Passport stats

[Sunshine91]

There was a little tidbit it yesterday's Washington Post Travel section about passports & cruising. According to the State Dept, only 25% of Americans have passports. According to CLIA estimates, only 35% of recent cruise pax used a passport as their primary form of ID. Apparently cruiseline officials are in a bit of a tizzy over this figure. They don't want turn away folks at the pier.

Since many people book 6 months or more in advance, they figure they don't need to do anything else except show up. They forget about having a valid passport & the rules are changing effective Dec 31. Some countries even require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months in the future before allowing you to enter.

SOOOOOO, make sure you have a valid passport for you & everyone travelling with you, including children. More info is available at www.travel.state.gov (http://www.travel.state.gov).

[Bramcruiser]

Oh believe me I ensure with a lot of double checking that my passport is valid. We are okay for our December 2006 cruise but mine will expire less than 6 months after the August 2007 cruise I just booked. So in January or so I will head out and renew my passport to ensure I have a new one in time for the second cruise.

The statistics are staggering actually and its going to make a lot of people grumble. I fear the cross-border traffic will dry up as many who are used to simply crossing between Canada and the US with a drivers licence don't see the point in a $100 for a passport for day trips. Still I think recent events have sealed the fate - passports are the future.

[jhannah]

Thanks for the additional reminder. I hope everyone will get out and obtain a passport (if they don't have one now) or get theirs renewed if it's getting close to expiration.

[sail7seas]

I sent ours out for renewal over 5 weeks ago and have not yet received them back...........

Don't wait until the last minute.

[Copper10-8]

There will be a pretty big increase in passport applications and renewals once DEC 31 roles around which will more than likely effect processing and turnaround. Not sure if the National Passport Agency is ready for this. Best not to wait until the last moment to renew!

[sail7seas]

My point exactly, John. Here we are still six months away from the new rules taking effect and while 5 weeks is still a reasonable length of time to wait, I have no way of knowing how much longer we will be waiting to receive them.

The wait time will only get longer as the new rule date approaches.

We needed to use our passport for our April cruise. As soon as we returned, we got new photos, completed the application and sent them right out. We are cruising in August but can use Birth Certificates if we must. We would not be able to use Birth Certificates for a December/January cruise so I didn't dally about seeking the renewals.

[Copper10-8]

Good thinking and pre-planning S7S!;)

[middle-aged mom]

. As soon as we returned, we got new photos, completed the application and sent them right out. We are cruising in August but can use Birth Certificates if we must. We would not be able to use Birth Certificates for a December/January cruise so I didn't dally about seeking the renewals.



Sail, you should receive your new passports pretty soon now. It took us five weeks in January, and I'm sure the volume has picked up since then, making the turnaround time longer. You should definitely have your new passports well before August.

I'm really amazed at the State Department's figure of 25%. I assumed more people than that had passports. (I've had a passport since I was a baby, and there's never been a time in my life that I didn't have one.) Thank you, Sunshine, for the reminder and the link.

[twinkletoes4445]

We went out and got our passports prior to our first cruise. I had read a post from a woman who had just lost her husband (while on a cruise). He died while they were in Belize, and she had a terrible time getting out of that country with his body. The ship went on without them, and in Belize, you need a passport if you aren't on a cruise ship. It was a mess.

Turns out, we have been out of the country several times, so I was glad we went on ahead and got them.

[Randyk47]

Count us in on the passport holders list. Personally I've had one so long the original was a clay tablet. :D My father was in the military and we went overseas 3 times during his career. Think I was 10-12 years old when I got my first one....first time I wasn't on my mother's passport. Had one ever since. DW got her's for business maybe 10-12 years ago and we've kept both of them up to date.

[bdcbbq]

We got ours before our first cruise in Dec. 2002. I'm keeping ours updated. I always carry mine when I'm traveling by air. Whether its in the US or Internationally.

[jhannah]

Avoiding the last-minute rush is a great reminder. I'm sure application activity will soon begin a steady increase until it peaks in December. I can envision a rash of expedited processing that will cause those who don't pay virtually double for quick turnaround to wait many weeks to receive their passports.

[wrp96]

I too have had my passport for years and use it for more than just travel.

What's currently upsetting me on these boards is the people saying that the passport deadlines have been pushed back again because the Senate passed a bill that would push them back - they're forgetting that the House hasn't passed the same bill, and in fact has an opposing bill.

[bookworm0911]

What's currently upsetting me on these boards is the people saying that the passport deadlines have been pushed back again because the Senate passed a bill that would push them back - they're forgetting that the House hasn't passed the same bill, and in fact has an opposing bill.
I have no doubt the deadline will be pushed back again. Like there hasn't been enough notice?! At this rate passports will never be required of US citizens and it's ridiculous! How come other countries can require passports for their citizens and there is no problem. It's been almost 5 years since 9/11 and our govt. still is not serious about border security. :mad:

[CruisinNana]

I also take my passport whenever traveling by air because it is so much easier to get through security than by taking out my wallet and taking out my drivers license to show security and then having to put it all back. The passport is easy to spot in a pocket inside my purse and easy to show and return to the pocket for safekeeping.

[arabrab]

Hmmmm --- now I'm wondering if there are going to be some GREAT deals available on cruises in January.

[Donyb]

I just recently renewed my passport. I sent with reg. U.S. mail but paid for the receipt which would tell me when they received it. They got it 4/21. I knew it would take awhile but started getting nervous as we are sailing in Europe on 6/10. On the passport website, you can type in your birthdate, SS# and they will tell you when you should receive it. My info said on or around 5/31. It didn't come on the 31st so I called and spoke with a live person after pushing all the right buttons. She said it was sent out that day and sent 2 day express mail. I got it on the 2nd, 6 weeks to the day from when they received it.

[aaerobear]

It will be interesting to see how the hotels in Miami and Fort lauderdale will deal with the hundreds of people turned away from their cruises because
"they never told us we needed a passport"

Like it hasn't been one of the most recurring threads on all of the CC boards, and, I assume, other internet outlets. Plus TA's, and internet agencies.

There is simply no excuse to not know about the passport requirement coming up (even if it gets delayed again) It is gonna happen so go ahead and get that passport and save the hassle and frustration down the line.

"stepping off soapbox now"

[RedHeadTexan]

I finally received my first passport on June 7th. It took 7 weeks for it to arrive. My first cruise is Thanksgiving week, and I have already told my sister to hurry up and apply for her passport this month.

Luckily for me, my parents are frequent cruisers and told me to apply right after we booked the cruise.

[cruznon]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people just ignore travel documentation. (Remember the woman on the boards a few months ago, who was frantically trying to get a birth certificate delivered so she could sail in less than 48 hrs?)
I agree with others about the backlog that's certain to develop in a few months at passport offices .

[Host Walt]

I also take my passport whenever traveling by air because it is so much easier to get through security than by taking out my wallet and taking out my drivers license to show security and then having to put it all back. The passport is easy to spot in a pocket inside my purse and easy to show and return to the pocket for safekeeping.

I made color photocopies of the face page both of our passports that we carry in our wallets all the time, home, at sea and abroad. It has come in handy on a few occasions, especially when someone wants two forms of id.

However I think the cruise lines could help matters significantly by establishing now, not this fall, that Passports are required for passage and, in the fine print say that, in 2006, alternatives such as b/c's, can be used as a last resort but are discouraged.

[aaerobear]

Walt,


Thats the best advice I have heard on here. As an airline crew member we were always encouraged to have a photo copy of our passport pages with us on trips. you never know when your luggage/purse/briefcase may be stolen or lost. We also were reminded to have the photo copy of any visa pages we had.

Ed

[Tricia724]

Personally, I have never understood the resistance to getting a passport. For people who are doing cruises, it should be a no-brainer. Yet, how many threads have been on these boards in the last couple of years from someone who was trying to figure a way to get around the passport requirement. For every one of us saying "Get the passport....you may need it," there is someone else saying "You don't need a passport....all you need is a birth certificate and a driver's license." Then when that person has a medical problem on some remote island or misses the cruiseship, they are totally shocked to learn that they are in deep doodoo. I suppose these are the same people who wait until April 15 at 11:00 pm to file their income taxes.

Whenever I fly, I take my passport. The airlines personnel have thanked me many times, saying they wished more people would do so. It makes their job easier, and it gets you moving so much more quickly.

So if you're cruising and you don't have a passport.....get one now. You're going to have to get one, so why not do it in your own good time instead of a last minute rush.

[bookworm0911]

Personally, I have never understood the resistance to getting a passport. For people who are doing cruises, it should be a no-brainer. Yet, how many threads have been on these boards in the last couple of years from someone who was trying to figure a way to get around the passport requirement. For every one of us saying "Get the passport....you may need it," there is someone else saying "You don't need a passport....all you need is a birth certificate and a driver's license." Then when that person has a medical problem on some remote island or misses the cruiseship, they are totally shocked to learn that they are in deep doodoo.

How true. And how many times do we read here that one of the "I-don't-need-a-passport" people pull out their bc's a few days before their cruise and see that they don't have a certified copy. Then they cry that it's not fair that they need a copy with a raised seal and they don't have time to get one without spending a lot more money for special mailing. :rolleyes:

[MeOhMy]

Please remember, not only do you need a valid passport. But some countries will not admit you if the passport is not good for six months after your visit. Read the fine print. It applies to cruise ships making calls in some of those countries also, so you simply can not wait until the last minute.

And, things being how they are, I sincerely doubt there will be much increase in staffing to cover the rush.

I must also comment I just got mine renewed in February. My, we are getting cheap. Many fewer visa pages and a wimpier cover. None of the stand-up-on-its-own strength my original passport had. Of course, the ones in between got smaller, also.

In case no one has mentioned it...leave a copy of the first page of your passport at home with whoever your emergency contact is. My family also has one.

[wrp96]

In case no one has mentioned it...leave a copy of the first page of your passport at home with whoever your emergency contact is. My family also has one.

In addition to the photo copies, I've scanned my passport into my computer and emailed it to a few very close members of my family. That way, I have a copy in my email at all times. And if my family can't find the hard copy, they can at least go to the internet and print it off.

[DebLeonard]

I too and waiting for my passport. Mailed my passport with request for name change end of April - my check was cashed May 8th and hope to have it before we sail on the Westerdam on June 25. You can check the anticipated date to expect your passport at this web address:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html

At least I could use my birth certificate if necessary.

[doctork]

I applied on April 12 to renew my passport by regular mail and processing, and just received my new passport yesterday, June 9, so the backlog is already starting - 8 weeks, not the promised 4 - 6 weeks. I live in Washington state, 20 minutes from the Canadian border, yet most people I know around here do not have passports, even though most of us shop in Canada frequently and many kids have their birthday parties in Canadian venues.
Frankly, I don't see the value of this effort to require everyone to have "papers", at least not until we can track those who enter the country with valid passports and visas, then overstay the expiration. IMHO.

[twiceblessed]

Our post office had a sign saying 6-8 weeks for passports although the official gov. web site had said 6 weeks. We leave in 7 1/2 from our mailing date. I am ordering official copys of birth certificates just in case for our Alaska trip. Half the people in the P.O. needed their Passports for 2007. Good for them for getting them now.

[sail7seas]

We've been waiting for our renewal passports to arrive for about 6 weeks now. I think it still within a reasonable period of time to wait but hope it isn't too much longer. When it starts to get about 8 weeks, it can start to be a problem for frequent travelers.

Of course, it there is a real need, one can use the expedited service.

If too many wait too long, that service may become less efficient.

[sail7seas]

One of our passports was returned to us renewed on Thursday and the other arrived on Friday. It was shy of eight weeks. It's possible as December approaches, the length of time may increase.

[middle-aged mom]

One of our passports was returned to us renewed on Thursday and the other arrived on Friday. It was shy of eight weeks. It's possible as December approaches, the length of time may increase.



Sail, I was just thinking about your passport situation today, and I'm glad to know that you have received your new passports.:)

[sail7seas]

Thanks, middle-aged Mom.

We're happy to have them back and ready for our next adventure.

I really expect to be reading on these boards about cruisers' disappointments when they arrive at embarkation ports come December 31 without passports. I hope people get a move on and get their photos and applications submitted.

[DebLeonard]

I just received my passport - it's been about 8 weeks now. We are traveling in 1 week and I am glad to have received it before we sail.

[jhannah]

I really expect to be reading on these boards about cruisers' disappointments when they arrive at embarkation ports come December 31 without passports. Sadly, I believe you're right. Many are going to be caught short.

[RevNeal]

Thankfully, I have a few years left before I need to renew my Passport: my current one expires in late 2010. So ... the big rush will be over and done by the time I renew. Or ... at least ... I hope it's over and done!!! :) And I'll be sure to keep an eye on it as we move into 2009, as well as being aware of my projected cruise and travel schedule so that I know the best time-frame in which to file for renewal.

[sail7seas]

That can be the tricky part, Greg. If people travel frequently, it is hard for them to be without their passports while they await renewals. These people will have to use expedited service. One only hopes there will be more people working in the offices in order to accomodate the influx of applications that will have to occur.

Also......As pointed out above, remember that many (most) countries require anywhere between 3 - 6 months remainining on your validity date of your passport when you enter their country. Don't try to travel on a passport that will expire in two months. Could be a big mistake.

[FLACRUISER99]

Two simple Questions about renewal.:eek:
1. Why does Have to take 8 Weeks?
2. Why should it cost $100?

[middle-aged mom]

Two simple Questions about renewal.:eek:
1. Why does Have to take 8 Weeks?
2. Why should it cost $100?

1. You're dealing with the U.S. Department of State
2. Renewals are only $67.00. Someone has to pay for the enhanced security measures that have been put in place since 9/11 .

p.s. A new adult passport costs just under $100.00 It's good for 10 years. That comes to $10 per annum.

[Jim Gallup]

Six months ago my wife and I were on holiday in Honolulu. My passport had less than one year to expiration.
I walked into the Passport Office at the Federal Building with my passport, driving license, passport photos, and air ticket home. It took me 10 minutes to complete the forms. There were no lines.
The clerk took my documents and told me to come back in 2 hours.

My wife and I had a very nice lunch nearby and then picked up my new passport. They even gave me extra pages when they noticed how much I travel.
Life doesn't have to be difficult.

[sail7seas]

Now THAT is the way to renew one's passport. :) Oh that we all could be so lucky to be able to do it in such a lovely way.

I guess we can dream though. :)

[Copper10-8]

Six months ago my wife and I were on holiday in Honolulu. My passport had less than one year to expiration.
I walked into the Passport Office at the Federal Building with my passport, driving license, passport photos, and air ticket home. It took me 10 minutes to complete the forms. There were no lines.
The clerk took my documents and told me to come back in 2 hours.

My wife and I had a very nice lunch nearby and then picked up my new passport. They even gave me extra pages when they noticed how much I travel.
Life doesn't have to be difficult.

The only way to go! And to do it in Honolulu, Hi. What else can you ask for:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

This whole thing about new passport guidelines has me very nervous and very confused. Mine doesn't expire until 2013 so problem there ... I could well have popped by then:) . (now stop, everyone ... wishing doesn't make it so;) )

But DH's expires April 2007. Should I be renewing it 6 months in advance if we think Jan/Feb is going to be such a disaster with the new rules?

We're cruising in December this year so he's fine for now, but if they're going to now say that it has to be valid 6 months into the future then what's the point of an expiration date? It's completely confusing to me! Are some countries worried that you may not leave before it expires? Does anyone know?

So the expiration date just becomes a warning that you need to renew 6 months in advance? Help!

[sail7seas]

Heather,

IMO.....My VERY strong opinion. Renew DH's passport now. It will take about 8 weeks at present but it is almost certain to start to take longer and longer to get renewals accomplished as December approaches. IF your DH has no international travel planned for the next two months, do it now. Or do the expedited one day renewal if he wishes. (If it is a factor to anyone......it is about double the cost.)

You must consider that many countries will not allow a traveler to enter their country if their passport does not have at least six month remaining until expiration. This is nothing new. It has been in effect like that for many years in many countries.

Everyone should count back six months when deciding when to apply for renewal. April 2007 expiration, IMO, calls for a renewal before October.

[bobpatj]

Our passports expire in Feb., '08. We'll be cruising internationally in Sep.-Oct. 2007. I didn't think we'd need to renew until after we get home from that cruise. It sounds like we should renew before. How soon before they expire are we able to renew?:confused:

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks, Sail ... since no trips are planned before the cruise, you're probably right. Still, I think it's ridiculous. Why have an expiration date if, in fact, you have to renew 6 months before that date. Thank heaven my DL doesn't work that way ... or our credit cards. The expiration should be the expiration. JMHO.

But Bobpatj raises a good point. I wonder if there's a rule of thumb about how far in advance you can renew.

[sail7seas]

Each country sets their own rules as to how many months must be remaining on visitors' passports when they enter so the U.S. should only be answerable for the number of months required to be remaining in order to enter U.S I have no idea what the requirement is.

Our passports expire in Feb., '08. We'll be cruising internationally in Sep.-Oct. 2007. I didn't think we'd need to renew until after we get home from that cruise. It sounds like we should renew before. How soon before they expire are we able to renew


You should also check with HAL......I think it VERY pertinent that someone with absolute reliability as to accuracy of information at each cruiseline must advise travelers of what the cruiselines will require. If it were me traveling on the dates you state with passport expiration you indicate, I would renew prior to taking that cruise. You didn't state how long you will be traveling. Is it only a week? Is it a 64 day cruise?

I am no authority and do not pretend to be but I have some vague notion of having been told that there is no date that is too early for renewal being permitted.

[cruzermon]

I can't say this is true, but it was told to me and makes sense. Some countries grant you a stay of up to 3 to 6 months, even if you stay for a shorter period, and want to to have a valid passport for the duration of your possible stay so your passport cannot expire during that time.

If you don't intend to go to those countries(whichever ones they may be), there really isn't much to worry about. And, if for some reason you do go, there's always the expedite route.

[sail7seas]

One of the reasons for requiring a number of months past entering a country for passport validity is an emergency such as serious illness which could bar you from traveling for an extended period of time. If you were to become ill while in that country and your passport expired during that period of time, you could have travel problems when you are finally well enough to travel.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Better safe than sorry. I went to the online passport site, clicked on "renew passport", got the form, filled it in and printed it out. Now I just have to get DH to stand still long enough for a photo and we're set.

Wait'll I tell him he has to cough up $67.00 9 months before his passport expires! Oh, well ... one thing at a time:)