Emergency Passports for Travel to Europe
Obtaining a United States passport is a relatively simple, although occasionally time-consuming, process. Certain situations or issues may make it necessary for an individual to require a passport for travel on very short notice. Fortunately, there is very little extra that must be done in order to get your passport in a short period of time.
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Application
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Per the United States Department of State (USDoS), to obtain a new passport, or if the previous passport has been lost or destroyed, is more than 15 years old, was issued when the owner was a minor or had a different name, citizens must apply in person at an acceptance facility--certain US post offices or municipal agency offices--with a completed form DS-11, proof of citizenship and proof of identity in the form of accepted pieces of identification, photocopies of the identification, applicable fees and two passport photos. Passport renewals may be processed in person or by mail, using form DS-82, which must be submitted with two passport photos, applicable fees and the expired passport.
Identification
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There are several options for fulfilling the USDoS requirements for identification and proof of citizenship, and certain items may serve as both. Proof of citizenship can be an expired passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship or a consular report of birth abroad. Personal identification can be an expired passport, naturalization certificate or valid military, government identification cards or driver's license.
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Expediting
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When a passport is required in under two weeks for any reason, the application can be expedited. There is an additional fee for this service, and it is strongly suggested by the USDoS that the applicant pay for overnight delivery both ways to speed delivery and processing. It is also recommended that the application be sent using a service that either requires a signature or provides notification of receipt to ensure that it can be traced in the event it gets lost.
Visas
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Visas are not required for business or tourist travel of up to 90 days in European countries covered by the Schengen agreement. Other European countries, as well as countries outside Europe, may require a visa, so the traveler should check before leaving with the USDoS and, if required, with the destination's consulate.
Cost
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Per the USDoS, as of 2010, the fee to renew a passport for an adult is $95, obtaining a new passport is $95 plus an administrative charge of $25. Expediting a passport is an additional $60, and the overnight delivery charge is another $14.96.
Special Circumstances
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If there are special circumstances, such as a life-or-death emergency, that require immediate international travel, the traveler should contact the National Passport Information Center directly at 1-877-4-USA-PPT (877-487-2778) TDD/TTY: 888-874-7793. It may be necessary to make an appointment at one of the federal passport agencies in order to meet the time requirements.
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References
- Photo Credit passport approval image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
