My passport has no blank pages. You can get them added, but it costs nearly as much as getting a new one (110 vs 81). I checked with the Passport office and they said I can apply for a new passport now even though mine is not yet expired and just indicate why I am applying for a new one before the current one expires.

Also, as Ms AZW pointed out, you are better off asking for extra pages on your application, as they don't charge you for them.

Thanks for the info. I'm in the same boat. Still got a couple of years on the passport, but need more pages. Maybe just time to renew the thing and ask for additional pages. They sure go stamp-happy in Africa.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
you are better off asking for extra pages on your application, as they don't charge you for them.

I believe that was true in the past, but it looks like they now charge for extra pages even if it is a renewal. Here is the link

It states:
If you travel extensively and are applying for a new passport book

You must submit:

*- Applicable fees and

*-A signed, written request for additional visa pages and

*-If eligible, mail Form DS-82 to the address listed on the form (if not eligible, follow instructions for submitting Form DS-11 in person).

I just had additional Visa pages added to my current passport (expires in 3 yrs) at the Consulate in Frankfurt. It took me 3 hours to get this accomplished.

The X-tra pages were much less expensive than purchasing a complete new passport.

I was (very curtiously, also) informed by the Clerk as I received my passport back that; I should request the extra pages on my next renewal as I'm obviously a Frequent Traveler.

The extra page passports are the same price as a normal renewal but the "extra pages" feature has to be requested.

.....and, Yes, Martha if you are flying to ZA or Namibia and do not have 2 clean, unstamped Visa pages in your passport, you can be refused boarding.

I just sent my passport in to have pages added. I was shocked, pleasantly, at how quickly it was returned. I want to say that it took less than two weeks from sending it to getting it back.

same experience here. sent mine in for extra pages about 8 months ago- had it back in less than a month.

Extra pages are always safe! The immigrations guys in Namibia like to see 3 clean pages when you arrive. They sure are stamp happy!

I had extra pages added over the summer as my passport was only 2 1/2 years old and full. The turnaround was very quick. Too quick as I was hoping for a longer break between trips.

I also have several visa's in my passport and I assumed it would be impossible to transfer them to a new passport.

Just sent my passport in for renewal today. They offer two versions of the passport,the standard one with 28 pages and the non-standard one with 52 pages. Cost is the same for both you just have to specify which you want. Price is $110 for renewal and they reccommend you get overnite mail on the return which is another $12.72. Everytime I have sent mine in they have returned the old one but with a 2 holes punched thru the cover and a cancelled stamp on the first page. All the Visas were still in it and unmarked for what that's worth.

quote:

All the Visas were still in it and unmarked for what that's worth.

Yo Zim Bub,

Actually that's a Good Thing! While the State Department may may have added some new "features" to the pages to invalidate them; I've still got two cancelled passports with some hugely interesting & colorful Visas in them from my career which included travel to some pretty exotic & interesting places. Add the hunting destinations and Violá, pretty nifty!

I've every intention of doing what a British Pal did and that was to have a framed collage made from the single Visa pages, defiantely a Cool addition to the Trophy Room!

quote:

Originally posted by JBrown:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
you are better off asking for extra pages on your application, as they don't charge you for them.

I believe that was true in the past, but it looks like they now charge for extra pages even if it is a renewal. Here is the link

It states:
If you travel extensively and are applying for a new passport book

You must submit:

*- Applicable fees and

*-A signed, written request for additional visa pages and

*-If eligible, mail Form DS-82 to the address listed on the form (if not eligible, follow instructions for submitting Form DS-11 in person).

Jason,

There is now an extra charge for adding pages, but there isn't an extra fee if you ask for the higher page count when you renew.