I just had a couple plan and pay for a beautiful and romantic honeymoon in Jamaica last month .
Than the most upsetting call I can imagine came- the Bride called just 48 hours before getting on the plane to cancel the trip. One of their passports were denied. This was a first for me. Thankfully with the travel insurance we will be able to reschedule their honeymoon for a later time when the passport issues are cleared up – but still, to have to postpone the the trip of your dreams… how heartbreaking!
To prevent this from happening to you, consider applying as early as possible – Passports are good for 10 years and everyone should have one – Why stand the chance of passing up a great invitation to some place exotic just because of paperwork.
Be sure all of your paperwork in in order:
– A Completed Application
You can complete it online through the State Department’s web site, or print and
complete it by hand.
– Two Types of Identification, with Copies of Each
One proving U.S. citizenship
-Previously issued U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate, Naturalization certificate, or
Certificate of citizenship.
And one current I.D.
-Previously issued U.S. passport, Naturalization certificate, Valid driver’s license,
Current Government ID, or Current Military ID.
– One Passport Photo
Your photos should be in color, identical, and taken within the past 6 months. They
should be 2″ x 2″ with a full-face, front view (head should measure between 1″ and 1
3/8″), and a plain white or off-white background.
*Most Post Offices can take these for you for an additional fee.
– Payment for Applicable Fees
Adult first time – $110 with an acceptance fee of $25
Minor (under 16) – $80 with an acceptance fee of $25
Passport card – add $15 for minors, $30 for adults
Adult renewal – $110
That being said, if you are good to go, know that routine passport processing takes about 4-6 weeks from the time you submit your application. [If you have to renew your passport, do it far in advance of the expiration date.] Rush services are available for last minute, but they are expensive and do not give you time to straighten out any issues.
You can go to most of the post offices now and get the application, take the picture, and send it all at one time.
Now that you know all this, you can avoid honeymoon trauma and can go on your luxurious get-away without any passport problems.