Passport Changes May Affect Trips

Passport changes may affect trips even if you are staying Stateside! The combination of states not having compliant drivers licenses and a huge number of renewals, means longer processing time. The last thing you want on a relaxing vacation, is the stress of not having a valid passport.

Reasons for Increase in Passport Renewals and Applications

Two security measures are causing an increase in passport renewals and applications. First, in 2007, the 9/11 Commission required that all US citizens must use a passport when traveling to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. US Territories are exempt from this law. This means Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands require only a drivers license for US citizens as long as your state is compliant. Many of 2007 passports have expired this past year and others will be expiring shortly.

Secondly, the REAL ID Act is requiring all US states to have a more technologically advanced drivers license. Many states are already compliant, see link below. People in states that are NOT compliant will need a passport for ALL air travel as an acceptable form of identification. This includes travel within the 50 US states, US overseas territories, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Children under 18 years of age, traveling with an adult do not need a photo id.

Passport Changes May Affect Trips, Impacts Travelers

With international travel on the rise, your passport renewal or making an appointment for a new passport may need to move up on your to do list. This will save you expedite fees and needless worry over will your passport arrive in time.

For latest information on passports, take a look at: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html

For information on if your state is compliant and the REAL ID Act: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Many county libraries offer walk in passport applications. Some locations are also capable of taking the required passport photos.  This is an additional fee, of course! Remember to review all passport requirements, including having both parents present for minors under the age of 18 years. Passports are important documents. If you have a safe or safety deposit box, this is where they should be stored.

If you lose or have a passport stolen, contact authorities immediately. When traveling, always keep a copy in a secure spot. When you receive your new passport, check over all details to ensure accuracy. If the State Department has made the error, they can expedite the new passport at no charge. Passport changes may affect trips now and for the next few years. Don’t forget to sign your passport.

For Travel to Europe

When you arrive in Europe, your hotel or apartment rental will register your passport with local officials. Many times, Americans will stress about handing over their passports. This is a common and necessary security precaution. Ask when you should expect your documents back. In most cases, your passport will be returned in a few hours.

Travel to most of Europe and the Caribbean requires that you have 6 months validity beyond date of your departure. Additionally, two blank pages are required for the entry stamp. Pay attention to the Schengen zone which are the 26 European countries that act as a common border area. Special rules apply to time spent in any one of these countries without requiring a visa. A surprise for travelers is that the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus are not in the Schengen Agreement. Switzerland, Iceland and Norway are not members of the EU but are members of the Schengen Agreement. Review State Department website for specific information for your travel plans in regards to Schengen requirements.

So now that you know, just go – renew or apply for your passport. Then when you are ready, your documents will be too.

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