TRAVEL -- Passport Information Made Easy

By Mary Stephan
Travel Escapes

Last week I was in the Post Office buying stamps when I noticed a couple in front of me applying for passports they would need with the upcoming honeymoon. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, until the Postal Employee asked them for a personal check to cover the fee of the application. Neither of them had a personal check. After waiting in line and going through the paperwork, they could not get their passport application completed because of this lack of a check on their person.

There appears to be a great deal of confusion and misinformation regarding passport applications. I tell all my clients traveling -- even on cruise ships -- that they need to get a passport, and they need to do it now if traveling late spring or summer. Simply put, if you are traveling out of the country for Spring Break and do not have a passport, you will have to get it expedited. The regular processing time is 6-8 weeks. Expedited passports generally take 2 weeks or 10 business days.

Here is the latest passport information and tips to help you with the process. As of January 23, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada are required to have passports. Beginning January 1, 2008, all land and sea U.S. citizens may be required to have passports. Travel to and from the U.S. Territories from the States does not require a passport -- yet. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. If you are going to a cruise and your cruise does not involve air travel outside the US, should you be required to unexpectedly depart a vessel prior to the end of your cruise, a passport is required to re-enter the U.S. All the major cruise lines strongly suggest you have a valid passport just in case.

Some tips to help you expedite the process of getting your passport. Go to the U.S. Dept. of State’s website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html and read which documents you will need to show when you apply for your passport, download a passport application and have your pictures taken before you get to the Post Office. Passport photos must be 2 x 2, with a white or off-white background and you must submit 2 photos. Currently Meijer & CVS Stores have passport photo capability. To find additional stores check your yellow pages under passport photos. Certain Post Office Locations now have photo availability on-site. All children under 14 must accompany their both parents in applying for their passport. Again, refer to the State Dept. website for more information.

Several U.S. Post Office branches are open on Saturdays to process passports. In Central Ohio, where I reside and work, both Dublin Branch Offices are open 10-Noon, Old Worthington, 9-1pm. Here is a link to locations where you can get your passport processed: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

The fees are as follows:
- Under 16 years of age-Application fee is $52.00. The execution fee is $30.00. Total fee is $82.00
- 16 years of age and older-Application fee is $67.00. The execution fee is $30.00. Total fee is $97.00.
- Expedited Passport Fees-$60.00 plus Overnight delivery service fees apply.

All fees are non-refundable. For passport application fees personal check, money order or bank draft only. Credit cards are not accepted for payment. The only exception is the execution fee, which is collected by the U.S. Post Office. There, they will take credit or debit card.

Mary Stephan is a travel consultant with Travel Escapes, Westerville, Ohio. Her posts on the travel industry appear periodically in the Business Network Advisory. Email: mbs@columbus.rr.com