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BajaWarrior
Super Nomad
Posts: 2307
Registered: 9-27-2006
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego. Playa Hermosa, San Felipe.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Anxious to get south
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Apparently you have to show proof of submitting the application. I don't know how that is achieved other than a reciept from the Post Office.
My wife submitted her application, and surrendered her nearly expired passport and it came only days before we flew to Alaska, and yes, not needed for
Alaska, but we cruised south to Vancouver Canada and needed it to fly out of there. Two days after we boarded the boat the news reported (early June)
the delays and the relax rule. Didn't need it after all, but now she has her new one. It took three months to get.
Doesn't sound like are attempting it at this point. So, driving across makes sense. Not required for land travel.
Haven't had a bad trip yet....
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9009
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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I thought the rules on passports and flying had been relaxed for persons who can prove their application is being processed. Did that change?
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bajajudy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6886
Registered: 10-4-2004
Location: San Jose del Cabo,BCS
Member Is Offline
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Not quite true Capt.
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can
re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application
for a passport through September 30, 2007. The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing
times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.
OOPs.
[Edited on 7-11-2007 by bajajudy]
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2760
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
Member Is Offline
Mood: words cannot describe...
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Supposedly you can print a receipt off the internet at the State Dept website. Of course, you can only do this AFTER they've received your app and
they've entered the info -- at that point you can start tracking your passport in the process and can print a receipt.
From the current issue of the Baja Times:
TRAVEL INSIDER:
FAQs About Passport Rules
By Jane Engle
(c) 2007, Los Angeles Times
Confused about passports?
Here's what you need to know about these vital travel documents. The newest policies were just announced, and some details weren't clear. The most
complete information is at the U.S. State Department's Web site, www.travel.state.gov. Click on ``Passports for U.S. Citizens.''
Question: Does the United States require a passport to visit Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda?
Answer: If you plan to fly to these destinations, you must apply for a passport before you leave and you must be able to present an online receipt
from the State Department proving that you applied, plus a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. These documents are required for
re-entry into the United States through Sept. 30.
If you're flying to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or Bermuda after Sept. 30, you must have a passport in hand. If you're driving or taking a cruise
there, you won't need a passport until at least January. The exact date hasn't been determined.
A big caveat: Although the United States is waiving some passport requirements, the countries involved make their own entry rules. Many still require
proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, to enter. So you will need to present that document, too.
Q: Do I still need a passport to visit foreign destinations other than Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda?
A: Yes. These rules haven't changed. A tip: Be sure your passport expiration date is at least six months after you plan to travel.
Q: How do I apply for a passport, and how much does it cost?
A: In general, if it's your first passport or your old one has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, you'll need to apply in person at a post
office, public library or other government office authorized to receive applications.
There are thousands of these places, searchable by ZIP code on www.travel.state.gov. Don't go to a regional passport agency; these deal with last-minute requests and other emergencies and can be visited by
appointment only.
Besides filling out an application form, which you can download from the Web site, you must bring a government-issued photo ID; a birth certificate or
other proof of U.S. citizenship; two current photos; and the required fee.
If you need only to renew your passport, you don't have to appear in person; you can complete this process by mail.
Fees are $97 for your first passport and $67 for renewals. Passports are good for 10 years.
Different rules and fees apply to children. See the Web site for details.
Q: How long does it take to obtain a passport?
A: In its latest posting, the State Department says that because of a surge in applications, it can take up to 12 weeks. Some postal employees and
travel agents suggest allowing 16 weeks or more.
Q: Can I do anything to speed things up?
A: Maybe. For $60 more, you can request ``expedited service,'' which the State Department says will get the passport to you in two or three weeks.
However, with the current backup, readers have reported longer waits.
Another option is to use a private expediting service. This isn't cheap -- it can cost $100 and up, plus the government's expediting fee -- and it's
no guarantee. But these companies have standing appointments at passport agencies, which gives them a better shot.
One way to find an expediter is to visit www.napvs.org, the Web site of the National Association of Passport & Visa Services. The Web site links to its members.
Q: How do I check the status of my application?
A: You can do this online at the State Department's Web site. But it may take up to four weeks for the information to become trackable, the department
says. Some readers have complained that it is inaccurate or doesn't show up at all.
You can also send an e-mail, but responses may take several days. Don't bother to phone; the lines are too backed up.
Q: What should I do if I'm due to leave for my trip within two weeks and I don't have my passport?
A: You have a problem, and it's not easy to solve, unless you can take advantage of the temporary passport waiver for Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean or
Bermuda (see above).
Otherwise, the State Department advises that you call for an appointment at a regional passport agency. There are 13 in the United States. The
toll-free phone is (877) 487-2778..
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Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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for Baja based Nomads, do you all know that you can apply for a passport or renew your old one through the US Consul in Cabo? the agent also comes to
La Paz once a month, pick up (applications/photos/fee) and delivery. it's currently taking four to six weeks but the good news is that they don't
take your old passport away...
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by CabrillaTaco
I lived in San Felipe slinging shrimp into the US (back in the day) for a couple years and “was” very familiar with Baja culture. It’s been 17 years
now and well, I have never been able to get Baja out of my dreams. Mark |
SEVENTEEN YEARS! Mark, you will be shocked at the changes since 1990. Please post a trip report upon your return.
Bob H
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CabrillaTaco
Newbie
Posts: 2
Registered: 7-11-2007
Location: PNW (USA)
Member Is Offline
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Thanks Nomads for the warm welcome and the very useful information.
Tickets are booked SD Airport and there is a shuttle we can catch to the border. I booked through Avis in TJ and the office/lot is a 5 minute taxi
from the border. I called US customs and a State ID is fine! So it looks like I will be in the BOLA in 5 days! I will post a detailed trip report with
pictures. Hmmm I can almost taste the fish tacos and ice cold Pacifico.
Again, thanks ALL
Mark
Don't drink the water..fish f#ck in it.
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