Contemplating a hiking or outdoor adventure to Mexico or Canada this summer? In the past even a last minute trip was often only as difficult as getting a plane ticket. Now, as of Jan. 23, things have become a bit more complicated because to fly even to the nearest international destinations, you will need to have a valid passport in your possession and it is not as quick to get one as it used to be.
Two years ago when I renewed my passport I received it in four weeks using routine service. When my daughter renewed hers in January, also using routine service, she was told it would take four to six weeks, but in fact it took more than seven weeks. As of now, that wait has increased to 10 weeks, so even if you applied today in all likelihood you would not receive your passport until June.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which is now in its first phase, requires U.S. citizens to have a valid passport when traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. This does not include our U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the initiative's second phase, which at the moment is expected to be implemented Jan. 1, travelers also will need a valid passport when entering by land or sea, as well.
If you are applying for your first passport, you will need to go in person to an acceptance facility. First, though, download the passport application form off the official Web site at www.travel.state.gov. You will need to bring proof of U.S. citizenship and identification. A list of acceptable documentation to bring along is listed on the Web site. They will take your official birth certificate or other legally accepted document at the acceptance facility and send it in with your application, but it will be returned to you with your new passport.
For adults applying for their first passport, it will set you back $97. You also will need two passport photographs. Most acceptance facilities offer photo service and it usually is $15.
Need it sooner? Expedited service is available but it will cost you an additional $60 for processing, and to speed it along you should have materials sent by overnight delivery both ways. This will cost $14.40 each way. So the total for everything for first-timers, including photographs, will be about $200 and it still might take as long as four weeks or more to receive it.
In special circumstances, such as if you absolutely must have a passport or visa even sooner, you will have to first make an appointment by phone and then travel to one of the 13 regional passport agencies around the nation. For Southern Nevadans that means taking a trip to Los Angeles.
A passport acceptance facility around Las Vegas can easily be located by going to the official Web site. On the site you can type in your zip code, state or city and a list of the closest facilities will be displayed. There are a couple of dozen in our area. Be sure to check the times they offer passport services, as some don't accept applications during all of their business hours.
For more detailed information on how to manage special circumstances, renew an expired passport, acquire one for your child or any other issues that may arise, visit www.travel.state.gov.
Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, A Cerca Country Guide," published by Stephens Press. She can be reached at Deborabus@aol.com.
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