What You Need to Know About Passports

Every citizen wishing to leave the United States must now have a passport. There has been some confusion as to why we need a passport, how it's used, and how to obtain one. Passports are legal documents, issued by governments, for the purpose of international identification.

Passports identify the holder's citizenship, their nationality and it officially verifies other information such as date of birth, place of birth, and gender. In some countries, the holder's religion is also identified. They are not a guarantee that you will be admitted into a country.

Documents You Need to Get a Passport

The documents you need in order to get a passport vary, but all countries will request identification to verify your identity. Identification for a passport can include an official birth certificate, government issued photo identification, Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or a Certificate of Citizenship. At least one document presented must show proof of citizenship or naturalization and all identification documents must be government issued.

Adult Requirements

Passport holders must be over the age of 18. Once a passport is granted, it is normally has an expiration date of ten years. In some countries, passport holders are not allowed to enter if the holder is nearing their passport expiration date so it is important to research the entry requirements of destination country.

Minor Requirements

Anyone under the age of 18 must have both parents present before a passport application can be processed. Because of concerns over international child abduction, many countries do not except applications when only one parent is present, in addition both parents are required to sign for the passport. Once a passport is granted, it is valid for five years.

Cost and Expiration

In the United States, the current passport fees are $100 for an adult and $85.00 for a child. Most U.S. post offices offer passport services and renewals. In the United States, adult issues passports are valid for a period of ten years, while passports issued to minors are valid for a period of five years.

Applicants need to bring with them two passport photos, two very specific forms of identification, the application, and a checkbook in order to apply for a passport. If getting a passport for a child, both parents need to be present.

A Word about Visas

Often in order to enter some countries, a visa is required. To find out if a county requires a visa, travelers must speak or visit the destination country's embassy. A passport does not offer an admittance guarantee into a country or special benefits for travelers, but it does guarantee re-entry into their home country.

Getting a passport is an essential travel document and its recommend that anyone planning a trip outside the United States apply for a passport well in advance of their trip. If they fail to have their passport at the time of travel, they will not be allowed to exit the country.

References:

United States State Department

The Independent Traveler