Urgent Passport Notice
 (Continued)

 

Crisis Increase Expected - The upcoming rule that by January 2008 all travelers returning to the U.S. by land and by sea must also have a valid passport means an additional significant increase is expected by the end of this year. Possible plans to delay this deadline are currently in development.
 

Recent Relaxed Rules - It is true that the U.S. Department of State has somewhat relaxed the passport rules for travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean, however you must still apply for a passport and it can take up to ten days just to obtain proof that you have applied. For complete details, see the announcement from the U.S. Department of State http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

 

Refund for Expedite Fees - The U.S. Department of State is offering refunds on a case-by-case basis to applicants who sent expedited requests, but did not receive expedited service. For details, please visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_3259.html.

 

If You Need Passport Services - Including a new passport, passport renewal, adding pages, or name changes, apply as soon as possible, even if you are not leaving until 2008.

 

Expedite Your Requests - The National Passport Center is in a chaotic state, making it nearly impossible to reach a representative regarding your passport request. It can take up to four weeks after submission before you can track a passport unless it has been expedited. The U.S. Department of State says passport processing may take up to 12 weeks, in our recent experience, we have found this to be a very conservative estimate.
 

Check Your Expiration - Most countries require that your passport be valid for a minimum of six months past your scheduled date of return. Be sure to double check your date of expiration.

 

If you have not yet submitted your passport request and need assistance with requirements and instructions, we are happy to assist you. Please contact Dori Dearen at 901-291-1421 or call toll-free at 800-467-1182 x1421 or send an email to Dori@aitvl.com.