**Passport Update**

Do they make you wear the funny high visibility vests during your walkarounds, too?
 
We are required to wear them, but in reality it's more a case-by-case decision. You get a feeling after some time when and where you better wear those cool vests.
 
I sent my stuff out just a little over 2 weeks ago and had it expedited and I got it this past weekend. It is worth the extra money to not have to wait and wait for it to come in.
 
Champcar said:
No its people waiting to the last minute. We knew about the rule what a year in advance. You should have a passport anyways.
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I agree, that too. However I highly doubt the passport offices were really ramped to accept the high load of applications anyway.

More Americans do need to travel, even a quick vacation and getting off the beaten path can do wonders to the mentality.
 
Champcar said:
No its people waiting to the last minute. We knew about the rule what a year in advance. You should have a passport anyways.
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I've traveled around the world more than most world travelers. Let's just say that until a couple of years ago, I was exempt from any passport rules. ;)

For some people, though, there really is no need to have a passport. While more people should travel and see outside of the U.S., there are others that will never step out of the country.
 
Here is a little info that I received today from ASTA (American Association of Travel Agents) in an email newsletter:

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Also, here is an update on the Temporary Repeal of Passport Requirement for Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Please advise your U.S. citizen clients entering and exiting the United States by air that they must have a valid passport. The temporary repeal of passport requirement (for the countries listed above) are for passengers who have applied for, but have not yet received their passports. These passengers can temporarily (through September 30, 2007) enter and depart from the United States by air with a valid government issued photo identification and State Department official proof of application and a copy of their birth certificate.



For proof of passport application, a receipt from the passport office or post office will not suffice. Acceptable confirmation of a passport application may be found at the Department of State Website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html. It will take a few days for the application information to show up on the site.

Currently, the average time to receive a passport is 5 months or longer. I have 7 passengers going to China, they applied for their passport on January 15, 2007 and they have not received their passport. Go to ASTAnet.com or www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips for additional information.



Remember to join us at the Westin SFO for our June 21st meeting on "Voluntourism," and have a great summer!
 
Captain_Bob said:
They are starting to refund the expedited fees if you feel you didn't get it in an "expedited" time frame.

See article here: Some Passport Applicants To Get Money Back

Go here to apply for the refund. US Department of State - Refund of Expedite Passport Fees

Bob
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I suppose I can't apply for a refund. I got mine in 6 days.

I paid for the expedited service, but was absolutely floored that it our goverment could do something in 6 days, even if more money helped it along.
 
stuckingfk said:
I suppose I can't apply for a refund. I got mine in 6 days.

I paid for the expedited service, but was absolutely floored that it our goverment could do something in 6 days, even if more money helped it along.
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Yeah, I wasn't expecting the speed that they sent mine. At this rate, I'll be bidding for my days off at NJC and riding on a jumps . .

I mean, yes. I got it fast.:cool:
 
Still waiting... Called the passport number and it hung up on me several times today.

EDIT: Finally got through and they didn't tell me anything or help at all. I'm up to 12 weeks now and they said 10 when I applied.
 
I applied back in the spring and got my passport about 11 weeks later. My dad applied 2 weeks after I did and he still hasn't received it after 16 weeks. A week ago he called them and they are now "expediting" it, so we will see. The funny thing about the exemption rule is that you need a copy of your birth certificate when you travel, but you have to attach your birth certificate to your passport application. Needless to say my dad had to mail away to the place where he was born to get extra copies of his birth certificate since we are leaving in a week and a half, and don't have much faith in the passport getting here on time.
 
I renewed mine in late May and paid for the expedited service. Got it back in under 7 days. Now, as to new applicants no doubt a different story, but this was passport #5 for me, and the darn photo just does not get any younger looking!:banghead:
 
holy shat!

in turkey, I go to some special police dept, spend the whole day pretty much, and the passport is ready to be picked up the next day ftw.

or I'll just go to the consulate here in TX or NY and if I go early in the day, i'll have it at the end of the day :D
 
I usually get mine expidited. I rather pick it up than have it mailed to me. Just my personal preference. Then again, mine is good till 2011, so I have nothing to worry about now. ;) Hopefully it'll be fixed by then.
 
My wife applied for a passport June 8th and received it July 18th. We paid for expedited services. We also thought that we were going to miss our vacation (Aug 8th) by the way things were going. I made a quick call to Senator McCain's office here in Phoenix and presto three days later the passport arrives. Sometimes you have to grease the wheels and things get done. Good luck everyone.
 
loubetti said:
I renewed mine in late May and paid for the expedited service. Got it back in under 7 days. Now, as to new applicants no doubt a different story, but this was passport #5 for me, and the darn photo just does not get any younger looking!:banghead:
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:yeahthat: What is up with that? :) I don't understand why they won't let me use my passport photo from my 20's passport!
 
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