Applying and renewing for a passport is a straightforward procedure which takes between four and eight weeks. To expedite the process, apply for a passport between August and December when the number of applicants is lower. You can print your own passport photos to save money -- this can also help cut costs when applying for visas. The most important tip for renewing a passport is to begin the process eight to 10 months before your passport expires. Almost every country requires a passport be valid six months after your intended departure.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent your passport from being damaged, lost or stolen. A damaged passport can be just as devastating as a lost one. Passports from the U.S. now have an electronic tag inserted into the cover. If this tag gets wet or bent it could be deactivated which causes a red flag when crossing borders. Purchase a passport wallet, and avoid the water while carrying your passport. Always keep your passport on you when traveling between destinations, preferably in a money belt or zippered pocket. Upon arrival put your passport in a hotel safe. If your hotel doesn't have a safe find a good hiding spot, or keep it with you at all times. Be vigilant when traveling on crowded public transport as this is where most petty thefts occur.
A lost passport is serious often diverting your travel plans, but it can be overcome relatively quickly if you plan ahead. You should have three copies of your passport: one with a reliable relative or friend at home, one packed in you luggage (always separate from your original), and one sent to your e-mail account. If a passport is lost or stolen it should be immediately reported to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Although local police will rarely recover a passport, the report helps expedite the process with your embassy as does a copy of your passport.
A passport opens the door for travel to other countries. A visa is what gets you through that door. Knowledge is the most important thing to ensuring entry, and possibly saving you time and money. You will need a visa for all countries, just know which ones you have to apply for ahead of time. Citizens of the United States, most European countries and a few other places around the world can show up at a country's doorstep without a prior visa. A quick stamp by an immigration official is all you need. But U.S. citizens traveling to China will need to fill out an application, send their passport to a Chinese consulate, pay a hefty fee, and wait at least one week to receive the visa. If you need to apply for a visa you should always bring onward travel documents, a bank statement, passport photos and any additional information pertaining to your visa such as school acceptance letter.
Most of the time passport control will glance over you travel documents, and stamp you through. But if you are questioned by an immigration officer answer all questions directly. Do not add any additional comments or become confrontational because this will only lead to more questions. Be sure to have your customs documents filled out correctly, and prepared to be searched -- take the locks off you luggage and have all your imports in a separate bag.
Some countries, such as South Africa, will only allow you to enter if you have at least two blank pages. Most countries require at least two blank pages when submitting a visa application. If you are running low on pages any U.S. consulate in the world can sew in additional pages for a fee.
