What’s Your Passport Status?

True Story:  Just days before our departure to French Polynesia I came across a factoid that sent me flying to the Internet.  It was this:

You cannot enter French Polynesia with a passport that expires within 6 months of your entry.

I double checked our U.S. passports and Zoot alors!

In other words, damn!

I had 5 days to get them renewed or we wouldn’t be flying off to our dream destination.

 

Passport Application Challenge

How long does it take to get a passport renewed?

For a routine renewal (or even application for a new passport), the U.S. State’s website says it takes 4 – 6 weeks.  Oh, but not to worry.  An expedited renewal takes only 2 – 3 weeks!

We’re in trouble.

And on top of the $135 passport fee, the expedited service is an additional and painful $60.

Suddenly the soft sands of Moorea seemed very far away…

 

What to Do If You Need a Passport Immediately?

You should make an appointment to be seen at a Regional Passport Agency only if:

• The U.S. passport is needed in less than 2 weeks for international travel
• The U.S. passport is needed within 4 weeks to obtain a foreign visa

To schedule an appointment, first fill out the application Form DS-82, bring your money to the passport office and leave your weapons at home.

For an appointment, go here.

If you don’t hold a U.S. passport, you’re going to need one to walk, fly or sail across any U.S. border nowadays.   Need to apply for a new passport?  Go  here.

 

How Did I Solve My Passport Dilemma?

I used a passport expeditor, such as RushMyPassport.com, overnighting our passports with the proper passport applications, regulation passport photos and a fat check.  They, in turn, overnighted back to me our new, renewed passports.

And, of course, the expeditor does this for a fee.  In my case, I paid $100 per travel document.  Plus all the other U.S. government fees for renewal and expedited service.

We received our renewed passports the day before we were scheduled to fly out.

Disaster averted.  Vicious fight with my husband averted as well.

 

Passport Application Info

Need to renew, apply for a new one or just need all around information?  Just click on the link below.

Travel.State.gov