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 advance is the passport card. It fits in your wallet and is not as expensive as a passport book, which is the traditional passport form. It is only valid for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, and most of the Caribbean nations. It is also not valid for international travel by air, and is useful only for sea or land entry across borders. It may also not be adequate for every nation, as some may ask for additional documents. It is best to check your specific destination before choosing this for your upcoming trip.
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.
Parents who are behind on child support payments may be denied a passport. Also, a parent may not be allowed to take a child out of the country if there is a custody dispute pending. Both parents must also sign the passport application for a child, unless one parent has a court order establishing sole custody. All children, even infants, must have their own passports. The types of documentation are similar, and include proof of citizenship. The parent or guardian must also provide proof of relationship to the child.
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.
With the many changes in U.S. passport information that are continuously occurring, it is always best to verify the most current information, particularly the requirements of your destination. Be sure to make your US passport application in time to meet your departure schedule. And if you are mailing in an application for a renewal, double check that you have included everything requested. These simple steps should make it much less stressful to obtain your passport.