Do we really need passports???

[lsmac]

Been trying to fill out passport applications and finding this a pain in the you know what! Not only that, but trying to get hubby, son and I together to get pics and then go to turn in apps is even more harrowing! What I am wondering is: do we really need these? I mean, we have cruised before with just birth certs and driver lic's. We don't go out of the country that much to make the cost and the pain of a passport worth it....BUT, I haven't traveled out of the country post 9-11 so don't know if it is easier to travel with a passport or if it even makes a difference? Anyone have opinions on this?
Lisa

 

[tiptoen]

An original or a certified copy of your BC will be fine. If your state uses a raised seal you should get a copy with the raised seal.
Along with an I.D. for the adults.

 

[SweetSpot]

If you do decide to do the passports (I did to be on the safe side and avoid the price increase) there is a type in feature on the government site where you print the applications that allows you to type in all the information before printing. It comes in handy especially if you are filling out a families worth of forms as you just need to change a couple lines each time you do another family members form. I have also learned that you can get the pictures taken at most places that issue passports, it costs a bit more but it saves a trip.

The government website also lists all the places close to you where you can get the passport issued. I was surprised to find a clerks office inside a mall close to us that had Saturday hours which made it a little easier to get us all together at one time.

 

[hazmat1212]

i would want to make it as easy as possible, when i leave the hallowed U.S. soil --- as well, bring copies of ANY i.d. you use --- just in case something gets lost

IMHO i recommend passports ---

and u have them for years!

cin.

 

[taswira]

You will be fine with your DL and original birth certificates UNLESS something were to happen which might cause you to be unable to finish the cruise - such as severe illness or accident where you might be hospitalized and have to remain in another country for awhile. Then you could run into serious problems if you do not have a valid passport. I know it's an expense and somewhat of a hassle, but I would advise <I>anyone</I> leaving the U.S. to have a passport.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I'd have to agree on the passport issue. We got them for our first cruise and have continued to use them. In fact we just went down today to our county clerk's office to get new ones for the kids, as they expire in Dec.

No problemo what so ever. I think I spent about 10 minutes filling out the forms and we were in and out in less than 15 minutes.

Deb

 

[MFan]

There was a thread on this same subject a while back that really opened my eyes to the need for a passport. I don't quite remember the details; but, apparently, someone got seriously ill and had to be hospitalized in a foreign country. The family didn't have passports, so it was a major problem they had to deal with on top of the medical emergency.

I would never let my family travel outside of US without valid US passports.

 

[prymsu]

Even though we had passports, for cruises in the carribean we always just took our photo ids and birth certificates. Post 9/11, with all the problems going on, we now take our passports, because you can never tell what is going to happen.

 

[lsmac]

Well, it sounds like I am going to have to bite the bullet and get them somehow. I have a feeling I am going to be paying the higher price since it goes into effect Monday and ds and dh are leaving in the am for a fishing trip. Am I correct that you can submit everything and get a pic at the county clerk's office? Or where's the best place to turn in the info and get a picture? Can we use our digital camera and print out a pic? (2x2?)
Thanks again everyone!
Lisa

 

[SweetSpot]

If you go to this website: (Sorry I don't know how to make a link)

http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/

and type in your zip code it will list all the places close to you where you can apply, the times they are open and whether they will take a picture for you or not. If one is close to you and it doesn't say it takes pictures just give them a call they might have a camera now that allows for taking pictures. I don't have a digital camera but I remember someone posting that they were able to take their own. It just needs to be two identical 2x2 pictures with a white backround.

Hope this helps.

 

[aseafish]

thanks for the link

 

[SweetSpot]

Hey it worked LOL!!!

and I thought there was some great mystery to it all.

 

[hazmat1212]

SWEET
what an outstanding web site
thank you VERY MUCH for sharing!!

cin in NJ
MAGIC 8/31/02

 

[lsmac]

Yes, thank you very much for the link! Very helpful!