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| Rep. Heather Wilson can offer help with late passports... |
May 17, 2007 |
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 Passports are obtained through the Passport Services Division of the Department of State. You can apply for a new passport, renew your old one, or do other things like replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or add new pages to your existing book.
Where do I apply?You can apply for a new passport or conduct other business through a passport acceptance facility, which is often your local post office.
How long will it take to get my passport?Note that the processing times below are different than the times listed on the Passport Agency`s own website. Based on our office`s experience, the timeframes listed here are more realistic. Routine Applications are taking 12 to 14 weeks at a minimum.
Expedited applications are taking 3 to 4 weeks.
Status check: If you`ve already applied for your passport, check the status here.
Why is it taking so long?Passport applications are taking much longer to process this year because of increased demand. Certain rules-changes have sparked an increase in passport requests. Also, passport applications always spike this time of year because many people are preparing for Summer vacations.
Read the Albuquerque Journal`s article, 5/17/07: "Fliers Ready, Passports Aren`t".
Read the Albuquerque Tribune`s article, 5/17/07: "Travelers panicked by passport delays".
Read Rep. Wilson`s letter to the U.S. State Department about passport delays.
Read the Albuquerque Journal`s Op-Ed, 5/18/07: "Forget Bald Eagles, Just Give us Passports".
Read Rep. Wilson`s letter to U.S. Airline CEO`s about passport delays.
Plan your trip carefully to account for the timelines listed above, and remember that you now need a passport to fly to Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. If you`re traveling to Mexico or Canada by ground, you do not need a passport at this time. But that will change at some point in 2008.
Many cruise lines are also requiring passports before you can board. This is a precaution taken by some cruise lines and is not a federal requirement. Regardless, you will likely need a passport to take a cruise and should plan ahead to avoid ruining your trip. Your best bet is to double-check the requirements with your travel agent or the cruise-line itself.
I have a Passport Problem. Can Rep. Heather Wilson help me?If you`re traveling within 2 weeks and still haven`t received your passport, call Rep. Wilson`s office at 505-346-6781 for more information. If you decide to ask Rep. Wilson for help, you`ll need to fill out a privacy release and fax it to 505-346-6723. Please include an explanation of the problem you`re facing, and don`t forget to sign the privacy release.
Here’s what we need to help you with your passport problem:
Your contact information
Full names of the people traveling
DOB
Social Security Number
Date of departure
Locator number (if you have it)
You need to sign your request and fax it to 505-346-6723.
*Note: If you seek assistance from one of your federal Representatives, whether it`s Rep. Wilson or one of your two U.S. Senators, it`s best to stick with one of them. Involving more than one Congressional office will not further expedite your passport application, and may actually cause a further delay.
 Passport ChangesPassport rules have recently changed and you may need a passport for a trip that previously did not require one. Below is a summary of the new requirements, but check here for latest news from the State Department about the new passport rules.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
A new "Passport Card" will be created no later than June 1, 2009. Once the passport card is implemented, you`ll be able to use it in place of a passport for all land and sea travel. Air travelers will still be required to have a traditional passport.
Birth CertificatesYou will need proof of citizenship to apply for your passport. If you were born in New Mexico, a birth certificate is proof of citizenship. If you don`t have your New Mexico birth certificate, the New Mexico Department of Health can help you get a certified copy that you can use to apply for your passport.
Dealing with the red tapeRep. Heather Wilson can help you deal with processing delays if you have an emergency and need your passport right away. If you need to travel out of the country on short notice or if you are having difficulties with the State Department, we might be able to help. You will need to fill out a privacy release and send it with the explanation of the problem you are having to:
Congresswoman Heather Wilson
Re: Passport Problems
20 First Plaza NW Suite 603
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-346-6781 phone
505-346-6723 fax
Frequently Asked Questions How do I get a new passport?
How do I renew my passport?
My valid passport was lost or stolen, what do I do?
I need a passport for my child, what do I need?
How do I correct an error on my passport?
I work for the United States government and I need to travel overseas on official business. Do I still have to pay the fees?
I have run out of visa pages in my passport, can I order new ones?
How long does it take to receive my passport?
What is the cost of a passport?
I am an American citizen, but I was never issued a birth certificate, what do I do?
Traveling OverseasYou`ve got your passport and you`re ready to go on your trip, right? Not quite. You still have to check with the country or countries you`ll be visiting to determine whether or not you`ll need a visa. A visa is permission from a country to cross their borders and comes in the form of a stamp in your U.S. Passport. You usually have to mail your passport to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you`ll be visiting, so allow plenty of time to accomplish this.
Also, check the State Department website for travel warnings and consular information sheets that provide very helpful information about the country you plan on visiting. You can also check these Consular Travel Brochures for other tips and useful bits of information.
American Embassies and Consulates General Many U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad have information on-line. You can also check the State Department`s various Telephone Directories to find the number you need.
Overseas Emergencies
Check here if you have an overseas emergency, or call the State Department Hotline for American Travelers: 202-647-5225
Passports and International Travel Updated: 05/15/07 |
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