Passport Application Form - The First Step To Traveling Abroad

More than 922 million globetrotters traveled around the world in 2008. This represents an upsurge from the previous year but in 2009, that number declined by 4% to 880 million. Top destinations include the U. S., European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, China,Germany, Australia, Turkey and Austria. For Americans traveling abroad for business or pleasure, completing a passport application is critical to travel plans.

Forecasts by the World Tourism Organization predict yearly travel will escalate at the rate of 4%. Travel options have become specialized to meet traveler tastes. Business and leisure travel have become combined as well as splintered into custom tourist options. Culinary tourism, sports tourism, medical tourism, spiritual tourism, and other niches have emerged on travel menus.

Some destinations require only a passport but no visa, such as Amsterdam, while others, such as Brazil, require both. Depending on the destination, a traveler may need to obtain immunizations. The State Department as well as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control advise tourists about local medical conditions and recommend a series of shots. Malaria, for instance, appears in many countries. Consequently, the vaccination for malaria is typically recommended, particularly for non Western destinations.

Prospective travelers are required to apply for their initial passport in person. For those who are renewing, the mail can be used. Persons less than 16 years old, those who obtained a prior travel document, must apply in person. As well, those who hold one issued over 15 years ago or if lost, damaged or stolen, must also apply in person.

The forms used by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Passport Services depend on individual needs. The Form DS-11 Application for a U. S. Passport is for first timers. The Form DS-82 Application is for a U. S. Passport by Mail that is a renewal. Form DS-4085 Application is required for additional Visa pages. Form DS-5504 is a form to change the name, correct data, and replace a limited travel document. Form DS-64 is used to provide a statement about loss or theft of the travel identification document. Form DS-3053 is used when minors under 16 are applying for the travel identification document.

The standard duration to process documents for travel is about 4-6 weeks. Adults will complete DS-11 by completing online and printing or printing and completing manually. The document should not be signed until a person appears at the processing center and signature is witnessed by an agent. The completed but not signed form, proof of U. S. Citizenship, valid identification, a copy of front and back of identification, along with two passport photos and payment should be transported to the processing agent. Details of acceptable proof and identification are listed on the form and on the website.

The website for the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs provides details, including a facility locator. As a processing site, the U.S. Postal service typically includes inexpensive photographic services among services. Photographs can be taken when applicants appear for scheduled appointments. The photographs are provided on the spot.

Special services offered to help travelers are provided by a variety of agencies. The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs offers expedite services for all types of applications, regardless of whether it is the first time or a renewal request.

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