Passport Problems
I hear stories virtually every day about issues with passports. Frequently an issue with a passport or identification stops would-be vacationers before they’re even able to board their flight or ship. Here are a few easy tips to ensure that your vacation isn’t delayed or ruined due to problems with your passport.
Check Your Expiration Date
Make sure that your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned date of return. Many countries require that your passport has at least 6 months left on it, and airlines can arbitrarily enforce this “rule”, even it the country of entry doesn’t require it. Don’t risk a problem with being denied boarding due to an expired or “soon to expire” passport. Renew at least 6 month prior to your expiration date.
Ensure that All Passengers Have a Passport Booklet
All passengers traveling by air need a passport. Even infants. Just because an infant is traveling in your lap does not mean that they don’t need their own passport. They do.
Skip the Passport Card
Passport cards are only good for land or sea border crossings – not air travel. Passport booklets are valid for air, land, and sea border crossings. Get the passport booklet, and skip the card. You’ll avoid any potential problems or confusion with having the wrong type of identification for air travel.
Take Good Care of Your Passport Booklet
If your passport is ripped, torn, faded, water damaged, faded, or has a damaged or missing RFID chip, the State Department can and will confiscate your passport, and you will not be allowed to travel. A damaged passport should be replaced as soon as the damage is noticed, so if you’ve left it in a pocket and it went through the wash, replace it prior to trying to use it. You must apply in person to replace a damaged passport, and additional information about the process can be found here.
Obtain a Passport Booklet For Your “Closed Loop” Cruise
Although you technically don’t need a passport for a “closed loop” cruise, it’s usually wise to travel with one. If you need to fly home from a foreign port for any reason (family emergency, illness, cruise ship problems, etc), you’ll need a passport. Don’t risk being stranded or delayed in a foreign country due to not having the required travel documents. Always travel with your passport booklet.
Keep a Copy Of the Passport Photo Page in Your Luggage
If your passport is lost or stolen, having a copy of your passport can be a lifesaver. The copy will enable law enforcement to quickly identify your passport if it’s found, and it will expedite the process for obtaining a replacement. If you’re out of the country and your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to replace the passport before returning to the United States. Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
Make Sure Your Passport Matches Your Reservation and Travel Documents
The name on your airline ticket and all of your travel reservations must match your passport. TSA personnel, airline agents, and cruise ship/resort staff will check to make sure that your passport matches your reservation. Make all of your reservations accordingly. No other identification will be checked, so don’t even consider the name on your driver’s license or birth certificate. It really doesn’t matter, because nobody will ask to see those documents – just your passport.
Had a name change recently? Unless your passport has been (or will be) updated with your new name, make your reservation in the name that appears on your passport. Do not make a reservation in one name and then have your passport updated to a new/different name. You’ll incur fees from the airline for changing the ticketed name.
Contact Us
FNS Travel Group creates unique, memorable, and stress-free custom getaways to Europe, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Please call us at 1-855-557-5588, or visit us on the web for more information.
