American Passport Services
Effective April 8, 2002, American citizens residing or traveling abroad
who require a U.S. passport will be issued the latest, state-of-the-art
passport incorporating a photo-digitized image and other enhanced security
features.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to accept and approve passport
applications, but the actual passports will be produced in the United
States. U.S. consular officials in Mexico anticipate that the new
passports will be delivered approximately two weeks after the application
is submitted.
While the Embassy encourages all citizens traveling abroad to have a valid
passport, Americans living and traveling in Mexico are reminded that one
is not required for return to the United States. To board an
aircraft or make the land crossing, Americans need to present a valid
photo I.D. and proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship could be
an expired U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of
Birth Abroad or a naturalization certificate.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to issue passports in
emergency cases. Such passports will be limited in validity, and cannot be
extended. Bearers will be required to exchange their limited validity
passports for a full-validity photo-digitized passport upon completion of
their emergency travel, either through passport facilities in the U.S. or
U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
On August 19, 2002, fees for passport services will change.
First-time adult passport - US$85
Renewal adult passport - US$55
Minors under 16 - US$70
Expedited service - US$60
