Passports

[Blueringocto_73]

So one thing that may hang up your travel plans is an expired passport. I'm submitting my renewal pronto. Target dates for diving Puerto Galera is end of September.

May not make that time frame if there is a snafu getting passport in hand.

Supposedly 6 weeks max to get it. Best to have some travel insurance to bump all flights/hotels.

I'm flexible on the dates to go. But need to get all ducks in a row.

Don't be like me and overlook that important step in getting to your destination.

 

[drrich2]

Not sure whether it's an issue with your destination, but I've noticed a number of them require the passport have at least 6-months time remaining; I've heard of Delta 'policing' this at some point (2nd hand info.; haven't witnessed it myself). So not only do you want a passport that's not expired, but also with at least 6 months left on it (whether that's from start or end of trip date I don't recall).

Richard.

 

[Blueringocto_73]

Good info! Not many people know about that I'm sure. I guess it's in case you get stranded overseas and end up expiring your passport out of country.

I still have 2 passports with many many stamps from my travels. But they won't get me anywhere. I do have a current passport card. Maybe it will quicken the red tape.

 

[Dogbowl]

So one thing that may hang up your travel plans is an expired passport. I'm submitting my renewal pronto. Target dates for diving Puerto Galera is end of September.

May not make that time frame if there is a snafu getting passport in hand.

Supposedly 6 weeks max to get it. Best to have some travel insurance to bump all flights/hotels.

I'm flexible on the dates to go. But need to get all ducks in a row.

Don't be like me and overlook that important step in getting to your destination.

Make sure that your travel insurance covers passport delay. It’s not necessarily covered.

 

[Blueringocto_73]

^ And some more important info! That's another thing I would have overlooked. Thanks!

 

[drrich2]

I do have a current passport card. Maybe it will quicken the red tape.

That's worth mentioning. As I understand it, passport cards are only good for land crossings (e.g.: from the U.S., driving into Canada or Mexico), whereas passport books are good for that and also other entries (e.g.: plane), but the passport card is a federally issued photo I.D., easier to carry on you than a passport book, and in the event 'stranded' without a passport, it might help cut through the red tape.

I think the passport card added $30 over the cost of the passport book alone when I last bought mine. It was a lot cheaper for our daughter (though under 16, her passport's only good 5 years, not 10); that way she has a federal government issued photo I.D. (just started Kindergarten; not driving yet thankfully).

Richard.

 

[Blueringocto_73]

^ So she's an up and coming diver for the next generation. Nice!

 

[Manneca]

You can pay for expedited service and send the passport renewal by express mail. My son received his renewal in less than two weeks. (I always expedite the passport renewal because I don't like worrying.)

 

[mcpowell]

If you live near a city that issues passports, you can make an appointment and get your passport the same day. I know this because I’ve done it. I made an appointment on a Tuesday, for the upcoming Thursday (in Atlanta) and came home Thursday with a new passport. You’ll use up most of your day, but it can happen. You also have to pay some fees, but it’s cheaper than cancelling your trip!

 

[flyboy08]

You can get a passport in one day....it'll cost you $500 and about five hours sitting around waiting, but it's possible. All of my renewals have taken less than 2 weeks from sent till return.