I got to say. I'm impressed. I sent in my passport for renewal on 9/30, and received the new one on the past weekend. Standard renewal in 16 days. Unbelievable.

Too bad they stopped issuing passports with extra pages; when you run out now you have to send it in for extra ones, a real PITA.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
Too bad they stopped issuing passports with extra pages; when you run out now you have to send it in for extra ones, a real PITA.

I understand they stopped adding pages. You need to get a new passport.

Didn't know that. Thankfully I added pages recently.

If you have the newer passport with the RFID chip and Global Entry, many countries just use the electronic reader for your passport and don't stamp your passport at entry so you don't use as many pages when you travel. I go to New Zealand 5-6 times a year but they haven't stamped my passport at entry in the last couple of years. I was in London last week and they stamped it there so I don't know which countries do or don't do this.

Most of the time they don't stamp it in France either. I believe passport applicants in the USA can still opt for the 28 page or the 52 page passport. At least that's what the passport office's web site says under FAQs. Check the extra visa pages question:

https://travel.state.gov/conte.../passports/FAQs.html

Yes, You can still ask for the 52 page version instead of the 28 page version. Both times I have asked for the 52 page I was given the 28 page. Both times when I called I was told "I don't know why they did that" and "All you have to do is ask". Both times I have had the maximum pages added. I am disappointed that they have stopped adding pages. I understand why they did it though. I have had several colleagues, with pages added, have problems when entering foreign countries due to the sloppy job done when adding pages. The US Embassies overseas have done a good job but here in the US the job varies from acceptable to junk. Since I picked up my second passport I may make it to my expiration date without having to apply for another passport due to running out of pages. Another problem with visas is that some countries require multiple free pages in order to receive the visa.

Eric

Most of the passport services can get your renewal completed in 7 to 10 days and you can still obtain the 52 page version. Cost is generally anywhere from $80 - $100 bucks if you do not need expedited service. 2 to 3 day service can be north of $225 bucks.

Joyce just renewed her passport and the 52 page option is available and she got it. Also starting November 1st you have to remove your glasses for the passport picture.

https://rwanda.usembassy.gov/warden_11232015.html


Message for U.S. Citizens

United States Embassy Kigali, Rwanda
Message for U.S. Citizens:

Extra Visa Pages for U.S. Passports No Longer Issued Effective January 1, 2016

November 23, 2015

Beginning January 1, 2016, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, Rwanda will no longer add visa pages into U.S. passports, in compliance with worldwide Department of State policy as announced on travel.state.gov. Previously, U.S. passport holders had the option to pay for the insertion of additional visa inserts when valid passports lacked adequate space for entry or exit visa stamps. The decision to discontinue this service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.

Applications for additional visa inserts will only be accepted until December 31, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2016, applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport. To mitigate the impact on frequent travelers, the Department began issuing 52-page passports to all applicants outside the United States starting October 1, 2014 for no additional cost.

https://travel.state.gov/conte...o-longer-issued.html



Extra Visa Pages no Longer Issued Effective January 1, 2016

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

The U.S. Department of State will no longer add visa pages into U.S. passports beginning January 1, 2016. Previously, U.S. passport holders had the option to pay for the insertion of additional 24-page visa inserts when valid passports lacked adequate space for entry or exit visa stamps. The decision to discontinue this service was made to enhance the security of the passport and to abide by international passport standards.

To mitigate the impact on frequent travelers, the Department began issuing 52-page passports to all applicants outside the United States starting October 1, 2014 for no additional cost. Applicants within the United States may choose a 28-page or 52-page book.

Requests for additional 24-page visa inserts will only be accepted until December 31, 2015. Beginning January 1, 2016, applicants in need of additional pages in their valid passports must obtain a new passport.

For more information on how or where to apply, please visit Travel.State.Gov/ApplyEarly or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778/1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TTD).

well, you live and learn. I saw on the State Dept website that they were not issuing 52 page passports anymore, but I guess they either changed their minds, I am losing my mind, or they are no following their own stated policy.

Apparently I got that backwards: they are no longer allowing additional pages but are continuing to issue 52 page passports.

Thanks for clearing that up.

I got a 52 page pp last year before trip to KYRGYZ Republic on a ibex hunt.6 months later coming back from Portugal @ immigration in Denver airport the officer said that the stamp ink was to lite to read.Just told him I had no control over some guy in kyrgyz and his lack of ink and what difference does it make now.You going to let me in the country? Damn I was pissed.

I got a new passport 52 page and passport card.

Drove down to Miami passport office.

Needed a new passport for Brazil visa. B sail needs 2 blank pages and last page is not counted.

Went it a 9:30 -10 minutes to do paperwork. Picked up at 2:30 - went dropped off with Brazil embassy visa guy who is located in same building as Brazil embassy.

Mike

We just got our 52 page renewal passports in less than 10 business days.

I'm impressed..

Sent in my renewal on the 18th and got it back on the 28th! ...asked for 52 page version and they did that right as well.

I'll admit..I wasn't expecting that kind of service from the government!

quote:

Originally posted by Heym 450/400:
I'm impressed..

Sent in my renewal on the 18th and got it back on the 28th! ...asked for 52 page version and they did that right as well.

I'll admit..I wasn't expecting that kind of service from the government!

There's a new Sheriff in town.

Here, you walk in the passport office, hand in your old one, and walk out with a new one in minutes.

I renewed by US passport earlier this year and it went fairly painlessly and quick. They even returned my old passport with all its visas and entry/exit stamps!

Kind of spendy, but the service was really great IMO.

BH63

I agree with BuffHunter63. quick, painless and got my old one back for a keepsake.