Passports

1. Passports

If you are planning a trip to another country you need to extend you planning time. You might want to check your passport up to six months before a trip to make sure it’s up to date. Some countries want to have your passport good for up to six months after you arrive
If you need to checkout the rules you can go to www.travel.state.gov for more information. It is a easy to use site and also gives a lot of helpful information. It includes the latest alerts that you may want to consider.

IF you need to get a passport you will have to

1. Provide of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or drivers license.
2. Provide 2 passport photos
3. Provide a completed DS-11 Application form (at website)
4. Provide photocopies
5. Pay fee

Getting this together can take some time so to reduce stress it’s always good to check this out way in advance of a trip.
The processing routine applications in approximately 4-6 weeks from the time of application.
The processing requests for expedited service, that include overnight delivery to and from the Passport Agency, about 2-3 weeks door-to-door.


If you need to renew a Passport by Mail you must submit a form called DS-82, Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail.
It’s also available at www.travel.state.gov


If going abroad you will also need to check to see if you need a Visa. Most European countries do not require Visas but you can check online and see if where you are going does. Again a great resource of info at www.travel.state.gov.

Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.