Ralph Norman

03/30/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2023 13:38

Passports and International Travel

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

March 2023 Update - There are currently extensive delaysat the U.S. State Department in processing passport applications. If you are considering international travel requiring a passport anytime in the foreseeable future, please continue reading for critical information:

Before Booking Any Travel

Each county has its own rules concerning passport validity periods and visa requirements. It is your responsibility to understand the entry rules associated with your travel plans!

It is imperative you read the State Department's website to understand destination specific information, current processing times, passport procedure, necessary documents, plus additional information related to your travel. Click here to access the U.S. State Department's website.

If You Need to Renew Your Passport

Please note: if your existing was issued more than 15 years ago and has since expired, or was issued when you were under the age of 16, you are not eligible for a renewal. In this situation, you will need to apply for a new passport.

Current processing times at the U.S. State Department for passports renewals are taking approximately 7-9 weeksfor applications that have been expedited, and 10-13 weeksfor routine, non-expedited applications. It is wise to add an additional four (4) weeks to these times for any unforeseen problems.

Click here for additional information about passport renewals. Also be sure to check the U.S. State Department's website for the country/countries you intend to visit for other important information, including any visa requirements.

If You Need a New Passport

Current processing times at the U.S. State Department for new passports are taking approximately 7-9 weeksfor applications that have been expedited, and 10-13 weeksfor routine, non-expedited applications. It is wise to add an additional four (4) weeks to these times for any unforeseen problems.

Click here for additional information about new passports. Also be sure to check the U.S. State Department's website for the country/countries you intend to visit for other important information, including any visa requirements.

When to Contact Rep. Norman's Office:

Rep. Norman's office serves individuals who live within South Carolina's 5th congressional district. This includes all of Cherokee, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Union, and York counties and parts of Spartanburg and Sumter counties. If you do not live within South Carolina's 5th congressional district, please click here to find your representative and contact his/her office for assistance.

For residents of South Carolina's 5th congressional district, Congressman Norman and his staff will do everything possible to help those constituents who need assistance with expedited passports. However, it is important to understand that every situation is different and ABSOLUTELY NO GUARANTEEScan or will be made concerning the date by which your application will be processed by the State Department, or the date by which your issued passport will arrive.

If you need a passport (new or renewal) for international travel:

  • to a country that does not require a visa and you are scheduled to depart the U.S. within the next 14 calendar days; or
  • to a country that does require a visa and you are scheduled to depart the U.S. within the next 28 calendar days; or
  • You have already applied for a passport (new or renewal) but have not received it within the prescribed time...


...please contact Rep. Norman's Rock Hill office for help expediting your passport. A copy of your travel itinerary will be required. At this time, Rep. Norman's office is unable to help expedite passports unless & until you meet one of the criteria above.

Rep. Norman's office in Rock Hill is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM - 5 PM. You can contact us by phone at (803) 327-1114. Please be prepared to complete and quickly return this required Privacy Release Form to our office, which gives Rep. Norman's congressional staff the authority to contact the U.S. State Department on your behalf.

PLEASE NOTE

(3/30/23) New Rock Hill Passport Office hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-11:00am Walk-ins only