The New Year brings good news for US citizens living in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands: no longer will an expedited passport require an expensive and time-consuming trip to the mainland. The San Juan Passport Agency will be open for business on Monday, January 13, 2014.
This passport agency will issue emergency passports to people with international travel itineraries departing within the next 14 days (or within the next four weeks if a visa is also required). Previously, the closest available regional passport agency office was in Miami, Florida.
Here’s how to use the passport agency:
- Appointments are required. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778.
- Bring all the required documents for your passport application, proof of travel and money to cover the passport fees. If you have a life or death emergency, you’ll need to bring proof of the emergency situation with you as well.
- Arrive early; you will need time to go through security screening before you can enter the building.
- After you’ve submitted your application, you will receive your new passport within five business days. The passport agent will let you know when your passport will be ready and whether you’ll receive it by mail or come back to pick it up.
A visit to the San Juan Passport Agency is much more convenient than a flight to the mainland, but it will still prove inconvenient or impossible for many people. For example, you might not be able to get time off work during the agency’s limited business hours (7:30 am- 1:30 pm) or you might not be able to travel even as far as San Juan.
In that case, an expediting company is your best bet. A licensed hand courier can take your documents to the passport agency for processing in as little as 24 hours. With this option there is no need to travel long distances, take a day off work or wait in line.
Need your passport expedited? Contact us today!
Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by fortherock