Traveling Overseas
If you are a Rhode Islander traveling abroad my office can help in several ways.
BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Before venturing overseas it may be a good idea to obtain information on vaccinations and other health precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via their web site.
Also, you may check The U.S. State Department website for a list of countries that currently have travel warnings.
PASSPORT SERVICES
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
Passports usually take 6 weeks to process, but may be completed within 2 weeks for an additional fee of $60 (not including the cost of overnight mail). If you don't have enough advance time, my office will try to help expedite the process.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to a passport acceptance facility. There are several of these locations in Rhode Island, including at most federal and state courts and at many post offices. YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU: two (2) photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.
You'll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
Renewing a U.S. Passport
You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.
You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it from this site.
If your passport has been, altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person.
DURING YOUR TRIP: OVERSEAS EMERGENCIES
If you or a loved one are traveling abroad and run into trouble (lost passport, medical evacuation, judicial assistance), please feel free to contact my office at: (401) 943-3100.
It is also a good idea to call the Bureau of Consular Affairs' Overseas Citizen Services (OCS) 24-hour travelers' hotline: (202) 647-5225.
For emergencies during OCS working hours (from 8:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday), call (202) 647-5225. For emergencies after OCS working hours, call (202) 647-4000 (ask for the OCS duty officer).
