Northern NJ — With frigid temperatures enveloping the entire Northeast this week, many of us will be dreaming of a vacation to a warm tropical paradise. If future plans involve international travel, Northern New Jersey District postal officials are recommending the many Post Offices throughout the Garden State that accept passport applications on behalf of the United States Department of State. To find a conveniently located Post Office that offers passport services visit http://usps.com/international/passports.htm.  At many locations, you can also have your passport photo taken on-site for an additional fee.

Residents considering a trip to a foreign destination, will find the following passport and international travel tips very helpful:

• Apply as early as possible before a trip.
• 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 six months or less.
• U.S. passports are issued to adults for 10 years and children under the age of 16 for five years.
• Passport forms can be filled out online and printed from http://travel.state.gov or obtained at your local Passport Application Acceptance Facility.
• 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.
• Visit the Country Information pages on http://travel.state.gov to learn about the countries in which you are traveling.
• Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov. When you sign up, you will automatically receive the most current information we compile about the country where you will be traveling or living. You will also receive updates, including Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts (where appropriate).

For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov  or contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 877-487- 2778 or TDD/TTY 888-874-7793.

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