Travel Warnings | Travel Public Announcements | Travel Information by Country
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The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one ofover 8,000passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and1 Gateway City Agency,which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession;if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when youwere under age 16; or ifyour currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
Renewal of a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.
You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.
If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.
For more information on how to renew a passport, pleasevisit How to renew a passport page.
PASSPORTS, VISAS, CUSTOMS
Passports
Check www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html for forms. Passport forms can also be
obtained from some U.S. Post Offices and almost all AAA offices. Photograph requirements
are described on the form. You can get a passport photo taken wherever general photos are
taken. An easy place to get your passport photo taken is at your local AAA office.
Passports are not difficult to get but the process can be very lengthy. It may take several weeks from the beginning of the process until the completed passport is returned to you. If there are errors you will need to send your passport back.
Note the fee on the copy of the form: $55.00 Application Fee, plus a $12.00 security surcharge fee, plus $30.00 Execution Fee for individuals aged 16 and over brings the total to $97.00. Individuals 15 and under pay a $40.00 Application Fee, plus a $12.00 security surcharge and $30.00 Execution Fee bringing the total to $82.00.. The good news is that the passport is good for up to ten years.
Make four copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a home team coordinator and take three with you. Your team leader should have one copy. Keep one of the copies on your person; keep the last copy in your luggage. If you lose your passport the copy will identify you as a U.S. citizen until a more substantial document can be obtained. Renew your passport if it will expire in less than six months.
Ask your site coordinator where the team should stow their original passports while they are in- country. Collect all of them and place them all in the safe place until you return home.
Tourist Visas
If a Visa is necessary for your short-term trip you will most likely complete a Tourist Visa on the plane. (Double check with your travel agent.) Tourist Visas can be tricky to complete if you aren’t familiar with them. Equip your team members with the information they will need to complete this form, including the name and address of the place you will be staying.
Double check to see if any team member might be a Foreign National. A Foreign National is someone who is a citizen of another country currently living in the United States on a temporary residence visa. They will have special immigration procedures and need to check with their embassy.
Africa is an entirely different system so if you planning to minister in Africa we recommend. That you take a look at www.traveldocs.com .
Customs
Customs can also be tricky if you don’t know what to expect. Equip your team members with information about the Customs Form just like you have with the Tourist Visa. The best web site for information about United States Customs is http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/top/contact.htm.