Foreign Travel Requirements Changing in June 2009
Postal Service to Host Passport Application Fair at Virginia Wesleyan College
VIRGINIA BEACH — Will a vacation, business trip or school studies take you to a foreign country? Are you are planning the cruise of your dreams or a road trip to Canada or Mexico? If so, it’s time to consider applying for a passport or passport card.
On Sept. 24, the U.S. Postal Service is hosting a passport application fair at Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, to assist travelers in applying for a passport well in advance of any foreign travel. The fair, which is open to the public, runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Boyd Hall on the college campus. Passport photo service will also be offered. Sentara Travel Health Services will provide consultations to help travelers prepare for a trip with country specific travel counseling and health education (such as immunizations needed) to meet their individual needs.
Air travel outside of the United States has required a passport to enter or re-enter the United States since January 2007. Since March 2008, citizens crossing land or sea borders into the U.S. have been required to present a passport or government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship. When the full requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) are implemented June 1, 2009, citizens entering the U.S. via land and sea ports must present a passport or passport card. Areas that fall under the WHTI — Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and 17 regions in the Caribbean — are popular destinations with cruise lines, bus tours and airlines. Passport cards, a new offering from the Department of State, will facilitate entry at land and sea ports-of-entry, but are not valid for air travel.
Applicants will need proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or a consular report of birth abroad) and proof of identity such as a current, valid driver’s license, or a government or military ID. Minors under 14 years of age must appear in person, and both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity.
Passport book fees – normal processing (4-6 weeks)
Age of applicant |
US Department of State* |
USPS Acceptance Fee** |
TOTAL FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
Age 16 and older |
$75 |
$25 |
$100 |
Under 16 years of age |
$60 |
$25 |
$85 |
Passport card fees
Age of applicant |
US Department of State* |
USPS Acceptance Fee** |
TOTAL FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16 and older | $20 |
$25 |
$45 |
Under 16 years of age |
$10 |
$10 |
$35 |
* Department of State fees may be paid with check or money order (payable to Department of State)
** USPS acceptance fee may be paid with cash, check, money order (payable to USPS), or credit card
The USPS will not be selling money orders onsite, but will accept previously purchased money orders as payment.
Passport photos taken onsite are $15.
Visit www.travel.state.gov for additional information on fees, general instructions and documents needed for proof of identity and citizenship.
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