WHY IS HAVING A PASSPORT IMPORTANT?

Once in awhile, I have someone tell me they are not sure if they have a passport. Or they go further and question whether or not they even need one. Why go through the hassle of getting and then having to renew a passport if you are not sure you will use it?

MOST AMERICANS STILL DO NOT HAVE ONE

Between 48% and 53% of Americans currently hold a valid passport, according to the U.S. State Department. Still, roughly half the country is one great opportunity away from having to say no. My concern is that you have something coming your way that will require it. A destination wedding invite, a friend group who said “yes we are doing this”, or even a work trip that should have planned this out yesterday. Processing times become the real obstacle.

A PASSPORT IS MORE THAN A TRAVEL DOCUMENT

It is proof of citizenship accepted nearly everywhere. It works as identification when other documents will not. If you are hospitalized overseas or need emergency consular help, your passport is what unlocks it. As shocking as it seems, using a driver’s license or other form of identification does not work. They do not care what your ID number in the commonwealth of Virginia is. They want to know to what country are you a citizen? Showing up to the airport with just your state identification, and trying to board an international flight, is asking for an issue to occur. But you cannot just get a passport right away…

OPPORTUNITY RARELY WAITS FOR PAPERWORK

So many trips I design begin with an unexpected phone call. There is that milestone anniversary you “forgot” about. Or that friend’s wedding is now a destination. Or my favorite one, a bucket-list trip that suddenly feels and is very possible. The travelers who say yes without hesitation almost always already have a valid passport. Processing times fluctuate, and expedited service is never guaranteed. The smartest time to renew or apply is before you have a specific trip in mind.

THE PROCESS CAN TAKE TWO MONTHS

If you need one, you have to know that this is not waiting in line at the DMV all day. This is waiting at home for up to two months. The process is tedious. It may take two weeks for your mail to reach the proper government destination. Of course, there is a charge for a faster delivery. Once delivered it can take four to six weeks for review, further document requests to be requested, and creating your passport. Of course, there is a charge for expedition of this if needed. After complete, it could take two weeks to receive your passport, and of course, you can pay for this to be faster. Sensing a theme? What is required, the process, and how to get started can all be found at the United States Department of State website on passports.

The Answer to the Question:

A passport keeps your options open. It is proof of citizenship and a trusted form of ID abroad. It is often the only thing between a spontaneous opportunity and a missed one. We hope you enjoy the benefits of travel on your next trip and the many more to come!

Additional Resources:

A passport does not commit you to anything. It simply keeps the door open. Curious what travel can do for you? Read “Why Is Travel So Important“. Ready to plan a trip? Reach out to us and let’s bring your travel inspriation to life.