Grand Rapids MI — Americans need a valid passport to travel abroad. Passports are a request to foreign governments to permit you to travel, and also allow you to re-enter the United States. They provide proof of U.S. citizenship at home and around the world. Persons can apply for a U.S. Passport book or passport card as designated Post Offices.
What is a U.S. Passport Book or Card? A passport book or card is proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. U.S. citizens can use the passport book for all international travel: air, land, or sea. U.S. citizens can use the passport card to enter the United States from Canada; Mexico; the Caribbean; and Bermuda; and at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. However, U.S. citizens cannot use the passport card for international air travel; the wallet-size passport card is convenient and less expensive than the passport book.
How do I Apply for a Passport Book or Card? Whether you plan to apply for a first-time passport book, passport card, or both, submitting your passport application is easy. The U.S. Postal Service® makes it convenient to apply. The U.S. Department of State provides detailed guidelines for preparing your passport application and supporting documents at www.usps.com/passport or get one when you visit a designated Post Office™ to submit the application. ~ Visit www.travel.state.gov or contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 877-487-2778 or TDD/ TTY 888-874-7793 for more information on how to apply for a passport.
If you are in a hurry you can request and pay for Priority Mail Express™ Service both ways (to and from the passport agency), and your application may be processed more quickly (see current passport processing times from the U.S. Department of State travel.state.gov . Plus you can track your package online with USPS Tracking™.
Passport and International Travel Tips:
> Apply as early as possible before a trip. Check the Department of State website, travel.state.gov, for current processing times for routine service and expedited service. Processing times are subject to change due to volume. Travelers can check the status of their passport applications online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/status/status_2567.html.
> Check the expiration date of your passport well in advance of your departure date. Some countries may not permit you to enter if your passport will expire in 6 months or less.
> U.S. passports are issued to adults for 10 years and children under the age of 16 for 5 years.
> Before traveling abroad, copy the identification page in case your passport is lost or stolen.
> If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediately to local police authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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