Before 2009, it was possible to depart and re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries using only a valid birth certificate or driver’s license. Due to heightened security issues, however, all people leaving and returning to the United States must now carry a valid passport. If an unexpected or unplanned foreign trip becomes urgent, a regional passport agency can help with rush requests.

Online Forms

The application forms are readily available on line for printing. All applicants, regardless of time considerations, must be able to present proof of citizenship in the form of an original birth certificate as well as having the correct type of photo. Those enjoying enough lead time for regular processing usually present their completed forms to a local acceptance facility.

Time It Takes

A four to six-week wait is common. This poses no problem for travelers having plenty of time to plan ahead, but is not ideal in many rush situations. It is possible, however, to speed up the process by going directly to a regional center. These facilities have the ability to immediately approve an application and to present a finished document more rapidly.

Acceptance Facilities

There are real differences between a local acceptance office and a regional agency. The acceptance office may be closer to home and is ideal for most standard requests. It will also work with fee-based professional expediting services. By contrast, a regional office is equipped to handle time-constrained emergency requests much more rapidly than standard processing guidelines allow.

Regional Facilities

Within the U.S., there are thirteen official regional agencies with locations and toll-free numbers readily available on line. In addition to physically creating the documents, one of their primary functions is to serve customers with urgent travel needs. While there are no absolute guarantees, many people are able to get a completed passport on the same day as their appointment.

Proof Of Travel

Rush customers must provide proof that international travel is scheduled in two weeks or less. This proof may be a copy of an on-line airline ticket or even a fully paid-for travel itinerary from a travel agent. The toll-free local number helps callers set up an appointment, but only will do so for those who must leave in less than 14 days.

Set Up The Appointment

Callers receive a confirmation number for their individual appointment. At that designated time an applicant must present regulation photos as well as the standard proofs of citizenship. Fill out the forms in advance, taking care to avoid any mistakes. Payment is also required at that time, so check the official website for current costs. Be prepared to undergo a stringent security check when entering these government buildings.

Before confirming reservations and plans, learn how to obtain a new passport by going through the process months in advance. The applications can be printed out at home. All members of the family need passports, even newborn babies. Some find the process to be complicated but in reality, it only takes a few forms, a photo and a couple of weeks for processing. Applying is easy and will be the least of your worries when it is time to travel abroad.

Passport Applications

The application is available on the Internet to be printed at home on matte white paper. Renewals can be mailed or taken to the Passport Acceptance Facility that is closest to your place of residence. This form will generally request information such as your Social Security, age, height, and address. It will only take a couple of minutes to fill them out.

Photograph

Each application requires a recently taken photo of the applicant. It must be 2×2 inches and be taken with a white or off-white background. No hats or head coverings may be worn in the photo unless worn on a daily basis as part of a religious custom. Sunglasses and work uniforms are also not allowed. The best way to have this picture taken is at a post office for a small fee.

Citizenship

A document that proves citizenship will have to be included in the application. For those who were born in the United States, an original birth certificate with a raised seal is best. When renewing, old passports may be used.

Identity

Proof of identity is also needed for the application. A driver’s license is best. Minors can use a school ID with a photo. Old passports can also be used as proof of identity.

Fees

New passports cost $110 for the application fee and $25 for the execution fee. The fees will not be returned, even if the application is not approved. They will need to be completed in person at the facility. Most payment types are accepted at the facility such as cash, credit and check.

Passport Renewals

A renewal costs just $110 for the application fee. They do not have to be completed in person. Checks and money orders can be used as payment when paying through the mail. Be sure to renew about 9 months before passports expire.

Child Passports

Minors under 16 years of age will require parental consent. They will need to send in their passports in person at the facility. Even newborns need their very own passports, complete with a photo.

Expedited Services

Expedited applications will take at most, 3 weeks to process. Overnight shipping is recommended when passports are needed quickly. There is a $60 additional fee required for expedited applications. Be sure to write “expedite” on the outside of the envelope so that it can be processed through the mail.

Every girl has her unique traveling style. Personally, I like to travel smart and look good at the same time. After a few trips, I found some useful tips that I have been practicing them every time – for both long and short travels.

1. Bring all your wear-and-throw-away stuff. Best method to dispose old underwear, socks and tops.
2. Washable cloth bags and plastic bags are a must! Depending on size, I bring 5 of each when I go traveling anywhere more than a week.
3. Baby powder, body spray, scented moisturizer, deodorant and perfume. These can help to feel clean and smell good.
4. Minimal beauty kit. Moisturizer, sunblock, loose powder, blusher, eyebrow palette, 1 eye shadow color, 1 mascara, lip balm and hair creme.
5. Bring a water bottle with built-in filter everywhere. Ever since I owned one, I never went traveling without it.
6. Take 1 multi-vitamin a day in morning. Food availability can be unpredictable. Helps to stay healthy and provide the essential nutrients.
7. Three pairs of shoes are just nice. One good pair of all-purpose trekking shoes but looks good for daily wear, one pair of slippers, and one pair of boots.
8. Bring only 1 set of accessories, buy the rest there. Best method to get unusual accessories and their first debut in your travel photos.
9. Always carry 7 panty-liners in your bag. Estimate 4 panty-liners per day when packing. You can never be too sure when is your next opportunity to shower.
10. Wear bikini (bathing suit) as underwear. Wash them daily, dry within 2 days. Just 3 sets can last for 1-month travel.

I will shower and wash up as if I am going to bed just before heading to airport (except with minimal make-up to look good). Travel smart by wearing my fave bikini, most comfortable top with jacket/hoodie, jeans and heaviest shoes up the plane. Totally suits the girly girl traveling style.