Expat Update: Time to Renew Your US Passport?

Are you an ex-pat living in Mexico and it’s time to renew your US Passport? Similarly, did you recently have a child in Mexico that is eligible for an American passport? If you did, you can renew or apply for a US Passport at American Consulates in Mexico. The American Consulate has offices located in most major cities in Mexico. In order to avoid travel complications, it is best to allow several months for the processing of your Passport application. There may be additional delays due to the COVID crisis as well. Read more below to learn how you can renew or apply for a new American Passport while living in Mexico.

Step #1 Schedule Your Appointment

To begin with, you should schedule an appointment at the local consulate office in your area. In general, most American Consulate offices operate with limited working hours when they can receive visitors. As a result, it is best to always plan ahead and make sure to schedule an appointment if possible.  By doing so, you can avoid waiting in long lines or having to come back another day if there are too many people in the office at the same time.  However, walk-in appointments are allowed for urgent requests.

Step #2 Be Prepared

It is very important to be prepared in order to make sure your appointment goes smoothly. In order to allow for faster processing of your US Passport application, bring your current American Passport with you. In addition, download and print out the appropriate application ahead of time and make sure to fill it out, too. Bring an extra blank copy in case you have to make corrections. You can find the US Passport application forms for adults and children online at the US Department of State’s website at this link. In addition, you will also need 2 recent Passport photos. Make sure you have the right size photos for your application. Right now, 2×2 inch sized photos are required when you submit your application. Currently, a US Passport application fee for an adult is $110 and $80 for children under the age of 16. Also, both parents must attend the appointment for a child’s passport application unless one parent has full custody. Lastly, make sure to bring the child’s original birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad to show the Consular employee.

Step #3 Appointment Tips

Here are some additional appointment tips. When you arrive, make sure to leave your cell phone as directed and sign in. Then, wait for your name to be called. It is best to have all your documents in order and bring your own pre-paid return envelope. Once completed, your new American Passport will be returned to you in the pre-paid return envelope. In Mexico, reliable shipping companies are Estafeta, DHL, or FedEx. Make sure to keep a copy of the shipping label receipt and tracking number. In general, American Passport renewals will take around 4 weeks for processing. However, there may be additional delays right now due to the coronavirus crisis. 

Are you an ex-pat living in Mexico and it’s time to renew your US Passport? If you are, we hope this article about the American Passport application process was helpful. Do you just want to take a vacation to Mexico to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation? If so, contact Premium Vacations Online at 1-855-283-2170. They are a reputable online travel agency that only works with the best resorts such as the Villa Group. Call Premium Vacations Online and book an affordable travel deal and pamper yourself in paradise!