Passports 101: Your Questions Answered

There’s nothing complicated about your passport…. until there is. They are the single most important document we carry when we travel overseas, yet we sometimes take them for granted. Most of us have a passport or are at least familiar with them. The following FAQ’s respond to real-world inquiries that I’ve received over the years from clients and friends. Keep in mind that like most information, these answers are perishable. I’ve provided a source link to most of the information provided below, but you should always ensure that you confirm that you have the most recent facts.

How long is a passport valid for?

This is a trick question. Most of us know that the answer is 10 years. So where does the trouble come in? Many nations require that a visitor’s passport be valid for up to 6 months beyond the date of entry. The first thing that I tell my clients when we begin planning is to check their passport’s expiration date to ensure that they are covered. In other words, if you plan to travel to one of these nations (Peru for example) on January 1st and your passport expires in March, you may be denied entry.

What’s the best way to renew my passport?

Here’s the good news. In most cases, the renewal process is quite straightforward, allowing you to submit your request and make payment directly to the US Department of State. Furthermore, most renewals can be conducted by mail. (Check your eligibility here.) Just follow the steps on the Department’s website as outlined here. When it comes to processing timelines, there are three pathways:

• Routine Processing: 8-11 Weeks

• Expedited Processing (For an additional fee): 5-7 Weeks

• Expedited at Agency: Within 72 hours. This is a special processing category for individuals with urgent or emergency travel needs. You’re are not guaranteed to get an immediate appointment at a processing center. However, there are “private agents” that will assist you in these cases for a fee. The Wall Street Journal tested several of these services. A. Briggs was one of several that provided drama-free assistance.

What if I’m applying for my first passport?

No problem. It’s very similar to renewing a passport. The big difference is that you have to present yourself in person rather than simply dropping your application in the mail. And don’t worry, you don’t have to fly to Washington. Just find a local acceptance center. The State Department keeps a handy database of all their centers here.

What’s a passport card, and do I need one?

When you fill out your passport application or renewal, you’ll be asked if you want a passport card for an additional fee. Should you? Sure. Why not? It’s essentially an ID card with your passport information. It cannot be used for international air travel, but it can be used for land border crossings in North America. (Think Mexico and Canada.) It is also recognized by TSA as a valid ID for domestic travel. For a comprehensive comparison of passport books vs passport cards, click here.

Now that I have my passport, I can travel anywhere, right?

Having a passport is definitely the first step, and in many cases it’s all you need. Technically, a passport is simply a document authorizing you to exit and enter your own country. Did you know that passports have “power rankings”? Some passports open more doors than others. As of 2022, a passport from the United Arab Emirates is considered the world’s most powerful, allowing “visa-free” access to the most countries. So what’s a visa? A visa (as opposed to a passport) is a permission allowing a passport holder to enter a nation that is not their own. So if you (as a US passport holder) want to visit Turkey, you will need to apply for permission, which would be issued to you by Turkey as a visa. Just a couple of decades ago acquiring a visa could be an onerous process, often requiring you to visit the destination nation’s nearest consulate in your own country. In 2022, many of these permissions are actually issued electronically. Sound confusing? Don’t worry. Your first step is to determine if the nation(s) you are visiting require a visa. Here’s a good place to start. As always, your travel advisor can be an important resource as you research requirements.

How do I prepare to lose my passport while traveling overseas?

Ok, so nobody has actually asked me that question. But I do have a couple of friends that wish they had. In fact, between loss and theft, over 300,000 Americans will find themselves without their passports this year. I’ve written previously about steps you can take to keep your passport secure overseas. But what happens if the worst occurs, and how can you prepare? First, before you travel, its important that you know how to contact US Citizen Services at a US Embassy or Consulate near your destination. You can find that information here. Write it down and keep it with you. If you find yourself without your passport, report your loss immediately. Do not wait until the end of your trip to take action. Although consular offices try to be responsive, they do not guarantee a timeframe for issuing your new documents. Secondly, you will need to prove your identity to a consular officer. This is why you never want to keep (and potentially lose) all of your critical cards/documents in the same place. For example, if you need to have your passport with you while you are out-and-about, leave your drivers license or passport card in the hotel safe. While losing a passport overseas can be stressful, there are effective systems in place to help you. Being prepared can make all the difference.

If you have questions that I did not address, feel free to reach out to me. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll connect you with someone that does.