If you don't have a passport, start the process now. Do not wait until the last minute! Visas are not required.
With the new passport requirements for Canada and Mexico, the process is painfully long. Get your passport now, even if you are not sure whether or not you are going on this trip.
Do not screw up you passport. Look at it now! We will need a copy of your passport to properly run the trip. This can either be a hardcopy or scanned image mailed to your trip leader.
If you do have a passport, check the expiration date. If is going to expire prior to your return date to the US, you must renew it. If it is going to expire prior to 9/1/06, it is strongly suggested to renew it. Some custom agents may make life difficult for you with a soon-to-expire passport. You can renew by mail (as long as the passport did not expire over two years ago).
The following text is a summary of information from the U.S. State Department, with a little editorializing from Shooter's Ski Club. In this text it assumed that you are an adult and were born in the U.S., if you want to see all of the State Department mumbo-jumbo, go to their website.
Items Necessary for a New Passport.
- A certified copy of your birth certificate, not a copy. You can get this from the county of your birth. Need to know how? Click here!
- Two professionally developed PASSPORT photographs. Vending machine photos are NOT acceptable! AAA members can get these at any AAA office for $8. Kinko's charges $13. Sav-on; $7, Costco; $5. The State Department has got some specific criteria for pictures. If you want to shoot your own, check out the rules on their website. It's easy!
- A current photo ID such as a drivers license.
- Complete the required form (available from the State Department's website)
You must apply in person for a U.S. passport if you meet any of the following descriptions :
 | You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time |
| Your previous U.S. passport was lost or stolen |
| Your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 12 years ago |
The Applicable Fee: $85 (I think...it just went up)
Some (not most) Post Offices will process the forms for you. You can find
more passport info and Post Offices to take applications at the Postal Service
web. (http://www.usps.com/passport/welcome.htm).