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Expedited Pass Port Renewal Can Help To Save A Trip From Disaster
By CruiseDirector | February 21, 2010
Travel is a great thing, but there are plenty of things that can take an anticipated trip and turn it into an absolute nightmare. While many of these things are beyond our control, something like an expired passport can be avoided. If the expiration date on the passport is before the trip that is scheduled in a few weeks, expedited US passport renewal is there to help save the day.
Picture this scenario: the dream trip is all set up, the tickets have been purchased, the hotels have been booked, and vacation times have been scheduled at work. Everything is planned perfectly, right down to the last detail, until you read the fine print on your passport. Unfortunately, it is set to expire in a few weeks and the trip is right around the corner. Although the obvious first move in this situation is to panic, panic is not necessary.
While this situation is horrible, it is a great example of how passport renewal can help make everything better. As long as the person is literally not standing in line with their ticket, there is a way to get the passport in hand in time to make the trip. There is a fee for this service, but at least the vacation will not be ruined.
The good news in all of this is that there is no need to have to wait in any lines again. Renewals services are done via the mail. All the applicant has to do is go on the Internet and download form DS-82 from the State Department website, fill it out, put in the required documents and fees and send it on its way.
Since the contents of this package are obviously very sensitive in nature, it is important to make sure that the packing is secure. The State Department has on their website that it is best to use Tyvek packaging. The applicant can take it one step further and ship it via overnight mail and pay for the proof of delivery. It will add a little reassurance that the old passport and documents were received safely.
When a passport is needed quicker than the standard order (about two months), it is recommended that expedited service is used. For anyone that is jammed up for time, the $60 fee is more than worth it. In addition to the extra service fee, there will also be the costs of expedited shipping.
The State Department estimates a two to three week turn around on expedited passport applications. Any applicant that needs a passport in less than two weeks, be it a renewal or new application, is encouraged to make an appointment at a Regional Passport Agency. Applicants that need to secure a foreign visa in less than four weeks are also encouraged to make an appointment.
There are so many things that can go wrong on a trip; it is a shame to add one more, like having an expired pasport, that is our own fault. The glory of this mistake is that it is still very fixable, even up to the very last moment. Using expedited U.S. passport renewal can literally turn that frown upside down and allow everyone to enjoy their trip as planned.
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