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A United States passport is an official government document issued by the
United States Department of State. A United States passport certifies an
individual's identity and U.S. citizenship. A passport is an internationally
recognized travel document and it allows the passport holder to travel abroad
and return to the United States. A valid United States passport may be used to
enter most foreign countries. U.S. citizens may now apply for the new U.S.
Passport Card and hold both a regular passport and passport card.
Some U.S. citizens hold dual citizenship, which means that an individual holds
another citizenship besides U.S. citizenship. There are advantages and
disadvantages of having dual citizenship and a second passport. However, in most
cases dual citizenship is not a problem when renewing your passport since the
U.S. government allows dual citizenship.
Some facts about United States passports:
- A U.S. passport is an internationally recognized travel document
- A U.S. passport verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer
- Nearly 7 million U.S. passports are issued every year
- Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports
- Only U.S. citizens have the right to apply for a U.S. passport. If you are not a U.S. citizens, you first need to apply for United States citizenship
Why apply for a United States passport?
- It is your right as a U.S. citizen to have a U.S. passport
- Be ready to travel on short notice to visit relatives or friends abroad
- International travel is considered a right that cannot be denied to any U.S. citizen and by having a passport you can exercise your right to travel abroad
- The process of obtaining visas to some foreign countries may take weeks and a valid U.S. passport is usually required
- A valid United States passport is required to enter and leave most countries
- U.S. passport holders can travel to many countries without obtaining a visa
- As of January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens are required have a valid passport when traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and all other international destinations.
- As of January 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid WHTI-compliant document or government issued ID to cross any land borders and sea border. The identification document(s) must satisfy both the identity requirement (e.g. U.S. Drivers License) and citizenship requirement (e.g. U.S. Birth Certificate. A U.S. passport satisfies both the identity and citizenship requirement.
- During the summer of 2008 (date to be determined) only the following documents will be accepted when crossing the border by land or sea: U.S. passport, U.S. Passport Card or an approved traveler card such as the NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI card.
- The process of obtaining a passport may take some time and it is more convenient to have a valid passport ready.
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