Renewing USA Passport? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Renewing USA Passport?

1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 11:00

Hi All,

I have an appointment tomorrow at the US Embassy to submit the forms to renew my passport. Has anyone else done this recently and could give me any tips about how to survive the afternoon with my sanity intact!?! Also my main question is how long does it take to get the new one while you are living abroad? Last time I had it done was 10 years ago in London and it was so easy then...

Many thanks in advance...

29
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 21:32
If you print out another application, I believe the picture specifications are on the form. I would bring it with you to whichever photo shop you go to just to be sure. I went to a real small and obscure one around the corner from my house and they had no problem printing an appropriate US passport photo.
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 19:29
Last time we did it we used the photo shop at Villagio down past The One - just before Patrice Salon. But like pwb78 said, I think most of the photo shops around town can do it. Just be sure to let them know its for a US passport, since the requirements (as you know) are pretty strict.
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 19:04
You can go to any of the little photo shops in the malls and ask for "american passport photo." There's one across from Carrefour in Villaggio, across from Giant at Hyatt Plaza and right next to Carrefour at City Center.
22
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 16:40
Thanks again everyone. It all went really well and just as you described until I went to hand over 2 of the stack of passport photos I brought out to Doha from England. The ones from Europe are to small.... A new question then where can I get American sized passport photos taken here in Doha with a white background? On a side not the Embassy were really good about the issues and I don't have to make another appointment. I just need to drop the photos off at the main gate during consular hours asap, which I thought was great.
29
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 21:18
blister, All the information that has been given to you is correct. I have done this twice in the last 9 months or so. Although you have to go through plenty of security (I thought they were friendly enough), the process is VERY organized and efficient. I used to scoff at the bureaucracy back home, but as I think most of us know it pales in comparison to some of the hoops you have to jump through here. God Bless America! ;) ETA We have had three passports done and they have all been ready within the two week time frame. You do not need an appointment to go pick-up your passport, but must go during Consular Services hours (1 - 3 ?). Make sure you don't go on a Monday, they are closed. <em>edited by mariav on 04/01/2011</em>
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 20:59
I'm pretty sure that main entrance is the only entrance. You first go through 1 level of security where they check your appointment notice then do a quick pat-down before letting you in. Then it's through another security with x-ray etc. where they take your phone if you have, then direct you to the main building (down a long path) and the consular offices are in there. It shouldn't be too bad really. Before renewing mine here the last place I did it was Cairo. Total and complete nightmare start to finish!
1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 15:22
The passport is for me and I have filled out the forms so finger crossed it is all well there. I have my birth certificate and marriage certificate, passport, add appointment confirmation. So I am sure I will have more then necessary but I'd rather go with to much information then to little. Thanks for the tips about security. Just one another question. I know where the embassy is, but where do I dive into. Do I go to the main gate that faces D Ring? That is great about the 2 week time frame, it expired in March and just want to get the new one asap...
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 14:17
I did my son's last year and we had the same experience. Make sure you've got all of the forms filled in correctly. And if it's for a minor, BOTH parents have to be present or you need a separate notarized form for the absent parent. But assuming all is in order, you submit your paperwork, pay the fee, take your receipt, then come back about 2 weeks later with the reciept. They'll send you an email letting you know when it's there. I think that the appointments are issued in blocks, and once you get there you will still need to take a number, so bring a book with you! Oh and if you've not been to the Embassy, the most annoying part is going through security. Best not to bring a phone in with you as they'll just keep it anyway. So best to leave whatever you can locked in your car and just go in with your ID and the needed documents and your wallet. The security people are not particularly friendly either.
62
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2011 - 11:21
We did my daughter's last year and it was pretty easy. Just make sure you have all the right paperwork that's listed on the website and you should be fine. It took about 2 weeks to get back. They sent it to the Embassy and we went and picked it up there.