You're Ready to Go, But is Your Passport Ready?

With all the excitement and anticipation for that long-awaited vacation, we forget some details that may cause a major disturbance to our travel plans. Your packing list is printed, your countdown app is set to go but, what about your passport? Not having the appropriate documentation can lead to being denied boarding.

Now is the time to make sure your identification documents are ready. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing delays in passport processing. Standard processing for new and renewal applications is currently reported to be 14 weeks, or 10 weeks if paying an additional $60 expedite fee.*

What should you know about getting your passport ready? Here are some steps to make sure you are travel ready!

Making Sure Your Passport is Travel Ready:

Inspection:

Take a look a your passport as well as everyone's in your travel party. Make sure it is free of water damage, missing pages, significant tears or any other signs of deterioration. Some of these issues can render a passport invalid for travel.

Expiration Date:

This date has the habit of sneaking up on you. It is easy to forget to renew, especially for minors who’s passports are only valid for 5 years! This is important due to entry regulations in certain countries who require the passport to have 3-6 months of validity when travelers arrive. If you can, we recommend to start the renewal process 9 months prior to expiration.

Accurate Information:

Is the personal information on the passport accurate? Travel reservations need to match each person’s name exactly as it appears on the passport. If a correction or name change is needed, follow the directions on the US State Department website.

Blank Pages:

Count how many blank visa pages remain in the passport booklet. (Note: The last two endorsement pages don’t count.) Immigration officials use these blank pages to add entry stamps or visas. Some countries require two to four blank pages available upon entry. If you’re almost out of space, it’s time to renew. Frequent travelers may want to request a larger, 52-page passport book.

Don't be left behind! Make sure all your documents are as ready to travel as you are!

Have travel questions? Looking for travel tips? Or suggestions on what topics you want to read about? Email me at info@holabeachestravel.com .

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*Information was accurate at the time of publishing. For current estimates, as well as detailed passport information and instructions, see the US State Department’s website: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html