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Upcoming Passport Changes May Impact Your Summer Travel

Those planning to travel abroad this summer should be aware of changes in procedure as far as changes with new passports. Preparations regarding your passport could be key to getting back home to Arizona hassle free at the end of a trip.

The first change of note is that paying an extra fee will no longer expedite the process of receiving your passport. In fact, a backlog through 2018 should be expected. A large amount of passports are due to expire in 2017 so many passports will be in the process of renewal soon.

Second, glasses are no longer allowed in passport photos. This is a recent change and many new passport applications have been denied for this exact reason. This rule only applies to new passports and will not invalidate an old, otherwise valid passport.


Additionally, new passports will be physically different from their predecessors.

A data chip will now be inserted into new passports. This will prevent someone from stealing your passport and pasting a new photo onto it to steal your identity. While some may be wary of information about them being on the chip, it is truly there for the passport owner’s safety.

Another layer of security being added to new passports is new watermarks and inks. Depending on the angle with which you look at your passport, it may appear blue or green. Raised artwork can also be felt coming out of the pages.

New passports will also have fewer pages. The number has been reduced from 50 to 28, making the new passport smaller and more compact. Moreover, the information page will now be revolutionized and coated with polycarbonate, making the page waterproof and bend-proof.

Online renewal will soon be available to renew passports. An applicant will only need to upload a photo and possibly personal information for their new passport.

These changes may affect your travel abroad and should be noted and taken care of before any international travelling.