What To Do If You Lose Your Passport Overseas

There are few things that can ruin your international vacation quicker than losing your passport while overseas. Knowing the right procedures will help hasten the retrieval of a new passport. If you lose your passport while traveling, you will most likely have to change your itinerary, no matter how efficient the recovery system might be. Even though it will be a worrisome and frustrating situation, you need to make sure you follow these procedures.

Report your lost passport to the police

The moment you discover your passport is missing, you need to head to the nearest police station to report the lost passport. When doing that, it is important that you remember your passport number and the date of issuance. It is always a good idea to carry a piece of paper that has that information on it in a separate place in your luggage. If you think you lost your passport at the airport, the people to contact first are the airlines. If you the airlines can't find your passport, the customs personnel will contact your country's embassy in such a case.

Contact your embassy

When traveling, whether you discover you have lost your passport in the airport, or otherwise, the only people who can help you get a duplicate passport are those at the embassy. Embassies are located in every capital city. After lodging a police report, you will have to take a stamped copy of it to the embassy, so that the loss can be validated. Consulate professionals can help you with the right steps, especially if you are open about your plans and intentions of visiting the country.

Get ready for the application of the duplicate passport

Getting a duplicate passport is easier if you lose it in your home country. However, a certain readiness for going through the procedures is important. After lodging a police report, you need to take your passport references to the nearest passport office. It is always better to access the place where you sent in your application for the old passport. If you did it through an agent, this time go directly to the passport office or issuing unit. Remember to carry a copy of the police report, a photocopy of the passport, identification documents, and an adequate number of photographs of yourself.

Stay in touch with the issuing office

Until you have received a fresh passport, stay updated on the status of the renewal. Do not take it for granted that the new passport will be sanctioned without any complication. Although rarely, duplicate passports take a lot of time, and visits from the local authorities may make the process even longer.

Stay in touch with the police

By lodging a police report, you have officially asked the police to investigate the loss. You may be lucky and they find it, but it is vital that you know that no one is trying to steal your identity.

Good Neighbor Insurance represents 10 international health insurance companies and provides international health and travel insurance for every country in the world. Other products include international medical-evacuation-insurance, international term life insurance, and international disability insurance and international group health insurance. Also insurance is provided for short-term mission workers and missionary teams. Good Neighbor Insurance can also provide health insurance options for individuals returning to and/or residing in the USA.

By Kevin Delbert

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.

Advice For First Time Passport Applicants

How to apply for a U.S passport:

--Do you need a passport or a visa? A visa is issued by the country you are going to, and is necessary if you intend to stay for a long period of time. Obviously, the length of time before a visa is required varies by the country.

--Plan ahead. The process of obtaining a passport is not difficult, but it usually takes about three weeks. So don't postpone your application if you are planning to travel overseas.

--If you need a faster response, an expedited processing will cost an additional $60, whether you are applying for a first-time passport, or renewing an existing one.

--You will need a certified birth certificate, two identical passport-size photos (2X2 inches), your social security card and your drivers license.

--You must apply in person if this is your first U.S. passport application; or if your previous US passport expired and was issued when you were under 16; or if your name has changed since your passport was issued and you do not yet have a legal document formally changing your name.

--Remember, your passport is the only valid ID accepted once you cross an international border. 

Carry it with you at all times (a money belt is an excellent investment before you leave, and will be the ideal place to carry this and other important documents).

--If your passport is lost or stolen while your are in another country, go immediately to the nearest US embassy or consulate to have a replacement issued.

--For more information, visit the US Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html.

COPYRIGHT © Charles Brown, 2006. All rights reserved.

Think budget travel equals boring travel? Think again! Learn the Guerrilla Traveler’s insider secrets to budget adventure travel to the world's most exciting places and experience the coolest travel adventures without spending a bundle. Charles Brown is a former attorney who now spends his time indulging his passion for travel and shares the unique travel destinations and adventure travel bargains he uncovers on his blog, Guerrilla Traveler - Adventure on a Budget, http://www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/162521

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

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

What You Need to Know About the US Passport

The modern passport contains many characteristics that enhance the appearance and safety aspects for travel. These ensure that tourists can have a smooth passage into the country of destination.

Essentials: Every regular US passport contains a few standard features - a blue cover page with the Great Seal of America affixed on it, a personal data page and a page carrying the signature of the bearer and a message from the US Secretary of State requesting permission to enter a foreign country. 

The passport covers for diplomats and officials, however, differ from regular ones. Each passport contains a standard of 32 pages, or 52 pages for frequent flyers such as businessmen.

Visa access: Some countries, such as China and Australia, require visas for entry into the country. The time taken and cost for visa application varies from country to country. A vast majority of countries in the world, including most of Europe and Japan, do not require any prior visas to enter. 

For information as to whether to apply for a visa, do remember to check the Foreign Affairs website of the country you re about to visit, or simply enquire with your travel agent.

Safety: The new US passport now contains an electronic chip that stores all your bio-data and passport information. This is not only to ensure that no changes are made to the passport illegally, but also to allow for a faster checkout at the immigrations.

Passport card: An alternative to the passport booklet is the passport card, specifically for travel to countries in North American - Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and the Caribbean. It might be a good idea to apply for a card instead of a standard booklet if you are traveling to these countries, since it is not only more portable, but also cheaper.

Validity: Both booklets and cards are valid for 10 years for an adult, or 5 years for a minor under 16 years of age.

Application: Applying for a passport can be done in person at any passport agency or acceptance facility. Current costs for an adult passport booklet are $100 and $85 for minors, or $45 for an adult passport card and $25 for minors. Passport renewals can be done through the internet and mail.

These are just some of the basics of a US passport, and would serve any traveler well when using or trying to obtain one.

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/2792015

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

How to Expedite Your Passport Renewal

There are three ways to expedite a passport renewal. The method you pick out will depend on how speedily you need to acquire your renewed passport and how much time you have to devote to the process. The details below will help guide you in making the decision on how best to expedite your passport renewal.

Apply for Expedited Service by Mail to the National Passport Processing Center

Download and complete the application form DS-82 to renew a passport. Put it in an envelope with your current passport, two photos and payment. The application fee and expediting fee can be made with one payment. Provide proof of your name change if it is different from the name in your present passport. This can be done with a marriage certificate or court order.

Clearly and legibly write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope so that it can be speedily identified at the processing center. The National Passport Processing Center address can be found on the application for renewal. Within 3 to 4 weeks the application should be processed and your passport delivered to your. It may take longer, especially during peak travel periods.

Renew Your Passport at a Regional Passport Agency

Applying at a regional passport agency is an option if you cannot wait for your travel document to be returned by mail. The regional agencies attend travelers whose departure date is within 14 days and who do not need a travel visa. Those who need to obtain a visa can be attended at the regional agency up to 28 days before their departure date.

Presently, fifteen passport agencies operate in the United States. The agencies can be found in major cities throughout the U.S. including Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Norwalk (CO), Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago and Detroit. Each agency attends a particular area of the United States.

Pick the regional passport agency that services your state of residence to begin the passport renewal process. You can set up an appointment by callling toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. This number is for an automated appointment system. Sometimes, it can be pretty hard to get through. It may be necessary to make numerous tries. Just keep calling.

Take the completed form and accompanying documentation with you to the regional passport agency on the day of your appointment. You are asked not to get to the agency more than 15 minutes early or to be over 15 minutes late. Being more than fifteen minutes late could result in the cancellation of your appointment.

If your appointment is early in the day, you could receive your renewed passport that same afternoon. If you are not attended until later in the day, you might possibly have to wait until the following day to get your passport.

Get Your Passport Renewed Through a Travel Document Expediter

Travel document expediters have a special relationship with regional agencies that allow them to represent their clients who are unable to personally deliver their requests to the agency for processing. Allowing a passport expediter to take care of the expediting of your passport renewal is a wise choice when you are in a time crunch and have many other things to take care of before your trip.

Passport expediters specialize in obtaining passports quickly. You are ordinarily given several choices as to how quickly you want your passport expedited. Processing times are as follows.

• Standard - 8 to 10 business days
• Rush - 5 to 7 business days
• Priority - 3 to 4 business days
• Next Day - 2 business days
• 24 hours - 1 business day

Once you have decided on how speedily you want to acquire your passport, you need to complete an online form with personal information such as your name, address, phone number and email. Next, type in information about your trip including date of departure and destination. Confirm whether you have an itinerary or not.

 

You need to download the expediter's authorization form. The completed and signed form should be sent along with your passport renewal application and other documentation to the expediter by express mail.

Make Your Choice

Now you know the three ways to expedite your passport renewal. Send the passport application yourself. Get it expedited at a regional passport agency. Or allow a private expediting service to get the job done for you. The choice is yours. You get to decide. You make the decision. Just make sure you choose a way to get your passport renewal expedited that gets it done before your departure date.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide to download the passport renewal application form and access reviews of rush passport services.

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