Passports & Other Travel Documents

This blog is directed at USA passports and is written in January of 2024. While I will try to update it annually, please check the government websites for definitive information.

All that said, here goes!

Passports Equal Escapes

I got my first passport in 1995 to make a foray to Cabo San Lucas at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Getting that stamp and seeing my first foreign country were both monumental. I’ve never been without a passport since and enticed my niece and nephew to get theirs even as teens. While that first application process is long forgotten and could have been simple, it’s truly easy these days. Here’s the main link to the US Department of State site. You fill out the application online then print it. Make sure to follow the every one of the directions.

The coolest thing they’ve changed in the ten years since I last applied is having locations where you can take your application. It freaks me out to put my passport and vital data in an envelope, including Social Security Number, and mail it. I’m that paranoid. I’ll pop on the Trolley to downtown Pittsburgh and walk it into the Allegheny County Building. Note: There may be an additional fee for the Passport Acceptance Agency. For me, it will be worth it.

Passport Application Process

Plan ahead! Whether you’re applying for your first passport or renewing, the processing times are the same. The system has been bogged down since travel restrictions were lifted. Again referring you to the site, there are various ways to receive your passport. The routine process takes an average of 8 weeks. My husband renewed his last year and it took 12 weeks to arrive. You can pay for expedited, which lowers the time to 2-3 weeks (not guaranteed), but costs an additional $60. That’s not worth it to me unless something critical is going on.

The passport cost is approximately $160. That may change based on your circumstances. In the past payment was only accepted by check.

Passport Photos

Your must photo meet specific standards. Click here for details. This is another difference. In the past you could only use a photo taken by the US Postal Service or an organization like AAA. They followed the regulations for how the photo should look. Now you can take one yourself—that doesn’t mean a selfie! Someone has to take it for you. I have too much difficulty resizing to the required 2” x 2” and printing it on matte or glossy. I’m opting to pop into AAA. I’d tell you the cost, but their site is malfunctioning.

Passport Expirations and Travel

You should get/renew your passport 6-9 months before you want to travel/or it expires. That’s crazy because what if you were traveling (in my dreams) every three months! Pay for that expedited processing, eh? On the flip of that is the possibility of your destination country requiring that your passport has been valid for 3-6 months before arriving. Check the Passport Validity link for current rules.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

I was unaware of STEP before researching for this blog. I’ve never checked in with an embassy when traveling, so I’m debating setting up this account. It’s a free service intended to keep you updated about your destinations. Enrolling also helps the embassy find you should it be necessary.

TSA PreCheck

If you don’t plan on international trips, but hate waiting in line like yours truly, take a look at TSA PreCheck. It’s available at 200 airports in the USA with 90 participating airlines. Seeing the TSA checkmark on your ticket means you get to surpass the mile-long line. Your shoes stay on and your electronics stay packed. Great, right?

Global Entry – Trusted Traveler Program

Having once spent hours in the Customs line at Dulles Airport, enrolling in the TTP has proved its worth. This program continues to evolve and includes TSA PreCheck. Referring again to the Chase Visa card, they will reimburse the application fee once every four years. I reapplied for TTP today. They’re so bogged down that as long as you apply, they will extend your expiration date. Alex applied last June and is still waiting for his new card. Do you have an airline credit card? (I have Chase Visa through United Airlines.) Check to see if they cover the application fee. Finding the scoop on how to apply was a trick, so hold onto this link. And yes, you need your passport first. (Note: later that same month … I received my new card in within two weeks!)

What’s the point of Global Entry?

Ease of entry to the USA and more avoidance of long lines. Keep moving—that’s the mantra for anyone traveling with me. Last month we returned from a trip to Prague and Munich to land in Newark. With Global Entry, we took the long walk to the short line marked “GOES Pass Holders.” Okay, it said something like that, flow with me. Anyone not a trusted traveler went to the long, long line. We zipped to the kiosk, placed our passport on it, got our photo taken, and headed for the customs agent. 

If you do a lot of international travel, this pass is well-worth the investment, even without a Visa reimbursement. You have to go through an in-person interview. Simply check the site for a location near you. My first time I had to drive to Washington, DC. Now Pittsburgh International Airport schedules interviews.

Frequent Flier Numbers

Even if you think you’re only going to fly this once, get a FF number. You never know and you might as well collect points from flight one. 

Know Before you Go

This list covers unique circumstances that may apply to you. 

Share Your Tips

I know there are people lucky enough to travel more than I do. Come on, start contributing in the comments! You can also catch me on Threads and add tips there.

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A six or more hour flight is different from a short jaunt. I’ve learned some good lessons (usually the hard way!) Tips to Survive Long Flights