Getting Your Passport

Here’s what EF requires regarding passports:

“A passport is required for all EF Educational Tours. U.S. citizens traveling abroad must bring a passport that is valid for at least six months after the tour’s return and has at least three blank pages. Once you have received your passport, please confirm your passport information to EF by logging in and visiting your “My Tours” page. (This information is required by 110 days before your tour departs.) Make sure that the first, middle, and last name on your EF account matches your passport letter for letter, including punctuation and spacing. We recommend that all Group Leaders collect a photocopy of each traveler’s passport to verify that it has been signed and to double check that the name on the passport exactly matches the name in our records. For more information, please visit the U.S. government passport website. You can also live chat with our Traveler Support team here on our site (click on the “EF” icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen) or reach them by phone at 800-665-5364.”

There is some more information from EF on this page. Already have a valid passport? Great! You are good to go.

If not, here is some information on how and where to get your passport. I suggest getting the application process started this spring. I’d especially like to see all the seniors confirm their passport info before they graduate.

You can get a passport at the Sedalia Post Office. Their hours for taking passport applications are 8:00am-3:30pm M-F (with lunch falling 11:00-1:30). Use this website to schedule an appointment with the application office. There are several requirements for getting a passport and I’m sure you have some questions. I will try to outline the main things below, but here is the government website with all the details.

Citizens age 16 and older can get an adult passport. Those 16-17 have to have guardian “awareness.” All applicants for adult passport books use Form DS-11. You can get this form online or at the application center. It should be complete but UNSIGNED when you go to apply. You also must:

A) have original, physical proof of citizenship (a previous passport, birth certificate, certificate of citizenship)

B) a photocopy of your citizenship evidence

C) show parental awareness if under 18 (parent is with you or provides a document, details online)

D) present a physical ID (there are several types online that can work, but driver’s is most common)

E) submit a photocopy of the ID

F) provide a 2×2 color photo or have one taken at the facility ($15 to take it there I believe). I have read you should have a straight face when taking passport photos – don’t smile with your teeth showing or it might be rejected.

G) pay for it: $130 for the adult passport book and $35 for acceptance fee. (Yikes. Steep, I know.)

It can take 8-11 weeks once the application arrives at the passport office (not from when you send it), so I’d estimate about 12 weeks until you receive it. After you receive it, it needs to be confirmed on EF’s website and I’ll eventually need a photocopy of it to bring with us on the trip in case of emergency.

If you have more questions, email me!