Passport Day In The USA

The Department of State will hold "Passport Day in the USA" on Saturday, March 28, 2009 will hold a national outreach celebration about the upcoming changes to U.S. Travel Document Requirements. During "Passport Day in the USA," the Department of State will be giving out passport information and accepting passport applications. "Passport Day in the USA" will involve all Department of State Passport Agencies and many Passport Acceptance Facilities throughout the United States. The event is meant to encourage more U.S. citizens without a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card to apply for one during "Passport Day in the USA."

Any U.S. Citizen who does not have a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card and expect to travel sometime in the near future should take this opportunity to get a valid U.S. Travel Document because the Department of State will be waiving having to make an appointment and you can save money, due to the waiving of expedite fees, which is generally $60.00. So, at the minimum, those who can take advantage of attending "Passport Day in the USA," will save at least $60.00, if they need their U.S. Passport or Passport Card right away. However, you will still have to pay for $100.00 for your new U.S. Passport if you are older than 16 years of age and $85.00 if you are under 16 years of age. The U.S. Passport Card is $45.00, if you are older than 16 years of age and $35.00, if you are under 16 years of age.

Expect about four weeks to receive your U.S. Passport or Passport Card if you apply for it at the event and if you asked for the free expedited service at the event, you can expect your U.S. Passport or Passport Card in about two to three weeks. The hours for "Passport Day in the USA" varies by location and you can for the times and locations near you by visiting the Department of State Travel website here. You can also get the cost, fees and other information from the Department of State Travel Office here also. You can also get information by phone by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.

The new U.S. Travel Document Requirements take effect on June 1st, 2009 and all U.S. Citizens will need to present a U.S. Passport or Passport Card when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, any land border of the U.S. or seaport entry point. Since January 23rd, 2007, any U.S. Citizen traveling by air and entering the U.S. has needed a valid U.S. Passport for entry, so that requirement remains unchanged. You can read more about U.S. Travel Document Requirements here. The "Passport Day in the USA" is a combined effort of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Service, non-Postal Acceptance Facilities, so get out and get your passport questions answered and while you're at it, enjoy your becoming travel to wherever you're imagination takes you!