Blow the dust off the old suitcase because people are traveling again! According to research by the Mastercard Economic Institute, both business and leisure flights are now surpassing what they were in 2019, pre-pandemic, with global leisure flights up by 25 percent as of April alone. But before researching how much that international flight is going to cost, you need to make sure your passport hasn't expired since the last time you traveled. And if it has, you need to know: How much does a passport cost? Show
Whether you're planning your next trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world or checking out one of the hottest food and wine festivals, you're going to want to make sure your passport is in order before hopping on an international flight. Parade consulted Patricia Wittenberg, travel specialist and travel agency owner at 4 Star Traveler, to get the lowdown on passports. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions about passports and what you need to do before partaking on an international adventure. Related: 19 Best Luggage Deals to Shop and Satisfy Your Travel Bug How much does a passport cost?If you're wondering what a passport costs, it's first worth noting that there are a few different kinds of passports—each with their own individual price point. According to Wittenberg, the current United States passport fees in 2022 are as follows: First-Time Passport Costs
Passport Renewal Costs
Child Passport Costs
Additional Passport Fees
Related: 150 Fabulous Vacation Instagram Caption Ideas Wittenberg adds, "The passport application fee and execution fee are non-refundable. Both fees are collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. However, note that you may be able to request a refund of the $60 Expedite Fee in the event the expedite service was not received." Have passport prices gone up with inflation?You've probably heard the word "inflation" a time or two (or a thousand) this year and may be wondering if inflation also affects the prices of passports. After all, inflation significantly impacts gas prices, mortgages and just about everything else. As you may have guessed, inflation affects passport prices, too. Wittenberg says, "The most recent passport price increase occurred on December 27, 2021, and went up $20 per person." Related: How to Live in a Tropical Paradise for a Year and Get Paid for It How long does it take to get a passport?In a rush? One of the most anxious parts about getting a passport is the question of whether you'll get it in time. "As shown on the U.S. Department of State website, the current timeframes are 8 to 11 weeks for routine services and 5 to 7 weeks for expedited services with a fee," Wittenberg explains. Related: The 19 Best West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Restaurants You can, of course, blame the coronavirus global pandemic for pushing time frames back. Like everything else—including baby formula—COVID has made things less readily accessible and upped the waiting times, too. "Although passport services had been delayed due to COVID-19, time frames seem to be improving and it's possible you may receive your passports before the listed time frame," Wittenberg adds. "If you are traveling in the near future, it is important to plan for the worst-case scenario." (scroll to keep reading) Related StoriesRelated: 25 Extremely Likeable Dishes and Drinks in New York City If you need to expedite your passport, you can always pay the Expedite Fee or make an appointment to apply for an Urgent Passport. This will require you to provide proof of international travel within the next 14 days. There is also the option of applying for a Life or Death Emergency Passport within 72 hours. You'll also need to show proof of emergency and international travel. For an appointment, the number to call is 877-487-2778 from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET Monday through Fridays. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon. Visit Get My Passport Fast to see if you qualify. What do you need to get a passport?According to Wittenberg, in order to get a passport, you will need to submit the following:
Related: Must-See Museums and Attractions to Visit in 2022 While most people can apply for or renew their U.S. passport online, you must apply in person if at least one of the following is true:
How long is a passport valid?How long a passport is valid for actually depends, partly, on your age. "If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years," Wittenberg explains. "If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for five years." When do I need to renew my passport?It can be tricky to keep track of, but it's important to keep your passport up to date, especially if you travel a lot. If you show up at an airport for an international flight with an expired passport, spoiler alert—you're not getting on the plane. But what's perhaps even more crucial to take note of is how other countries will look at your passport. Related: 22 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in America "It is important to note that most countries require that a traveler's U.S. passport be valid for another six months after their final day of international travel," Wittenberg says. "You should plan to renew your passport when you get within one year of the expiration date." Can I use a passport card for international travel?A passport card is a separate entity from a passport book, however, it cannot be used for the same purposes while traveling. According to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights only—with a few exceptions. Related: The Most Over-the-Top Hotel Experiences for Pampered Pets Around the World "No, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel," Wittenberg states. "A passport card may be used for domestic air travel or entering the United States at the land border crossings and sea ports of entry from: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda." Next up, get ready for leaf-peeping season with the best fall foliage trips. Sources
How much does it cost to get America passport?I'm an adult (16 and older) and I'm applying for the first time. How long does it take to get a passport in America?It takes four to six weeks for a passport application to be processed. If you only pay the normal application fees of $145, your passport processing will be “Routine”. If you are in a hurry and cannot wait for 4 to 6 weeks, you have the option to pay an extra $60 for expedited processing.
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