New Passport Fees Begin Later This Month

If you are in need of passport-related services, now may be the time to start the process. That's because the U.S. State Department is upping several fees beginning July 13th. For example, the total cost to apply for an adult passport will increase from $100 to $135. Been doing some extensive travel and need new pages? Before that was free of charge, but come July 13th, an $82 fee will be assessed. Here is a listing of all current fees, and new fees effective July 13.

How to Add Pages to Your Passport

By Mike Grasso

Frequent international traveler? Running out of room in your passport for all those Visa's? Easy fix. Simply mail your passport to the U.S. State Department and request extra pages be added. How much might you expect to pay for such as service? $20? $40? Actually...it's a FREE service from our federal government. Even the postage to ship it back to you is FREE. It gets better: The turnaround time to process extra pages may take several weeks according to the application, but my recent experience had the passport back in my hands in under 2 weeks. Now that is our government in action!

So if you are running out of space in your passport, now may be the time to send it in for some extra pages. Click here for more information.

inFLIGHTout Travel Tip: Register Your Trip

In light of the unfortunate events in Mumbai and Bangkok fairly recently, it is a good idea to let the State Department know your international travel plans. U.S Embassies located throughout the world can aid you in the event of civil unrest, terrorism or natural disaster. Additionally, U.S Embassies and Consulates can assist if you are a victim of a crime, become ill, or are involved in a car accident.

Registering your trip is voluntary and free.

Click here to read additional information from the U.S State Department and to register.

Travel Alert Issued for Mexico-Bound Travelers

Due to health risks related to Swine Flu, the State Department issued a travel alert for U.S. residents planning travel into Mexico. In a statement issued April 27th, the notice recommends citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. For those who must travel to Mexico, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended several measures one can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico. 

Read more: Understanding Swine Flu Spread: Questions and Answers (Bloomberg.com)

State Department Issues Travel Alert for Mexico

Due to recent violence, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for American citizens heading to Mexico. Over the past couple months, violent attacks have occurred, particularly around U.S/Mexico border towns such as Tijuana, Chihuahua and Ciudad Juarez.

The report states Mexican drug cartels have engaged in increasing violent conflict throughout Northern Mexico, which have included shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public places. Although tourists are not the intended target for much of the violence, the State Department reports U.S. Citizens traveling in and around border towns have been harassed and the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. Citizens as well.

Full report