Passports, Visas, TSA PRe-check & Global Entry

Are you ready to start traveling again? We sure are! As the world opens up to tourism again, we are excited to start packing our bags. And we want you to travel with us! Retired Active Women is in the process of planning a variety of exciting trips that are affordable and fun. Whether it’s relaxing on a peaceful beach or exploring the world, our members will find all types of adventures to choose from. But first, here are some things you can do now that will make your future travels run a bit smoother.

Check Your Passport If you already have a passport, take a look at the expiration date. If your expiration date is coming up within the next year, it’s a good idea to go ahead and renew it. If you are traveling and your expiration date is six months from your travel date, you will not be able to use it. If you need to renew it, don’t hesitate, because the process can take about four months these days.

You will need to apply in person for a passport if:

-You are applying for your first passport. -Your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged. -You are under 16 years old, or your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or under. -Your passport was issued more than 15 years ago. -You will need to apply at an Acceptance Facility. Search for a facility near you here. Get more information on Passports here.

Applying for a Visa Some countries require guests to obtain a Visa in order to enter the country. This is a stamp that will go in your passport, and will state the time frame that you are allowed to be in that country. Some Visas will allow you to leave the country and return, while other Visas will only allow one entry. For traveling with Retired Active Women, you will most likely just need a single entry. You do not apply for a Visa until you are in the process of booking a specific trip. When planning a trip that requires a Visa, the trip organizer will let you know what the Visa requirements are.

Like passports, don’t procrastinate when applying for a Visa. This may involve sending your passport to a Visa/Passport agency, who, for a fee, delivers your passport to the appropriate embassy or consulate. Then they return your passport with the Visa stamp attached.

TSA PreCheck

For those in the United States, if you plan on being a frequent traveler, we highly recommend you apply for TSA PreCheck. This will help you avoid long security lines on domestic flights, plus you won’t have to remove your shoes, belt, laptop or light jacket. The cost is $85 for five years. It can take a while to get an appointment, so this is another item you may want to get started on. For more information, check out the TSA website here.

Global Entry

Also for citizens of the US, Canada, and other countries, Global Entry is a program you may want to consider. This will help you avoid long lines in Customs as you return home.

Avoiding long lines in Customs can sometimes make a difference on if you make your connecting flight or not. With Global Entry, you can usually breeze through Customs in a matter of minutes.

Also, if you have Global Entry, TSA PreCheck may be included. The cost is $100. It’s a good idea to apply right away, because getting an appointment can take months!

For more information on Global Entry, click here.

Mobile Passport Control … a FREE Alternative to Global Entry If you don’t want to pay $100 for Global Entry, you can download a free app to your phone called Mobile Passport Control. Accepted by many airports in the US and Canada, the app has some advantages over Global Entry:

• It’s FREE.

• You don’t have to make an appointment and wait months to qualify – just download the app and you’re good to go!

• You can enter more than one traveler on one phone, and you go through Customs together.

• You get through Customs about as quickly as those with Global Entry.

• It is accepted at many major airports.

Let’s Go Somewhere!

At Retired Active Women, we are planning some amazing trips around the world for our members and their guests. We are also looking at family-oriented group trips where members can bring children ages 8 and over. Create lasting memories for your children or grandchildren!

When you join Retired Active Women, you will be invited to participate in our trips at incredible prices. Plus, if you are traveling solo, we can help you find a roommate when trips require double occupancy. It’s just another bonus for being a member!

Where do you want to go? Let’s chat about it on our Travel discussion forum. We hope to see you on a trip with us soon!

Join Retired Active Women, an online community with offline adventures for mature women in or nearing retirement.