One of the most important things you’ll need for your international concert tour is a passport. ACFEA is diligent about checking passport validity with all of our travelers, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure your passport is valid for your trip.
Note: The following directions are for applying for a U.S. passport. If you need a Canadian passport, please visit the the Canadian government’s passport processing website.
Here’s how to make sure yours is ready for travel:
First, check to see if your passport is valid.
This isn’t just as simple as checking the expiration date; it’s a matter of knowing the validity date for the country or countries you’re planning to visit. Many countries require that your passport be valid past a certain length of time, generally three or six months. Check with your Tour Manager, or google “Passport Validity” for your destination.
If you’ve determined that you need a passport:
When should I apply?
Early! The standard processing time is 4-6 weeks. However, all it takes is a shift in policy in Washington for that to change. Give yourself plenty of time.
How do I apply?
Visit the State Department’s website and follow their instructions. Their website is easy to use. You can print and complete the application at home. You may also be able to pick up an application at your local post office or public library. If you’re renewing, you can mail it all in, or you may have the option to renew online. If you’re applying for the first time, you need to appear in person at a processing center, like a post office.
You’ll need a photo.
Your photo needs to be 2”x2” and on a white background. If you go to a print shop or a drug store with a photo center, they should be able to take one for you for around $20. Or, save the money and do it yourself – there are several smartphone apps! They help you position your head correctly so that when you print it, you will know it’s correct. Take the file to a drug store with a photo center and print wallet-size prints.
What if I lost my passport?
Sorry, you can’t order a replacement passport; you’ll need to apply for a new one. Be sure you report it missing, though! You can do that through the State Department website.
What if I lose my passport overseas?
Please don’t do that! But, if you do, remain calm. If you’re on one of our tours, alert your courier immediately. You’ll have to appear in person at the closest US Embassy or Consulate to get a temporary passport. These passports are only good for three months, though, so you’ll have to apply for a regular passport when you get back.
Visit the State Department’s website for more info.
More tips:
1) Take a good-quality photograph of the photo pages of the passport and email it to yourself. That way, you’ll be able to access the file from anywhere, print it out and bring it with you to an Embassy, if necessary. You can also print a copy and keep it with you while you’re abroad, if you like to store your passport in the hotel safe.
2) Keep note of how many blank pages you have. Some countries require two or more completely blank visa pages (endorsement pages at the end do not count!) for entry. Some travelers to South Africa, for example, have been denied boarding because they did not have enough extra pages in their passport! If you’re running low on extra pages, you could try putting a post-it note on the blank pages asking customs officials to leave them blank if they are able.
3) If you think you’re going to be traveling a lot in the next 10 years, opt for the large book instead of the standard. You’ll get 52 pages instead of the standard 28. You can no longer request additional pages for an existing passport, so it’s best to order the big one when you can.