Being a family on the go is a thrill! This year we embarked on a one-year global exploration, with our kids in tow. We’ve made some amazing memories so far, but let me tell you, traveling for a long stretch isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s an adventure, a test of resilience, and sometimes, a logistical headache.
Speaking of which, we recently found ourselves facing a dicey situation. Our youngest daughter’s passport was set to expire four months into our one-year journey, a fact we had mistakenly overlooked. Given the circumstances, you can bet we were worried. But as I write this blog today, I’m relieved to report that we’ve successfully managed to navigate this ordeal.
In this post, I’ll be sharing our experience at the US consulate in Guatemala City, where we managed to renew our daughter’s passport in just two weeks.
But before I delve into the details, here are the crucial links you’ll need:
[US Consulate in Guatemala City](https://gt.usembassy.gov/)
[Appointment setting for US Passport Services](https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=GTG&appcode=1)
When we discovered the impending expiry, we rushed to set an appointment at the [US Consulate in Guatemala City](https://gt.usembassy.gov/). The process was fairly straightforward and user-friendly. All we had to do was to fill out some basic information and pick an available date and time.
But before stepping into the consulate, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules. Here’s what we learnt:
1. No electronic devices: This rule includes cell phones, laptops, tablets, watches with connectivity, and cameras. We left ours in the hotel room, but there’s a storage facility available for a fee.
2. Arrive early: Be sure to reach 15 minutes prior to your appointment to go through the security checks. The process is thorough but efficient.
3. Have all documents ready: This includes your current passport, completed forms, passport photo, and a method of payment. Check the [U.S. Department of State’s passport renewal page](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html) for specifics.
4. Stay patient: The waiting time can be unpredictable. For us, it took about an hour before we were called in for the interview.
The process itself was surprisingly smooth, and the consulate staff were very helpful. We received our daughter’s passport in just under two weeks, and we were ready to continue our adventures.
It’s important to remember, though, that all experiences can differ, and circumstances can change. So it’s always a good idea to start the process as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
Happy traveling, and remember: as much as we plan, the unexpected will always be part of the journey. That’s part of the fun of it all, isn’t it?
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