Passport for International Honeymoons
Updated As of
If you’re going on an international honeymoon, don’t forget that a passport for international honeymoons is required, even to Canada or Mexico. Previously, it would be possible to travel to some destinations within North America with just a birth certificate and drivers license. However, this is no longer the case, as it was determined that those documents were not secure enough. If you’re planning on traveling soon, you should consider the following:
U.S. Passport Card
A U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized card that can be used to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some countries in the Caribbean. While it is an attractive option to many due to its lower cost. The fact that it is less cumbersome to carry around than a passport, the card is not the same as a passport booklet. It can only be used for travel within a limited geographic area. Also, it can only be use if you are traveling by car or ship. The U.S. Department of State reminds travelers that the passport card cannot be used to travel by air.
Get Your Passport Several Weeks in Advance
If you’re planning your dream honeymoon abroad, you should plan your trip well in advance. This includes making sure that your passport is valid. It has some blank visa pages left and will not be expiring soon. If you need to obtain a new passport, you should note that it ordinarily takes a few weeks to obtain one.
For routine service, processing times vary between 4 and 8 weeks. You can pay an additional fee and request expedited service. However, you would still need to wait 2 to 3 weeks before you receive your passport if you request it to be sent to you by courier.
If you have just found out that your passport is no longer valid and have already booked your honeymoon trip, there are a few solutions available. You can obtain a passport in a few days by scheduling an appointment at a passport agency. However, take note that you would need to provide proof of travel. This can be an itinerary or ticket and you will pay an additional fee for the urgent service. For further information look at expediting a passport for international trip.
The bottom line is that it is always preferable to apply for your passport well in advance. This will avoid any unpleasant and potentially costly surprises.