By Brandon Mosley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Saturday, July 22, the US Postal Service will host a Passport Fair at the Birmingham Post Office.
Congressman Gary Palmer announced the event on Wednesday, July 21. Representative Palmer said, “A record number of passports will expire in 2017, according to the US Department of State. Don’t get stuck with an expired passport and make plans to attend the Passport Fair hosted by the US Postal Service this Saturday, July 23rd, from 9am to 2pm at the Birmingham Post Office located at 351 24th Street North.”
Rep. Palmer said that to expedite the processing of your passport, please bring the following:
-Proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate)
-One form of identification (current driver’s license OR State ID card
-Two 2×2 photos (You may purchase photos on-site).
Passport fee Payable to: US Department of State using cash, money order or personal check.
The passport fees are:
Adult: $110
Children Under 16: $80 for children under 16.
There is also a processing fee of $25.
Generally, a passport is required for travel outside of the United States.
One exception, however. As of June 1, 2009, US citizens embarking on a cruise that both originates and terminates at the same US port are not required to have a passport, but will need proof of citizenship. such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license as well as a government-issued photo ID. Children are also required to bring proof of citizenship, and if 16 and over, a photo ID is also required.
If a cruise begins and ends in different US ports, or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required.
Carnival Cruise Lines says that, “Although a passport is not required for US citizens taking cruises that both originate and terminate at the same US port, we, again, strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Having a passport will enable guests to fly from the US to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the US if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.”
Carnival is scheduled to resume cruises out of Mobile in early November.
Congressman Palmer represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District.
