Revisiting Passport Information

NOW is a good time to apply and obtain a passport, particularly if one is considering traveling outside of the United States in the near future. If you already have a passport, it is a good time to check it and make sure there is adequate months before expiration. This topic was brought to mind when I was reading an article from The Travel Institute. They had some very good information that I thought might interest our friends who are considering a vacation outside of the United States.

Just what is a passport, and why is it necessary? It is a document issued by a government that establishes an individuals identity and nationality of that particular country and requests protection for the citizen while abroad. For example, a U. S. passport is issued to U. S. citizens by the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs and is valid for ten years from the date of issue (except for those younger than 16 when they apply; their passports are valid for only five years).

Today, U. S. citizens need a passport any time they leave the United States. Some countries require that passports are still valid for six months after entering the country; some have increased that to nine months, and a few only require three months.

When leaving the United States by air, passengers must prove to the airline personnel at check-in that they have proper documentation to enter the destination country when their plane arrives. Airline personnel checks travelers' documents carefully and do not allow people with incomplete documentation to board.

So, how do you obtain a passport? An adult can obtain application forms at many U. S. Post Offices. Here in the U. S. a completed application form must be accompanied by (1) a birth certificate that is certified with the registrar's signature and has a raised seal, (2) evidence of U.S. Citizenship such as a previous passport, certified birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. A drivers' license, draft certificate, Social Security card or a voting card will not be certifiable evidence. (3) One photo in color 2x2 inches in size, full-face on white background and (4) payment of $110 application fee and $25 execution fee and added fees for expedited services, if any.

Several countries require a visa to enter their country. A visa is issued by a country that allows an individual to enter that country . Visas are generally stamped on a page of the passport, although in certain cases they may be issued on a separate paper. Visa requirements are always changing, so it is a good idea to check on the state department's website as to the requirements to visit a particular country.

The experienced travel counselors at The Travel Factory will be glad to help our friends with their international travel, or any other vacation wish, so give us a call at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. You can also pay a personal visit to our office at 4150 Southwest Drive on the south side of Abilene near the Shops of Abilene. Visits to our website might be helpful too, and you can find us at www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.