"The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?"Pablo Casals
|
| |
Cyprus - The Divided Country, Travel Guide
Nestled into the eastern part of Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus history for the past 10,000 years has seen civilizations come and go and famous historical figures such as Alexander the Great to Cleopatra ...
Flight Plan
If you are going to a country lying in the distant part of the world from your home, you are most like to take plane, if your trip is not sea cruise. Plane is the fastest and the easiest way to reach your point of destination, but sometimes not the ...
Legendary "Second Summer" Arrives on Oregon Coast
It's likely THE biggest news story about the Oregon coast, yet it's one of the area's biggest secrets: Fall is just the beginning of some really warm weather, and the start of a load of features that make this the most inviting time of the year on these ...
|
|
|
| |
According to The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, here is the information about applying for your U.S. passport.
- When Should I Apply for a Passport?
Apply several months before your planned trip. If you will need visas from foreign embassies, allow more time. If you don’t have any specific travel plans – but have family/friends living abroad, or are waiting to find a bargain trip – don’t wait to get your passport! Get it now, so you’re ready in case you may need or want to travel on short notice! Passport demand goes up during the summer months. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you apply early to avoid the rush.
- When Do I Have to Apply in Person?
All applicants must appear in person, with the exception of those who meet the requirements for renewing a previous passport by mail . For children under age 14, both parents’ consent and proof of parental relationship are required. See Special Requirements for children under age 14 for details.
- Where Can I Get Passport Forms?
Passport acceptance facilities stock passport forms. Passport forms can also be downloaded from the Internet or obtained by calling the National Passport Information Center.
- Other Than at Passport Agencies, Where Can I Apply for a Passport?
You can apply for your passport at over 6,000 designated passport application acceptance facilities nationwide , including many post offices, clerks of court, other state/county/township/municipal offices, and a growing number of public libraries and public colleges and universities. These facilities are usually more convenient because they are near where you live or work. (Most of the 13 Regional Passport Agencies focus on serving those departing, or needing their passports for foreign visas, within 14 days and require appointments.)
- What If I Need a Passport in a Hurry?
For states not densely populated and/or far from our Pittsburgh, PA cashiering facility, overnight delivery is not always reliable. For those customers, particularly those leaving in less than 7 business-days, application at a Regional Passport Agency is recommended. Whichever way you apply, include your travel date and plans on your application.
- What Happens to My Passport Application After I Submit It?
If you apply at one of the 6,000+ passport acceptance facilities, the same day you apply, your application will be sent to Passport Services’ banking facility, where your payment is deposited into the U.S. Treasury, and
information from your application is data-entered. Then, your application, in both electronic and paper form, will be directed to a Regional Passport Agency or Passport Processing Center for adjudication and passport issuance if all documentation is in order. When you receive your passport, remember to sign it in ink and in pencil, print your name and address, so if you should lose it, it may be returned to you.
- What Should I Do if My Valid Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
If your still valid passport is lost or stolen, you can report the loss when you apply for a new passport. In addition to Form DS-11, you will need to complete a Form DS-64, "Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport." You may also call 202-955-0430, which has voice mail for non-business hours, Eastern Time.
If you are abroad, immediately report the loss to local police authorities and the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Do I Need to Obtain a Separate Passport for My Baby?
Yes. All persons, including newborn infants, are required to obtain passports in their own names. For children under age 14, the consent of both parents/guardians is required.
- Who Should Sign My Child’s Passport?
Children, who are able to sign their names, may do so. Otherwise, a parent may sign for the child by writing the child’s name on the signature line and signing the parent’s name above the child’s name. Example:
Jane Doe for
Child M. Doe
Signature of Bearer
- What Else Should I Know About Passports?
Some countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip. Check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the countries you plan to visit to find out their entry and visa requirements.
If you travel abroad frequently, you may request a 48-page passport at the time you apply for a new passport. In addition to foreign entry requirements, U.S. law must be considered. With certain exceptions, it is against U.S. law to enter or leave the country without a valid passport.
Generally, for tourists, the exceptions refer to direct travel within U.S. Territories or between North, South, or Central America (except Cuba). However, airlines and cruise-lines sometimes require their passengers to have passports when flying or cruising to and from locations in these areas.
Source: Federal Citizen Information Center
About the Author http://www.ChicTour.com is an online directory and resource for your travel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
