We generally write from the perspective of United States Citizens traveling abroad, but the principle applies to folks from other countries too. For most, there are plenty of places to travel in your home country. Fellow U.S. Citizens might even be able to make a multi-year project out of seeing each of the 50 states and US territories. Clearly you can travel for a long time without the need for a passport if you’re so inclined.
On the other hand, if you’d like to see more of the world, you’ll need a valid passport to enter a foreign country (and return to your home country when you’re done).
U.S. Passports are valid for ten years for adults and five for children under the age of 16. If you already have a passport, be sure that the expiration date is at least six months beyond the date you plan to return from your trip (otherwise you may be denied entry to the country you’re traveling to).
U.S. Passports are issued by the State Department and at this point take eight to twelve weeks (!?) to process. If you need something sooner, there are options to expedite them, but if you have time, you won’t need to pay extra for these services. Also, be aware that you’ll need to send originals of your identity and citizenship documents with the application. Copies won’t work and you’ll get your originals back by mail, but don’t be alarmed since it is a normal part of the process.
To apply, you can download a PDF application from the State Department but for our last application, we just grabbed one from our nearest post office. You’ll need two color passport photos taken and printed. There are specific requirements for the photos, so you can’t just use a random selfie from your phone. If you wear glasses, take them off for the picture (otherwise, they’ll reject your application and send the whole thing back to you). Drugstores like CVS or Walgreens offer photo service (for around $15) and we occasionally see coupons that will save you a little bit off the regular price, so check around and you can put a little extra in your travel fund with the money you’ve saved.
At the time of writing, the cost for a passport if you’ve never applied is $110 plus a $35 processing fee, payable to the post office or local governmental office (called a Passport Acceptance Facility) for witnessing your application and ensuring that everything is together and organized in such a way to reduce any delays when it arrives at the state department.
Expediting your application at the State Department if you don’t have a lot of time before your travel dates will add $60 and reduces the time required to between five and seven weeks. There are situations requiring very fast processing of an application or renewal involving a visit to a passport center for your state. Appointments are very limited and are generally only available for urgent international travel – within the next five business days and you’ll need to provide proof of your itinerary.
Long story short, don’t wait until you’ve booked a trip – plan ahead and apply for your passport (or renewal) early to avoid extra expenses and stress later on.
