callmedtop

Welp, I've done it. The first time I've lost anything of any value. Just had to share my frustration with the FT community (I know, I know, this isn't my personal blog).

I'm located in Boston. The website says that I can go to the local office and pay $60 for expedited service if my flight is within 2 weeks or I need a visa for a trip 4 weeks out. I'm going to China on 2/26, so that puts me well out of the 2 week window. But, I theoretically need a visa, so that gets me a bit closer to this week or next week (I actually don't need a Visa b/c I'm taking advantage of the 72-hour stopover rule).

Is it worth paying the $60 for expedited service? The normal time is being quoted at 4-6 weeks, which makes me a bit nervous for a flight 8 weeks from now. There's also a good 50% chance I'll need to fly to Brazil sometime in late-January, but that is unpredictable until the last minute, so I won't have any documentation to show the passport officials if they ask for proof of flight.

Any one else lose their passport recently? What a dumb situation...

shengwan

For 60 dollars, why take the extra risk? what if the government is due for another round of shut down?

callmedtop

My concern is this paragraph on the State Dept. website:

"The Expedited Fee is required for each application submitted in person at a Passport Agency or Center. Some Passport Agencies and Centers require proof of international travel within two weeks, or proof of need to obtain a foreign visa within four weeks. Check the individual agency/center pages for additional details."

Doc Savage

I'd pay the extra just for peace of mind. If they ask questions, tell them of your planned travel. And they won't ask, anyway.

The Brazil visa could be a problem in that time frame anyway.

Safe Travels,

Doc

RSonny2010

I highly recommend letting the experts do the leg work. See the links below:

http://cibtvisas.com/passportrequirements.php

closetasfan

oddly enough I found a passport yesterday belonging to someone else. In NYC though and not a US passport.....handed it in to the police. Wasn't 100% sure if I should give it to police or the embassy of the issuing country

cl.lurker

Worth every penny, for the peace of mind....

jdtravel

The risks/stress/costs of not having the passport in time far outweighs the expedited fees. I recommend paying the extra fees, relaxing and having a great trip!

danielonn

For me the $60 is cheaper than having to be stressed out and arriving at the airport without your passport and having to pay the change fee and any fare difference on your new ticket. Just pay the $60 or use a passport expediter service.

Just play it safe.

callmedtop

They charge $115 just to file the paperwork? Am I missing something here?

rabtech

Lost mine and filed for a new one the regular way. Received it in 8 days, although that may have been the exception rather than the rule.

UnitedFlyGuy

Go to the office, pay the $60, and have it in under an hour. Simple, fast, and painless.

BuckleandBoots

If you're going in person to the office, you probably won't regret the $60. As far as convenience charges, this one is alright.

callmedtop

Do you know if I have to bring a picture to the office, or are they taken there? I can't find that information on the website. Thanks!

hm212

If you can get down to DC (I am not sure if they have offices in other cities) you can go in person to the state department and they will process same day for a fee. I think you have to bring documentation of your trip being close in.