Get ready!  Here it comes and it's out of anyone's control.  The US State Department is preparing for a tidal wave of passport renewals beginning in 2017 and early 2018.  The reason?  

In 2007, new laws required everyone who crossed over any US border, even Canada and Mexico, to have a passport.  This led to a rush of new applications.  More than 18 million passports were issued in 2007 alone.  That's 4 million more than last year.  

Adult US passports are valid for 10 years, unless you travel enough to fill up all your pages with coveted entry stamps (which become less coveted the fuller your pages become!) And the 10 year anniversary for those passports is right around the corner.  

A few things to know about renewal:

• new applicants and children 16 and under must go in person to passport office which is often located in US post offices.  
• turn around time for new applicants and mailed renewals will be more than the 4-6 weeks it is now.
• Sept - December is the slowest time of year for applications and renewals.  This is the best time to apply or renew.
• Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter another country.  Renew before you book your travel.

Click here to find the passport processing office nearest to you. 

Click here to download passport forms.

Let us know when you're ready to travel!  We're here to help you.
Click here to contact our US office to talk to an expert about travel to Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.