Passports

Less than a quarter of all Americans possess passports at any given time – a figure far below most other developed countries and the lowest in recent history.  Americans are more inward looking than other people in the world.  In fact, the only time most Americans hear about other countries is when there is violence or a tragedy or both.

Yes there is lots to see right here in the U.S., but I would also suggest that if everyone in America traveled abroad it would change three things:

1. We would be much more appreciative of what a good life we have in this country. 
2. We’d have a better understanding of how the rest of the world lives. 
3. That in turn, could lead to better relations and even more business with other countries. 
4. I'm not suggesting you can go out and single handedly save the world.  But the least you can do is go see some of it. 

How to Get a Passport

If this is your first passport you have to apply in person at a government office. Most post office’s and local government agencies provide the service. You can find the location nearest you and get answers to lots of questions at this State Department website: First passport

• You’ll need to bring identification and two passport photos. You can get those taken at lots of photo stores and pharmacies.
• If you are just renewing your passport and your passport is intact you can do it either on line or by mail. You can go the the post office to pick up the renewal form or print it out from this website: Renew passport
• Fill out the form, attach your photos and send it all in. 
• Make copies of everything you mail, so that if they lose your documents you can send them again quickly. 
• If you are in a super hurry to get your passport, you can pay an extra fee to have it rushed.   

Visas

If you are going anywhere other than western Europe, Canada or Mexico or you are staying longer than 30 days there is a good chance you need a visa to travel there. There are lots of places you can check for this information but I would stick with the state department web site because in some cases there may be travel advisories to that country that you will want to know about: Visa requirements

How to Get a Visa

• Once you confirm you need a visa you can ether contact the country’s embassy or consulate yourself or go through an approved agency and have them to do it for you.
• Mama recently obtained a visa using a company called A. Briggs, a national company with offices all over the country. Once all your documents are sent to their headquarters in Washington, D.C. their employees take your application in person to an embassy to have it processed. 
• The timing varies depending on which country you are going to, but you can follow the progress of the visa online.