Important Trustworthy U.S. Passport Information
Not too long ago, a passport was not necessarily required for travel between many countries. Things have changed a great deal in the last decade or so, and now a passport is needed for almost every international destination. United States territories, of course, do not require a passport, but almost every other country does. The passport information below should help ease the process for you.
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.
In most cases, international travelers need a traditional passport book. This has long been the standard requirement for travel across borders. If you already have a passport and meet all of the requirements, you might be able to get a renewal passport through the mail. It will, however, be necessary to apply in person if this is your first passport or if your old one was issued more than 15 years previously. Personal applications can be made at most post offices and many county offices. These locations are usually more convenient than the regional agencies that the government operates.
Regardless of whether this is a new passport or a renewal, you will need to provide proof of your identity and citizenship. You will have to provide two identical color photographs of sufficient quality. Background and size restrictions also apply. The pictures taken in booths such as you find at the mall are inadequate. Many post offices are equipped to take the photos, and many businesses or stores can also provide them for you.
During the busiest times of year, it can take as long as 3 months to receive your passport. Advance planning will make sure that you have it in hand well before your departure date. Even during the slow periods, you should allow up to 6 weeks. For an additional fee, you can expedite your passport application, which will trim approximately 50 percent of the time from your wait.
When you are in a foreign country, be sure and guard your passport. Should it be stolen or lost, report it immediately to the U.S. Consulate or embassy. They can help you obtain another passport or provide the documentation you will need to exit the country and return to the U.S. Since this is not normally an easy chore, you should make every effort to avoid it.
Anyone who is behind with payments for child support can have a passport application rejected. Children involved in custody disputes may not be permitted to leave the country. In most cases, each parent must approve the application for the child’s passport. This can sometimes be waived if a parent can provide a court decree granting full custody of the child. Everyone must have his or her own passport, from infancy on. The proofs required for a child are the same as for an adult when it comes to establishing citizenship. In addition, the adult must offer proof of his or her relationship.
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.
In the last few years, much U S passport information has become outdated. It always pays to be sure you have the most current facts. You should review the travel restrictions for your destination, since they can change quickly. Plan to receive your passport in plenty of time for your departure date. And if you are mailing in a renewal request, be sure that you have included all the documentation requested. All of this will help make your United States passport application process, and your whole trip, a much more pleasant experience.
