Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis is pleased to announce that the Passport Division will be present and accepting completed applications and payments at the 2010 Agriculture & Food Fair on St. Croix. Representatives from the Passport Division will be located on the original stage next to the Farmer’s Market Pavilion on the western end of the fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010 and Sunday, February 14, 2010.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for families to come out and get their passport applications in before the summer vacations,” Lt. Governor Francis said. “One of the biggest concerns we face is parents bringing their children in during the weekdays to be present as they apply for a passport. This will alleviate some of that burden.”
Lt. Governor Francis said this year’s Ag Fair participation by the Passport Division is part of an ongoing effort to improve the customer service offered by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by extending service hours to reach that segment of the community who may be unable to visit the Christiansted location during regular business hours.
To fully benefit from the Passport Division’s presence at the fair, interested persons are reminded that they will need to fill out a passport application, which will be distributed onsite; as well as bring proof of citizenship (original copies of birth or naturalization certificate); two color 2x2 photos (with white or off-white backgrounds only) of the applicant and associated fees. For children 16 and under, both parents and the minor child need to be present when submitting an application. If a parent is unable to be present, written notarized consent from the absent parent must be presented to the passport official. Copies of passport applications are available online at www.ltg.gov.vi.
Applications for new and renewal passports as well as passport cards will be accepted during the Agriculture Fair. The fee schedule is as follows:
• $100 for first time adult applicants
• $75 for adult renewal applicants
• $85 for first-time and renewal minor (under 16) applicants
• Passport cards are $45 for adults and $35 for minors
For those applying simultaneously for a passport and a passport card, the fees are:
• $120 for first time applicants
• $95 for renewal applicants
• $95 for first-time and renewal minor applicants
For those seeking expedited service, the cost is an additional $60 to the above fees, and persons must bring with them one express mail stamp with label and envelope. One express mail stamp is sufficient per family. However, if they also wish for an expedited return, they must also bring a money order for an additional $14.96 per applicant. For example, a first time applicant requesting expedited service in both sending their passport application and receiving their passport should expect to bring a money order in the amount of $160, along with an express mail stamp bought at the U.S. Postal Service and an additional money order in the amount of $14.96. At the Ag fair, only checks or money orders will be accepted. NO CASH or CREDIT CARDS.
“We are hopeful that residents take advantage of this opportunity to get their passports and be in compliance with travel regulations that went into effect last year,” Lt. Governor Francis said.
State Department regulations require that U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry must have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the U.S. Government. Persons traveling by air outside of the U.S. must also have a passport in order to enter or re-enter the country. A passport is NOT required for travel solely between the United States and its territories, to include the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, although one is highly recommended.
For more information about passport and passport card application requirements, contact the Passport Division at (340)773-6449 on St. Croix or visit www.ltg.gov.vi.
