5 Things You Need to Know About Your Passport Right Now

Remember when the  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was launched in 2007? Prior to that, United States citizens didn’t need a passport to visit Canada or Mexico, since then – definitely.

If the WHTI was a catalyst for getting your passport, as it was for many travelers, your expiration date is coming up and here are five things you need to know.

1 – Lines are long and expected to get longer. The Passport Bureau of Consular Affairs stated they are estimating they will processing 17 million applications this year and that number will increase to 20 million applications in 2017.

2-Start the renewal process in the 9th year of your passport. Since most countries will require that your passport has an expiration date that is 6 months beyond the completion of your trip, make sure you never experience a halt to your travels by renewing your passport earlier.

3 – Even if international travel isn’t on your to-do list for the near future, be prepared and have your passport ready to go. You never know when a family member may fall ill overseas or maybe your kid is studying abroad and your presence is  needed. You can’ t plan for an emergency, but you can be ready to handle it if your passport is ready to go.

4- A passport is a great backup plan. If you lose your identification, a valid passport is proof of citizenship and can save you a lot of hassle getting your I.D. reissued.

5 – If you travel frequently and cannot wait to get your new passport back to leave for your trip, there is something you can do. This is one of the best times to use a passport expediting service. You can get your passport back as fast as 24 hours.

Got a passport renewal question? Ask us as on Twitter @TxtPassportVisa or email info@texastower.net .