Hey, Dolls! I initially posted this on Instagram, but received so many questions, thought I would bring the information and conversation to The Pretty Domestic. Peep the story below.

So, rookie mistake y’all …. I let my passport expire!

The backstory. Team Selby’s favorite cousin calls, literally three week ago, and says he’s found a most fabulous place in Cabo

April 1st – 5th – let’s go. We were in immediately. I checked our passports (my gut must have told me something), and mine was expired. Ok, no problem, I’ll pay a little extra + expedite the process. Well, y’all, the State Department was not making it easy on a Doll. 

Fast forward, I’ve been to Cabo and back , so I give you my primer “passporting” in the time Covid.

✈️ Start early.. The usual places that provide the services outside of the State Department cannot do anything less than 4 to 6 weeks.

✈️ Make sure you have every document you may need – including proof of travel. 

✈️ About that proof of  travel, you can’t even schedule an appointment if your travel is not booked. Travel insurance is a must! 

✈️ Don’t expect to get an appointment right away. Take multiple approaches – try scheduling online and calling. Don’t take no for an answer. Call + call again. 

My take – the State Department is trying to discourage travel. Don’t be discouraged!

✈️ Be prepared to travel elsewhere for your appointment. Appointments + staff are extremely limited, so you may need to hop in the car, or on the train, to get to your appointment in another city. I’m in Baltimore, fortunately got an appointment in DC – but was prepared to hit I-95 North + South if necessary. 

✈️ Be early, have ALL of your documents + be prepared to wait. I was told the wait would be fours – it was 2.5. But, I left with passport in hand! 

Have you traveled internationally during Covid? What was your experience? I’m no expert, but will answer any questions you have based on my experience.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

TPD