Warden Message # 3

Embassy of the United States of America

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

WARDEN MESSAGE

February 4, 2008

The Embassy requests that wardens pass the following message in its entirety to members of the American Community:  

 

CONSULAR WARDEN MESSAGE

Subject: Increases to U.S. Passport Fees

and New Parental Signature Requirements for U.S. Minors

On February 1, 2008, the U.S. Government will increase its fees for certain U.S. citizen passport services.  For adult applicants renewing a passport, the total fee will increase to $75.  For first-time applicants age 16 and over, the total fee will increase to $100.  The fee for minors under 16 years of age will be $85. 

Effective February 1, 2008, passport applicants who are U.S. citizen minors under the age of 16 must appear personally with their parents to establish identity, proof of citizenship and proof of relationship.   For parental application permission, both parents must appear together and sign, or one parent may appear to sign and submit the other parent’s notarized statement, or one parent may appear, sign, and submit primary evidence of sole authority.  Minors age 16 and 17 may apply in person with their own identification, but for security reasons, parental consent may be required.  If your child does not have identification of their own, a parent will be required to accompany the child and present identification.

Please refer to the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov for complete information on all new requirements, including downloadable revised forms that must be used as of February 1, and the U.S. Embassy website at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov for complete U.S. passport application instructions.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/ and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

No.03/2008

American citizens are reminded to keep their registration up-to-date.  See http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/registration.html for registration information. 

To hear recordings of the most recent security information, you may call the Embassy in Riyadh at +966-1-488-3800 and press 6 for regional or worldwide security information.  You can also review earlier Warden Messages at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/citizen_services.html.

General Inquiries: RiyadhACS@state.gov 

Registration Inquiries: RegistrationRID@state.gov

ACS Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/saudi-arabia/Consular_Section.html