Department of State enters Phase 1 of 3 for resumption of services | Renewing your passport

While restrictions around the US are being lifted and demand for domestic travel continues to climb, if you're planning an international trip later this year, you're going to need a valid passport to achieve it!

When sharing recommendations with clientele here at Odyssean Travel, we always recommend visiting the travel.state.gov site to check the latest advisories; there is also entry/exit information pertaining to the validity of passports and the need for any visas or other documentation. As part of the professional experience, round up that validity period to 6-months post-trip. As in, your passport should remain valid for at least 6 months past the date you intend to return home.

This is because airlines and other significant transportation elements can often have their own requirements. Critical to the success of your trip will be the receipt of your boarding pass and the carriage by airplane, no?

However, during the disruption in effort to help prevent the spread of COVID, the Department of State had shuttered many of its offices and temporarily halted services, including passport renewals

Today, the 11 offices of Arkansas, Buffalo, Chicago, Colorado, Connecticut, Detroit, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and the National Passport Center have entered their Phase 1 resumption of services activities.

For now that still means limited staffing and that previously submitted applications will be the priority of service and they will be attended in order of receipt. But the notice also includes "life or death" emergencies (travel within 72 hours) will be factored and that in-person applications may be permitted with an appointment;

If you're intending on visiting in person, kindly remember your face covering and the 6ft distancing measures you've been practicing these last few months!

Read about it > HERE