U.S. PASSPORTS - Renewing • Adding Pages • Stolen • Lost - IN Costa Rica - a Step-by-Step Guide

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO
RENEW YOUR
U.S. PASSPORT
at the U.S. Embassy in
Pavas, San Jose, Costa Rica

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WHAT DO I DO IF MY PASSPORT IS DUE TO EXPIRE WHILE I’M ABROAD?
It’s SOOOO EASY to renew it from Abroad (my story on that later)!!  Just follow instructions below.


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BEFORE YOU GO • IN ADVANCE

APPOINTMENT
The U.S. government now (as of November 2011) REQUIRES that ALL people wishing to deal with Citizen Services at a U.S. Embassy (throughout the world)  
MUST make an Appointment in ADVANCE!! 

This is ONLY done ON-LINE at

EvisaForms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=SNJ&appcode=1#top

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this
(unless you're a Tourist that's had their Passport Lost or Stolen and that process is below)

When making your appointment for ANYTHING PASSPORT related - just press anything - as their system is screwed up and missing a category for people who need to renew a passport that's less than 15 years old - or for extra pages.



FORMS•DOCUMENTS NEEDED:
First go to:
CostaRica.USEmbassy.gov/passports.html
to see all the requirements


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PASSPORT RENEWALS:
All you need is your Passport you're Renewing

$110

and
 
DOCUMENT DS 82
Travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html
Their site mentions that the passport MUST be in GOOD Condition - NOT stained or Ripped (hmmm - I wonder if it is that means you have to file again [since they're worried about you having "Doctored" your passport])

Was your passport ISSUED MORE than 15 years ago?
 It looks like you'll HAVE to apply as if it were a First Time Passport at the $135 price.


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LOST•STOLEN PASSPORT DOCUMENT:
 (I believe this also includes Damaged Passports as well as you just want a new one - perhaps because you don't like the picture - or you have lots of stamps in it)

$135

and
DOCUMENT
Travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64_845.html

Travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html


*****READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO!!!!*****

 First read what they require of you as MOST you will NOT have (Original or copy of Birth Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad, or Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate and Photo Identification like your Driver’s License or photo ID card original or photocopy.  If you got your passport stolen - chances are you might not have that info BUT - what I do BEFORE I travel I make a COPY of all this and Scan it into a JPG and PDF and email it to myself and 4 other people along with ALL my passwords and important information [Goddess forbid - JUST in case something were to happen to me] - so IF anything happened - I could EASILY•CALMLY just go online and send it to whomever I'm dealing with at the embassy.  I find it SURE makes life MUCH easier•calmer when you're prepared for what MIGHT happen!).  If you do NOT have the documents they need - do NOT fret as it CAN be dealt with with a series of questions/verifications). 


If your passport was STOLEN you MUST provide PROOF of that - by going to the "police" - but NOT just any police - you MUST go to the 
OIJ - the Organismo de Investigación Judicial 
(pronounced “O-E-ho-tah” - the U.S. equivalent of the FBI) -
to file a Denuncio (pronounced "DE-Noon-See-Oh".  They are open 24/7!).  

HINT:  EVERY TIME I've taken someone there/been there there was SOMEONE that spoke SOME level of English so not to worry (actually - EVEN if you DO speak English - fake it and just say "Habla Ingles" as each time I've done that I didn't even have to wait in line and I was seen within minutes!!)!!  Make sure to KEEP a Copy of this document - JUST IN CASE you may need it one day!!!
The CostaRica.USEmbassy.gov/passports.html site just mentions if you can wait 2 weeks (meaning you're not a tourist leaving that week Emergency - you would fill out DS 64 as if you were applying for a First Time Adult Passport - yet below that statement it has both these links (hmmmmmm . . . . - maybe DS 11 is for the Emergency people - it's not clear)

OIJ  -  THIS I've had mixed reports on PLUS I have had first hand experience! 
Some have said the OIJ won't take reports for a passport - BUT - I myself have done that - plus I've taken 2 people to do it and they were REALLY HELPFUL!!!
IF you had anything else stolen and you're filing a claim for your insurance (TOURISTS - as a former travel agent•writer - I would say don't always get insurance - BUT - with Costa Rica - I'd say DEFINITELY GET TRIP Cancellation•Interruption Insurance and Medical Insurance!!  There are TOOOO MANY opportunities for things to go wrong here•accidents.

OIJ
Tribunales de Justicia Building - 2nd floor
(2-437-0337 / poder-judicial.go.cr/contraloria/linea_800_telefonos_y_ubicacion_de_oficinas_judiciales_circ1_alajuela.htm)
FILL A COMPLAINT  -  800-800-0645
EMERGENCY  -  911

DIRECTIONS to the OIJ: 
San Jose  -  Take Paseo Colon heading East. 
At Avenida 2•Segundo - go East towards San Pedro.
After the Teatro Nacional (about 8-10 blocks), you will come to the base of the hill (it’s the backside of Museo Nacional - where the Plaza de la Democracia [on your left - JUST after the Artisan Mercado] is on the left. If you look to ahead the right (about 2pm) you will see the tall court buildings about 2-3 blocks away.
Turn RIGHT just at the base of the hill. I believe that road should either take you right in front of it on the left after 2-3 blocks, or at least it's within those several blocks where the court complex is. If you were to keep going straight you'll come to a stop where you have to turn right. The Tico Times is somewhere on that road. I think it's Ave. 8.


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WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY IF YOUR PASSPORT WAS LOST OR STOLEN?
An "EMERGENCY" is when a TOURIST (NOT someone living in Costa Rica full time or a Resident doing their Visa Run) looses or has their passport stolen and they have an AIRLINE TICKET showing they are DEPARTING within THAT WEEK!!!!




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DAY OF
GETTING TO THE EMBASSY

DRIVING THERE:
If you're driving - #1 - BEFORE you even make your appointment - make sure to check the restrictions on your license plate:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/08/DrivingInSanJoseRestrictions.html

PARKING:
There is NO parking around the parameters of the U.S. Embassy. 

You can NO LONGER park in the plaza/market across from the embassy. 

PARKING LOTS: 
There IS a parking lot that is on the East side of the Embassy (50 meters North) - across from Banco Nacional.  It is FREE for Banco Nacional account holders so it might be to your advantage to go in there and do some banking if you have an account there (though I'm not sure how much time they give you).  Otherwise it isn't real cheap if my memory serves me.
The other Parking Lot is - from the Catholic Church Loretto - 50 meters North to the Left.

Otherwise you get to park and walk a few blocks



DON'T WANT TO DRIVE?

TAKE A TAXI!

MY FAVORITE form of transportation for getting around in Costa Rica - leave the frustration/nightmare to them so you can ENJOY the ride and check out the area!!
I have a list of LEGAL Red (with a Maria•Meter [ALWAYS look the SECOND you get into a car to make sure the meter is on!!]) English-Speaking Taxi Drivers that are happy to assist you - many are in Escazu (the next city over) but they can usually come get you from an area further.  My top ones give the BEST service I've found!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/08/EnglishSpeakingTaxisCR.html
(please make sure to tell them Vicki Connected you)



BUS
Pretty much MOST buses that head out throughout Costa Rica originate in San Jose.  This one - "LOMAS" bus leaves from the Coca Cola Bus Terminal.
AutoTransportes Pavas S.A. - AutoTransportesPavas.com/rutas.html).
PRICE:  300-colones



GETTING DROPPED OFF IN FRONT
WARNING!!!!  If you have a taxi or someone dropping you off at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica - do NOT have them do it directly in front of the doors as a guard WILL come down and rush you off like you're a terrorist (or just go REALLY FAST before they guard can make it to the car)!!  This happened to me one time when I was taking an older lady who could not walk far.


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SECURITY CHECK-IN:
When you first come to the entrance of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica in Pavas, you MAY see a BUNCH of people lined up to your Left.  Do NOT NOT NOT go to that line as that is usually Tico’s/whomever applying for a U.S. Entry Visa. 

U.S. Citizens - people with appointments just walk UP the middle stairs and a guard will open the door and ask you if you have an appointment and they will take your passport and verify it from the appointment list.

Then you will give the guard behind the counter EVERY Electrical device you have - cell phone, camera, iPad, iPod, computer - ALL of it - and they will give you a little key and put your items in a locked box for you to retrieve when you are exiting.

You then put your purse, backpack, bag, wallet, whatever through the Security Scanner and you walk through the People Security Machine plus they will scan you.



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FORMS•DOCUMENTS
If you have not already printed up the appropriate Document you need from their website - as you exit the Security Check-In - to your RIGHT on the wall of the building - there should be a table and box with all the necessary forms (or you can get it once you’re in the building [I suggest earlier - especially if you’re needing your Passport Photo taken - that way you can be filling it out as you’re awaiting that]).



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PASSPORT PHOTO
You need a 2” x 2” photo with a white background and full front view.
You can get this PHOTO taken right there in front of where you exit the Security Check-In.
(note - I believe Costa Rican Passports have a different size so if you go to a place that SAYS they do Passport Photos - it MAY not be the correct size - ASK!!!  I had this happen to me and in the end, I HAD to pay to get new pictures taken so it’s easier just to pay the $2 to KNOW you’re having it done correctly from the beginning!!).
Wait a few minutes to receive your 2 Passport Photos (when I was there they had a mirror so you could primp last minute)
PRICE:  2 photos for 1,000/$2


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PROCEED TO THE BUILDING
Go Up the stairs to the building on your Right (the people sitting out in the open area are non-American’s waiting for their Visa process) and a Guard will tell you what window.
Just sit and wait till they call your name.

When they call your name - go to that window and someone a Citizen Services person will look at your documents to make sure they’re correct. 

Then they will tell you to go to the
"CAJA"
WINDOW 3
 to pay what is due.



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PAYMENT • CAJA:
You can pay at the Consulate, in U.S. dollars or its equivalent in colones - OR - international Credit Cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express).
Personal checks are NOT accepted. 

They will give you a Receipt and you sit down and the next time the person that was helping you is free - jump up to their window IMMEDIATELY BEFORE they have a chance to call another name.


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MEGA $$$ Saving HINT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
READ!!!!  READ!!!!  READ!!!!

The NEW PASSPORTS (the ones with the "Chip"•Tracking Device) have
FEWER blank pages that you can get stamps on
(now just 20 pages vs 24 that the old passport had)
AND
They are NOW CHARGING
+$82 to get an
ADDITIONAL 20 PAGES ADDED

BUT . . .
There IS a way you can get can get those
20 ADDITIONAL PAGES for FREE(Jeannie said she had 51 blank pages on hers that she requested the free additional pages with)
BUT . . .
ONLY if YOU request it 
at the time of 
ORDERING your new•Renewed Passport!!

Vicki's THOUGHTS ON THIS:
So if a renewal is $110 (showing ALL your stamps in it - including those "Perpetual Tourists") and Adding New Pages is just $82,
I think NEXT TIME my Passport fills up (which will be soon) I'm just going to pay the $135 for a WHOLE NEW PASSPORT (since it's not due to renew soon) and I'll request the additional pages at THAT TIME (remember - chances are REALLY GOOD that embassy personnel will NOT offer this to you so YOU MUST ASK for the FREE Extra Pages!!) and then I have a TOTALLY CLEAN•blank Passport
(this is a VERY HELPFUL HINT for "Perpetual Tourists" - as - though Costa Rica does NOT have a policy against PT's - all it takes is one angry Immigration person to think you remind them of the girl their husband ran off with to block you from coming in.

I am NOT telling ANYONE ELSE to do it (YOU have to do what YOU feel most comfortable with!!  For me - I'll also be HAPPY to get a new picture as my current one is BAD [fyi - you can request a new passport ANY TIME for ANY REASON - as long as you pay the $135 they require!!)!!


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FINALLY (for now)
Finish the process at the Embassy and if you still have your passport (vs it was lost or stolen) they will give it back to you and all you need to do now is wait for your New Passport to come in.

WAIT TIME
WAIT about 2 weeks for your NEW PASSPORT to come in and YOU go BACK to the Embassy to PICK IT UP
(they will send you an email notification that it's there as SOON as they’ve received it which COULD be less than 2 weeks [but don’t hold your breath on it!])


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PICKING UP YOUR NEW PASSPORT
As mentioned above - your new passport should take about 2 weeks to come to the Embassy in Costa Rica for you to pick it up and once the embassy has received it they send you an email (that's been the process for everyone I've talked to and MY experience also.  Actually - mine came in 11 days).

You do NOT NOT NOT need to make an appointment for this
just go during regular
Citizen Service HOURS
Monday - Friday - 8-11am
AND
Monday  -  1-3pm

I LITERALLY was in and out of there in 11 minutes!  What a BREEZE (and a pleasant shock!!)

I've had some people report that they were told that the Embassy would mail them their renewed passport to their P.O. Box but I spoke with one of the heads of Citizen Services and they said they NEVER mail a passport to ANYONE that processed a passport through the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica because they have some procedures you must do TO GET that new passport:

#1 - you (or your designated person) HAVE to SIGN for the new passport.

#2 - to get your new renewed passport you MUST bring in your old passport for them to IN-Validate it in order to Activate the new one (they either take your old passport [personally I'd keep it for my records - JUST in case!!  Ya NEVER know!!!] - OR - if you want to keep the old passport you can - BUT - AFTER they punch 2 sets of holes in [if your passport was lost or stolen - of course you wouldn't have that but at least you come in & sign for it]).

I did learn something new (!!!) & that is you CAN AUTHORIZE someone else to pick up your new passport for you - IF - #1 - you have informed them of that (ULTIMATELY when you initially apply) - or at least you have email CORRESPONDENCE with them (meaning they've verified it [just in case they didn't get it]).  It does NOT have to be "Notarized" like SOOOO MANY documents must be in CR to give someone else authorization to do something!!  BUT - when you are giving them that authorization for someone else to pick up the new passport - it's best to include their EXACT name on THEIR passport or cedula (their legal verification that THEY'RE them) - PLUS the old passport # & the name on that passport they're picking up!

These are precautions to prevent your passport getting into the wrong hands.

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MISC. HINTS • NOTES:


WHEN SHOULD I RENEW MY PASSPORT BY?
If you’re going to be traveling, depending on where you’re traveling to - some countries require your passport MUST be good for at LEAST 6 months.  Many are now requiring 3 months.



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IMPORTANT INFO•THINGS TO BRING


PEN
Bring a Black or Blue Ball Point Pen

 

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"EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO"
In our current times of friends and families phone numbers and emails+ being so automated - make sure to bring the name, address and phone number for your “Emergency Contact”!
Don't worry if you forget it - it's not the end of the world!!  You can go onto their website to register with them or make changes to your existing profile.




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VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
The applications require that you to have a VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (if you do not have a VALID Social Security number [like you're hiding out from the IRS or something] you are subject to a $500 PENALTY BY the IRS!!]



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ADDING ADDITIONAL PAGES
You MUST NOW pay an ADDITIONAL +$82
to ADD additional pages into your passport.

You DO NEED to make an appointment
(since there's no category for this or a few other things - just check off anything that is Passport related)
And you will get it THAT DAY!! 
HINT!!  
Make your appointment for as EARLY in the day as you can as if it's later - you might have to come back in the afternoon after lunch!!!

(See the Red Section above on how to get ADDITIONAL
FREE PAGES!!)
WhatEVER you do - do NOT NOT NOT ALTER your book in ANY WAY as it IS considered
FEDERAL PROPERTY and does NOT belong to you!!!!
If you alter it in ANY way (rip it intentionally [my story on that later], glue in pages from your old book+++]) - it IS PUNISHABLE by LAW!!!!
"Alteration or mutilation of a passport issued pursuant to this application is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under the provisions of 18 USC 1543. The use of a passport in violation of the restrictions contained herein or of the passport regulations is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under 18 USC 1544."



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U.S. Citizen Services
at the U.S. Embassy in Pavas, Costa Rica
CostaRica.USEmbassy.gov/service.html


HOURS for CITIZEN SERVICES:
Monday through Friday - 8-11am  
and  
Monday - 1-3pm

BUT - EVERYTHING now is 
BY APPOINTMENT!!! 



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FEDERAL BENEFITS

Social Security  •  Disability, etc.

Need help??  FIRST you MUST
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
(NO exceptions!!!)
2-519-2228

This is automated and TOTALLY DIFFERENT than the Embassy Citizen Services.  I believe the recording asks you to leave the last 4 digits of your Social Security number and a LIVE person is supposed to call you back within 24-48 hours (speak VERY CLEARLY and SLOWLY when leaving the message to help insure them hearing you correctly and being able to call you back!) - or send them an email  -  FBU.CostaRica@ssa.gov

DOOR 1 or 2
(note - if you have an appointment - listen carefully for them to tell you what door to go to as you can't see inside and I've known a few people that didn't hear them and either walked into and waited at the wrong door or walked in on someone!  It's NOT uncommon!!)



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NOTARY SERVICES:
The new prices to Notarize is
$50/per document

Make appointment (it can take a week or more to get an appointment) here:
https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/make_calendar.asp?postcode=SNJ&appcode=1&type=3&servicetype=NS&First=Y
(when I looked at this site there were appointments for the following week so plan accordingly)



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LIVING IN OR TRAVELING TO COSTA RICA
The U.S. Department of State suggests that you REGISTER with them - in case of emergency (receive notifications of advisories, Goddess forbid in case of emergency, etc.)
https://step.state.gov/step
https://step.state.gov/STEP/pages/individuals/newAccountStart.aspx



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UGHHHHH - I do NOT like my photo!! What's a girl to do?
If you've already sent it in - the only choice is live with it for 10 years - OR - BUY a new passport - BUT you'll have to pay the full $135.  You're not doomed for life (or at least 10 years).



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WHEN IS THE BEST and WORST TIME TO VISIT THE 
U.S. EMBASSY IN COSTA RICA?
BEST DAY
(fewest people there ON AVERAGE):

BEST DAY  -  Thursdays!!!
(when I went to apply to renew my passport on a Thursday at 9am [I had already downloaded the form and had it all filled out - or you can get them just after you enter the space - on the wall to your right.  Pick it up there, go get your Passport Photo [ - I was in AND out in 36 minutes [including time it took me to walk to the building from where I went through the security scanner!!] and when I went to pick up my  
Next slowest day (on average)  -  Wednesday.
Next slowest day (on average)  -  Tuesday
(THOUGH - Tuesday can be HORRIBLE if there was just a 3-day weekend!!! [Note that the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica recognizes MOST U.S. AND Costa Rica holidays - See CostaRica.USEmbassy.gov/holidays.html for the days the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is CLOSED)
IF it were ME, I’d try NOT to be the “First Appointment” of the day as I’m sure there are others with the “First Appointment” so you may have to wait till they all clear first.


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WORST DAY

#1 BY FAR  -  Monday
(because all the people that had their passports stolen over the weekend.#2  -  Friday
(in part because the weekend has the busiest travel dates so this is especially true)
#3  -  Tuesday
(mainly if there was just a 3-day weekend!!!)



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DO I HAVE TO STILL WAIT FOR HOURS AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN COSTA RICA IF I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT?
Priority is FIRST given to people with an appointment!!!  MANY people are telling me they usually get called up immediately or within 15 minutes on average.



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MY EXPERIENCE and that of when I've helped others with the process with following these instructions (ESPECIALLY taking heed with what day/time to come) has made ALL MY experiences (and those I’ve assisted) REALLY GOOD!!!

FYI - if you want to have a better experience - be REALLY NICE to the people helping you!!  They are ONLY doing their job and following governmental procedures which does NOT give them much wiggle room.

I’ll bet if you’re a snitty person that has issues with the government, chances are REAL GOOD you’ll attract someone helping you that’s not having a good day (ahhh - the Law of Attraction!!).


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HAVE YOU HAD A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE?
PLEASE share with me if your experience has been different by emailing me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com 
and share your Comments below!!!



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Has this been helpful to you?
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DONATION
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PLEASE "SHARE" this with ALL American Citizens You know!!
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/02/renewing-your-us-passport-cr.html

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