31, 2007 the new passport requirements will be widened to ALL land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.

This is a major change from previous travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the U.S. from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This additional requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to the U.S.

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document which confirms the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries, and only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.

To obtain a U.S. passport for the first time, you need to personally visit one of the 7,000 passport acceptance facilities which include many local post offices, Federal and state courts, county courthouses, clerks of court, and a growing number of libraries and public colleges. For the location of the passport office closest to you, search by ZIP code on the State Department website at http://www.iafdb.travel.state.gov

When you go to the passport acceptance facility you will need to bring two identical 2-by-2 inch, full-face, front-view photographs, and a completed DS-11 application form (available from one of the facilities). In addition, you will need a driver's license or government-issued ID card and proof of American citizenship, which in most cases, is an original or certified birth certificate. U.S passport are good for ten years, and renewals, which can be done by mail or online cost $67 for both children and adults.

The average time from application to passport arrival is six to eight weeks, and passport demand usually heightens during the summer months so plan accordingly and apply as soon as possible.

After you have received your passport, remember to sign it in ink and print your name and address on it so it may be returned to you if it is ever lost or misplaced. Best wishes for happy traveling!

For an embassy filled with free, useful and current resources, tips, advice and suggestions about passports, visit [http://www.PassportDesk.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/508622

Insurance for A Lost Passport?

One of the most common international travel disasters is a lost passport. Whether you lose it at home before you even leave the country or lose it while you are traveling, it's a major hassle. Lost and stolen passports are expensive to replace, with application fees starting at $135 for adults. Beyond that, there are often additional costs involved if you need to expedite replacing your passport, such as fees paid to expediting companies or travel expenses to get to a regional passport agency office if you don't have one close by.

Should you be unable to get your passport replaced in time, you'll also face additional fees for having to cancel or reschedule your flight. If you lose your passport while you are overseas, you may also have to pay for additional nights' lodging while you get a new one.

Is there any way to protect yourself from the problems a lost passport can cause? You may be able to get some peace of mind by purchasing a travel insurance policy from a reputable insurer, but make sure to read the fine print before you do.

Passport Insurance

 

The truth is, many travel insurance companies do offer some coverage for a lost or stolen passport. In the industry, this is referred to as Passport and Credit Card Services coverage. Here's what it does:

• Operators from the travel insurance company walk you through the procedure for reporting your lost passport to the authorities and applying for a replacement passport. This assistance should actually be available with any travel insurance policy, whether it includes the additional benefits provided by Passport and Credit Card Services coverage or not.
  


• As part of the Passport and Credit Card Services coverage, the travel insurance company may reimburse you for the cost of replacing your passport.
  
  
• Additionally, if you've lost the credit cards in your wallet along with your passport, the travel insurance company will generally cover any unauthorized charges and help your family or friends send you money overseas so you can get back home.

However, it's important to read your policy carefully to see what circumstances are covered. Some policies may only cover the costs of replacing a passport that has been stolen as opposed to merely misplaced. Passports left in your checked baggage and lost in the airport are also often excluded from coverage. There's also no guarantee that a lost or stolen passport will be considered a "covered reason" to reimburse you for charges related to rescheduling flights or rebooking hotels. Again, read your policy carefully and shop around before you buy one to ensure you get the best deal.

 

As with so many other things, when it comes to a lost passport, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

About the Author

Alison Kroulek is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on the travel industry.