Do you need blank pages in your passport?
 

I'm traveling with an OAT group to Central America in Jan. They have advised that we should have at least 5 blank pages in our passports for entry into these Central American countries, or we may be refused entry. Has anyone had problems with passport space when traveling in Belize, Guat. El Sal. or Honduras? I have spaces on several pages, but not 5 totally blank ones, and I'd rather not renew my passport before its time in 2 years.

May I piggyback your thread since I am in a similar situation? I'm planning a trip to South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Zambia next year and I only have 3 blank pages left. I still have 2 years on my passport but I was going to renew now if blank pages for these countries are necessary. If anyone has input I would appreciate it.

There was a time when you could get blank pages added for free. I would do that if it were still possible but now there is a charge for extra pages. I think it makes more sense to renew and get a 52 page passport if extra pages are needed.

What is the cost to add more pages? I forgot about that option.
It may be cheaper than getting a new passport.

The last time I checked it was $82. That is cheaper than getting a new passport but if your passport only has 2 years to go I think it's best to renew. When you renew you can request a 52 page passport at no extra cost.

The more I think about it I am sure I will just renew to be on the safe side, and this time I will get a 52 page passport.

In my post above I wasn't sure of the cost, but I just checked the State Department's web site and it still costs $82 to add pages, just FYI.

according to US Passport service, cost is $60.

The State Department issues passports so they are the ones to set the fee. US Passport Service sounds like a service to expedite passports for you. I'll bet you US Passport's fee is $60 to expedite this service for you, but the State Department's fee of $82 will still apply in addition to USP's $60. There's no way a third party could do it cheaper than the State Department, since the State Department is the source.

Here is a link to the State Department's web site, scroll down to special services to find the fee for adding pages:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html

P_M: You're right, I guess I didn't scroll down far enough.