As reported in yesterday’s Rush Passport™ blog entry, a Texas woman was denied a passport and the right to travel with her husband on an international cruise.
Today’s Rush Passport™ passport blog deals with another Texas couple with passport problems. A couple complete with snorkel gear and travel guide to the Galápagos Islands in hand were turned away at the airport on the day of their trip.
At the airline’s check-in counter, the husband was told he could not board the first end of a connecting flight to Ecuador en route to the Galápagos Islands. The reason that he was not permitted to board the flight is because Ecuador requires that travelers have a passport valid for an additional six months from the date of their visit. Even though he was only going to be in the airport in Ecuador on his way to the Galápagos Islands, because his passport was only valid for another four months, it did not satisfy Ecuador’s passport requirements.
They planned the trip for months and were shocked to find out about this rule. They had even called the Ecuadorian consulate office in Houston to check whether or not they needed a visa, but neglected to find out about the passport requirements.
Now, Friday afternoon, unable to board, they anxiously waited all weekend until the passport office opened on Monday where they went to renew the husband’s passport..
Finally, on Monday night, they got the passport renewed and were bound for Ecuador’s airport where they boarded a flight for the Galápagos Islands.
The passport dilemma quickly forgotten, the couple was able to enjoy their vacation. You can be sure that they will always be aware to check each country’s passport requirements before planning future vacations.
Don’t let this happen to you. Plan ahead. Be sure to check with foreign consulates to determine entry/exit requirements. However, if you do find yourself in a passport emergency, do yourself a favor – contact Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 / New York Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Live Agent or visit us online at http://www.rushpassport.com
Tags: Ecuador, entry/exit requirements, Galápagos Islands, passport, passport blog, passport emergency, passport office, passport problems, passport renewed, passport requirements, rush passport, US passport, US Passport Card, valid passport, Visa