My daughter's US passport is valid till August. We're facing an unusual situation in which her grandfather, living in Europe, is in such poor health, that I'm afraid to send her passport out for renewal, 'cause we might need to suddenly pack and leave for Europe before her new/renewed passport is back in our hands....

What's the best logistics for us to chose?

Thanks!

Many countries will not let you enter using a passport with less than six months on it.

Send it off now and if something happens, you can call and get it taken care of immediately.

Thanks, GoTravel... I don't even know WHO to call.... If we need to leave, it will be a matter of, well, not couple hours, but certainly within a day.... I don't see how we can get it one in a day....

Or am I wrong....

...We live in Chicago. Is there a way to handle this in person, in the city? Who do I call? Where do I go?

Yes, in emergencies only your local congressman or senator can get it done in hours.

I would go ahead and send it off for renewal.

Renewals take much less time than new passports.

I got mine in a week and a half.

GoTravel, may I ask when you renewed your pass in a week and a half? Thanks.

So if I send it, say Monday, and then we get a call Tuesday.... What do I do then?....

This is such a situation where things can change very rapidly.... Been a Roller Coaster for the past couple weeks...

Mamamia, have you checked your options on the government website?

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get...renew_833.html

Good luck.

Hi M,

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Great minds, ira!

Thanks, guys. Got enough leads to take it from here....

I appreciate your help!

I sent my passport in for renewal on about Dec 20th and got it back on Jan 7.

Unfortunately, it had been dropped in a puddle, then the USPS sealed it in an airtight back with an apology printed on it. MIldew had started and the whole thing looked like lasagna noodles.

I took it into the local passport office on Jan 8 and got a new one in the mail two days later.

You should call and find out if you can go in in person to get a renewal : 1-877-487-2778

Here is the official web site, too:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

One trick to get a passport on the spot is to print out a proposed foreign itineray from an airline website with a departure date in less than 14 days. You do not have to lie...just tell them you really would like to be on this flight to see dying grandpa, and can they possibly get the passport done ASAP.

Don't wait any longer. He's not getting any younger, and like said above, many countries will not let you in with less than sim months remaining on your passport.

Hi M,

Call the embassy of the country in which GF resides.

In general, if the passport is good for more than 90 days after arrival Schengen countries will let you in.

My daughter flew out with us to see her grandpa just 5 weeks ago... His situation deteriorated suddenly a week after we left....

No, I don't have an itenerary, simply 'cause things change every day now... My concern is, this situation can go on for days/weeks/months we don't know, nobody knows....... As I mentioned before, I'm concerned of waiting for her renewed passport to arrive, while we need to fly out for a funeral.....

But I'm gonna make a few phone calls tomorrow. Try one of those local passport office (one in our village hall)...

I'll be back with some info -- so others in the future can benefit....

We sent my husband's passport in for renewal on 1/14/08 (we spur of the moment booked a trip to Bermuda for 2/8/08). We did use the expediting service and got it back on the 28th.

In your case, pay for the expedited service. DO IT RIGHT NOW!!!!

My husband was able to get his renewed in one day by going to Houston. But you have to make an appointment over the phone through automated service before you arrive. Go ahead and get all the paperwork printed from online and completed, and make sure you all your info.

I learned that only if you have an itinerary and a reservation documented by an airline, they will be willing to expedite the passport procedure.

Sent my renewal in on Jan 10th, regular mail (but certified0. Received new passport on Feb 4th. I was shocked !