First of all, I’d like to say welcome to Natalie Cavallo, my new assistant editor and heir apparent to the Features editor throne! For anyone who follows this column or any new readers, here marks a turning point in the content. I will be going to England for a semester of study abroad next semester, so I’m officially transitioning to an official travel/study abroad motif. While I’m traveling, I’ll be both blogging – more on that later – and writing on my experience for this column. Arlin Goss, our photo editor, will also be taking off next semester for study abroad in Australia, so he may add his insight as well.
So, in the transitioning spirit, I present to you the advantages of getting a passport, not just for study abroad, but for life in general.
Getting a passport tends to bring up images of juggling important documents, signing papers, long lines and long waits. It may have once been that way, but it is not as much of a hassle anymore. Yes, there is paper-signing and a wait for mailing, but maybe not as much as you think.
The paperwork is pretty simple. There’s a lot of basic information: name, address, citizenship, that sort of thing. You need to have your picture taken, and you also must show proof of citizenship and have your driver’s license or other photo ID handy. The Bagley Center offers free passport photo sessions and has applications available. An easy way to take care of your passport needs, however, is to show up next Tues., Nov. 18 at the HUB. U.S. Department of State representatives will be there between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to process applications.
Once you’ve gotten your paperwork in and your documents examined, there is a bit of a wait for the passport to arrive through the mail. Mine arrived within about 3 weeks, so it is not a very long wait.
One of the most discussed reasons for considering getting a passport is the new law regarding Canadian border crossings. According to the Bagley Center’s newsletter, the law will go into effect in June of 2009, so if you plan to travel to Canada in the summer, it will be good to consider getting your passport beforehand.
The handy thing is that if you don’t plan to travel anywhere besides Canada, Mexico and Caribbean islands, a passport card that allows you to travel to those areas alone is offered as well. It costs less than the full passport. Fees for a full passport when applying in person amount to $100, and for a passport card they come to $45.
However, keep in mind that you may need a full passport at some point in the future. You can get anywhere, including Canada and Mexico, with a full passport. You may want to opt to purchase both. That way, if you are traveling to Canada, you can easily carry your passport card, and if you end up going somewhere outside of North America, you will be all set with your full passport.
You never know when you will get a dream opportunity to visit another country. Not to mention that surprise trips to Canada for recreation or work may be in your future. Be prepared and get a passport!