Tips for renewing passport in Los Angeles
July 20th, 2021 パスポート・ビザI renewed my passport in Los Angeles.
Normally they have a service office in Arizona, but they closed because of Covid, so I flew to Los Angeles.
I was worried about my first renewal, but I was able to renew without problems.
If you are coming from far away, you will have to make arrangements for flights and hotels, and you definitely do not want to do again.
Here is a summary of what I took care of when I renewed my passport.
Things to Keep in Mind
【Advance preparation】
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Make a reservation（Due to Corona, They're on a full appointment basis）
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Check the size of the photo
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Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready (including deadlines)
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If you have any concerns or questions, call the consulate to check.
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Expedia's plane and hotel packages are easy to use (the app is also easy to use)
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If you know someone in L.A., contact them so they can help you if something happens.
【On the day】
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Be aware that the consulate is located in the wrong place on Google Maps（It's better to search by address）
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Don't forget to ask for one day ready at the counter
【Transportation】
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For long-distance travel, Lyft and Uber are cheap and convenient (if you want to be sure, check with your hotel or call YellowCab to make a reservation).
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If you have access to the internet, it's easy to check in for flights in advance with a mobile phone.
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Be aware that there are many homeless people in the downtown area of Los Angeles (especially don't go near Skid Row or MacArthur Park, and don't walk late).
That's all. In order to complete the renewal smoothly, it is important to prepare in advance and check documents many times.
My husband's friend and his wife, who live in the Los Angeles area, picked me up and took me out to dinner, so I felt safe even by myself. Thanks to my friend.