Expedited American Pass Ports For Children

February 3rd, 2012 | admin | Travel, Vacation

To travel internationally, one requires a passport from the country of citizenship. Even children need a passport. Be it an airline or a cruise line, the same rule applies provided you are leaving the country. This same rule is applicable for those travelling on land. However, if you are caught unaware, there are expedited passports for children as well as adults.

Timetable

Normally, it takes within six to four weeks for a passport application to be processed. However, there are expedited services for those who need it urgently. For a stipulated fee, the US Department of State can reduce the processing days to two weeks.

Expedited Service

The cost implication of the expedited passport is higher than that of the normal passport. The difference will depend on how urgent the passport is required. Non-governmental agencies also offer this service to the populace. They reduce the processing time to a range of 12 days to 24 hours. If the passport is not needed urgently, the cost implication might be reduced.

Government Licensing

Online and offline expediting services are available. Both providers need to get a license from the government in order to operate. This license should be the yardstick used to make a decision. For those that opt for an online agency, provide a valid email address along with other data that you present. This will be used to convey essential information to you. The offline service providers will require a contact phone number.

Payment

The mode of payment depends on your choice of service provider. There are the options of PayPal, credit card, e-check and bank wire for the online agencies. Offline agencies’ payment plan includes bank deposits, credit/debit cards, bank wire, money order and checks. You can make a choice based on the most suitable option available.

Additional Charges

Asides from the government approved cost for a passport, the agency also charges for their service. Their charges might also come along with other services besides obtaining a passport. This occurs primarily when the agency is also laden with your traveling arrangements.

Parental Involvement

Notwithstanding the agency you use, the parental/guardian role cannot be bypassed. The present law stipulates that parents/guardians should be available for the application submission. This law applies to all minors who are age 15 and below. The parents/guardian is also responsible for all financial involvement that accompanies the process. They will be needed all through the application process.

Book or Card

When applying for expedited US pass ports for children, you need to specify the nature of passport you want. There is the passport book and the passport card. With the passport book, a minor gets to travel by any means of transportation to any part of the world. The passport card is valid only for land and sea travels. This limits the travel destination to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean and Bermuda. The fees applicable to each of the passports also vary.

Although an infant might not be required to purchase a ticket, an infant passport is still mandatory. With expedited American passports for children, the travel plans can still proceed as scheduled.