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Delayed Passports

The passport office may not admit this but, YES, some passports get delayed in the release. You may be one of those applicants who would walk out that door crying (or furious) because your passport isn't ready, and your friends are all set to fly abroad.

Honestly speaking, if you will notice, before you sign your passport application, you are given a sheet of paper to read and sign. We call that a WAIVER. It says that in the event that the passport is delayed, the Office will not be liable to your losses due to your outside commitments. If you don't sign it, then your application will not be processed.

Let's find out why some passports are delayed. The reasons fall into two categories: human error and machine error:

Most common human errors, as committed by people involved in the process, include the following:

1. Misspellings and other typographical errors
    Solution: Carefully check all the information on your form and on the passport preview that will be shown after the assigned clerk encodes you.

2. Incomplete requirements and/or spurious documents attached
    Solution: Be sure that you have all the official documents attached and scanned by the encoder.

3. Lying (by commission or omission) on the application form
    Solution: Avoid giving wrong information on your application, it may cause suspension of application and even lead to future legal hurdles such as complete ban of your application

4. Other miscues by the processor, encoder and/or you as the applicant
    Solution: If the encoder looks preoccupied, remind him or her to please focus

5. Poor packaging from the printing office's end, that may damage the passport booklets

6. Logistic issues such as traffic, accidents, security, misroute, etc.

7. Organizational/inter-office problems  (like the lack of manpower)

Machine errors are technical issues or computer glitches that are unavoidable due to wear-and-tear of the hardwares and devices being used.

Again, as an applicant, be wise enough not to put yourself in a discomfort. I know most people procrastinate when it comes to applying for or renewing their passports. Some have valid reasons as to why they are putting off this important process, but in the end they only have themselves to blame.

Opportunities to travel abroad may come unexpectedly, so give an ample to BE PREPARED. Plan ahead and be proactive.

The rules constantly change, but you cannot leave your future to chance. Although, some people think that a delayed passport could be a sign that it's not yet time. Yet it is best to think you cannot be too cautious in getting/renewing a passport, unless you are willing to suffer the consequences.

Note on renewal of passport: There's such thing as a "6-month-rule" most countries implement. In order to enter their country, your passport must still be valid for more than 6 months. In that case, you wouldn't want to be denied entry, right? If you have a secretary who regularly updates you on your deadlines, that's good, but if you're doing it alone, put a reminder in your smartphone's calendar that is also linked to your email or Facebook.

Also, I know it can be hard to be coming back and forth in the the passport office so save time and money by communicating with them through phone or email. GET their contact information to follow up the status of your passport.

So you see, it shouldn't be stressful if your passport wasn't delivered on time.

Good vibes all the way!

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