FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2010

County Clerk Offers Updates, Advice to Travel Safely Abroad

ELIZABETH, NJ – With a record number of new passport applications having been processed by her office in recent weeks, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges travelers to be aware of new identification requirements and safety procedures to help you have a more stress-free vacation while traveling abroad.

“Before you head out for that special foreign vacation, take some time now to prevent hassles while in transit and ensure your safety when you reach your destination,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It’s important to have all your documents in order and follow some simple safety tips that can make your foreign trip more carefree.”

As much as possible, it is important to have a written itinerary for your trip. Make copies of your itinerary and your passport so you can leave a copy with family members or friends, and keep a copy with you, but separate from your passport.

Make sure that your passport is up to date and that it complies with local regulations of the nation you will visit. Some countries have new requirements regarding passport expiration dates. And make sure that the name on your airline ticket is the same as that on your passport.

“Become familiar with specific document requirements for the place you are visiting,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “Country-specific information may be found by visiting the website www.travel.state.gov, which is a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the U.S. State Department.”

This website offers the latest tips for traveling abroad, including how to register with U.S. Embassies in foreign countries, and how to deal with safety and health issues, emergencies like lost or stolen passports, and other crises.

Applications for passports may be obtained at the Union County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth or at the County Clerk’s office annex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Applications for passports and related information also can be found online at www.ucnj.org/ctyclerk/passport.html.

For more information about obtaining a U.S. passport, please call 908-527-4966.