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US State Department Reopens Online Passport Renewal Portal
Image: US passport renewal is about to get easier. (Photo Credit: Christian Delbert / Adobe Stock)
Image: US passport renewal is about to get easier. (Photo Credit: Christian Delbert / Adobe Stock)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Wed June 12, 2024
Renewing your expired or soon-to-expire U.S. passport just got a lot easier.

The State Department reopened its online renewal portal on Wednesday, unveiling a beta program designed to speed up processing for travelers who meet certain criteria in efforts to avoid issues faced last summer.

Keep in mind this isn't a full launch so officials will only take a select number of applicants each day. Travelers can still renew by mail.

To be eligible to renew online, however, travelers must be U.S. citizens and residents 25 and older who have already had a passport with 10-year validity. Other notable requirements include not requesting a change to their name, gender, date of birth or place of birth.

This assumes your passport was issued within the last nine to 15 years.

Travelers must also not be planning to travel internationally for at least eight weeks from the day they submit their application.

They must also be able to pay with a credit card, debit card or an ACH (automated clearing house) payment and be able to upload their digital passport photo in a JPEG file.

Additionally, their current passport can't be lost, stolen or damaged.

There's no timetable for when the beta rollout could become a permanent option with expanded processing capabilities.

Start your holiday travels stress-free! ✈️ Unsure about carrying specific items on the plane? Don't worry! TSA has made it simple for you to find out. Here are a few options:
1️⃣ Visit TSA.gov for a complete list.
2️⃣ Download the MyTSA app and click "What Can I Bring?"
3️⃣ Capture a picture of the item and send it to on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance.

Happy Holidays, everyone! 🎁🌟

Merry Christmas to all!
Thank you for another year of support of my Travel Agency!
My agency will be closed for the Holidays. Begining December 22-December 26th. Thank you so much! Susan

CiCi and Santa have been dreaming up vacations for everyone! Give me a call I can get you there!

Tips for Packing your suitcase 🧳

Thinking of traveling to Italy? Please look at this insightful review from my client. Give me a call I can get you there!

“I Italy’s Great Cities Feedback Notes
First and foremost if you are booking this tour with Susan Crowder you are in the best of hands. We booked our tour a year in advance and she was with us every step of the way. She is very accessible and a true professional.
Airfare, Travel, Airports etc.
Globus will book your airfare and like us you may be booked on a Delta flight from DFW to Paris Charles de Gaulle with a transfer to Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci in Rome.
Delta may be the carrier....but all is handled by Air France
Check in with Air France at DFW Terminal D
CHECK IN YOUR LUGGAGE, check in the largest you can 30x21x11, if you have to transfer like we did at a major international airport you do not want to be dragging luggage around, small elevators, steps and distances become a problem
If your flight itinerary has anything less than two hours at an International airport like Paris for your connection flight to Italy you are cutting it very close
If I had to do it over again, I would request a direct flight from DFW to FCO (Rome) and back, American has a daily flight AA 239, would be willing to pay 600.00 more for the trip if this was possible
Best to let your travel agent know this when booking your tour to see if this is a
possibility
Globus and Delta will keep you up-to-date on any changes to your flight itinerary from beginning to end
Download the Air France App...our group found it more up-to-date than Globus or Delta, once again everything is Air France: aircraft, maintenance technicians, flight crew and pursers (stewards) if fact some in our group of six used Air France for check in
IMPORTANT: BUY THE TRIP INSURANCE, REPEAT, BUY THE TRIP INSURANCE
At initial purchase of tour with your travel agent Download and use the Globus APP
The Real Scoop on Stuff Credit Cards
You can use your credit card for almost any purchase....except from some of the street vendors
You DO NOT NEED A PIN TO MAKE A PURCHASE WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD, all my credit card payments were TAP to pay except for one that used a chip reader
Use your debt card at a Bank ATM if you need some EURO’s...you tour director will point you in the right direction for this....just ask

EURO’s
Our group of six went over with about 400 Euro’s per couple....will cost you about 25.00 from your bank or credit union....DO IT request small denominations... smallest paper denomination is a 5 Euro note
When you get to Italy and before you start your tour.....secure at least 15-20 one Euro coins
Most stops along your walking tour for the “Toilet” requires a payment of a one Euro coin....we found ourselves horse trading with members of our group for one Euro coins at Toilet stops
Have some 2 Euro coins for various tips also is recommended
Sneakers/Dress...everyone, including the Italians, were wearing sneakers, in fact dress was very casual everywhere we went
Exception was the Churches and Basilicas (sneakers okay) which have some
rules on women covering their shoulders and skirt and short pants length
WALKING/STAIRS
I will put it to you straight: there is a lot of walking...the best way to see the real sights and sounds of the cities...our tour director and local guides did an “outstanding” job... we averaged about 11K steps daily when doing our walking tour....wear shoes you have already broken in....sneakers....you will be walking on uneven cobblestone streets and going up and down many steps...remember you are not in the states and the the American With Disabilities Act is for America....Lifts (elevators) not readily available at many venues....you must use the steps
Hydrate/Bus/Toilet
Our tour had us traveling the countryside via bus from city to city and it was wonderful...however find a balance between how much water or liquid you drink and the next “toilet“ stop while traveling on the bus....although the European buses are comfortable....THEY HAVE NO RESTROOMS....Italian law does not allow passengers to get up from their seats while the coach (bus) is in motion Bus will have a USB outlet to charge your phone...carry your cord
EXCURSIONS
These are an additional expense to your trip, BUT.....THE BEST DECISION OUR GROUP OF SIX DID WAS: GO ON ALL THE EXCURSIONS, REPEAT GO ON ALL THE EXCURSIONS....YOU WON’T BE SORRY
MOBIL PASSPORT CONTROL
Download the APP MPC from the APP store....it is from Homeland Security...you declare your customs with a few quick questions upon landing, submit and they send you a QR code...when going through customs you will go through the MPC very short and expedient line and be on your way to get your luggage...saves you at least an hour at the minimum
Tour Director/Bus Driver/Dining
Our Tour Director and bus driver were the best...tip them please....TIP THEM IN LOCAL CURRENCY

Dining
Most tours include breakfast daily....European and American breakfast...if you get used to the way the Europeans drink coffee...let me know....lunch may or may not be on your own....the evening meal, especially on an Excursion is something you must experience...we had one Excursion meal overlooking the hills in Tuscany as the sunset....wine and a wonderful four course meal...felt like I was on my honeymoon
Money: We brought $500 per couple and returned home with most unspent...spent some at DFW airport but not in Italy
Recommend bring only enough US dollars to spend in US airports and return trip to home.
Tour Schedule: Tour schedule was tight...A typical daily schedule run from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM....this included breakfast at 6:30 AM, depart at 8:00 for the tour, lunch on your own at 1:00 PM, continue with the tour, back to hotel at 4:00 PM, dinner at 6:30 and back to hotel at 9:00 PM for the night....long days
Final Thoughts
I am convinced.....the only way to see Italy....is using a professional Tour Agent in Susan Crowder and Globus Tours

Paul Washinsky RGW Gourmet Group”

45 years of love

Tony Bennett, k.d. lang - Because of You (from Duets: The Making Of An American Classic) Tony Bennett performing Because of You with K.D. Lang from Duets: The Making Of An American ClassicListen to Tony Bennett: https://TonyBennett.lnk.to/listenY...

Why Playa Del Carmen Is One Of The Safest Destinations In Mexico Playa del Carmen offers not only beautiful beaches and vibrant culture but also a secure and enjoyable vacation experience.

American Airlines switches to a dynamic rewards chart The carrier has done away with its static awards chart and will now follow the approach that Delta and United have taken.