Travel Tips

If you need to travel outside of the United States, you must have a passport. Since June 1, 2009, persons leaving the U. S. or its territories have been required to present a passport for re-entry into the U. S. (passport cards are acceptable for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean area). If you have family living outside of the United States, there can be times when you will need to make a visit in case of emergency. In this case, you will need to have an emergency new passport for the visit.

As soon as you find out that a close family member is moving out of the United States, you should apply for your passport. If you ever intend to visit, you will have to have this documentation. Having a passport means freedom to visit family when you want to make the visit.

There is a specific procedure to follow in order to obtain a passport. If you have never had a passport before, you must visit a processing center in person. You will probably be able to locate one in or near your hometown. Currently, it is taking four to six weeks to obtain a passport using the normal application method.

People planning to travel in fewer than fourteen days or who need a passport to obtain a visa can pay an extra fee and get an expedited passport. You will also want to pay for overnight delivery and choose the passport book as this will be the quickest way to get the passport back. In addition, you will need proof of your travel dates.

Turn around for an expedited passport is approximately two weeks. You will want to pay the extra fee for a passport book. The passport book can be shipped overnight, however the card is only shipped by US mail.

In life or death situations, you can apply for an emergency passport. To make this application, you or your agent will need to travel to a regional passport agency to submit your paperwork. There is no charge for the appointment and you can schedule the appointment twenty four hours per day seven days a week using the toll-free passport number. Appointments are often available within twenty-four hours and you will normally receive your passport at the appointment if you supply all the necessary documentation, including proof of travel within the 14 day period.

If you need a passport and cannot physically travel to the regional agency, you will find several companies that will for a fee serve as your agent and make application for your passport. You will need to send information to the agent using overnight delivery and they will return your passport in the same manner. Many of these agents are able to obtain your passport within a twenty four hour period.

By employing a service to act as your new passport agent, you will be required to pay their fee. In addition you may need to pay more for shipping of the application packet and the return passport. While this can increase the cost of obtaining the emergency passport application, it is much less stressful than trying to get to the center yourself. It also gives you more time to prepare for your trip.

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