My passport is only three years old. However, in the last six months I have lost 50 pounds (my goal is 75) and shaved off the beard I have had for the past twelve years. Do I need to change my passport photo? We plan to cruise again inthe fall.
Unless your loss of weight has changed your facial features beyond recognition, I don't think there's any need to get a new passport issued. As for the missing beard, I believe that the authorities see a lot of that kind of face alteration. If you're in doubt, you might consider growing back the beard a few months before your cruise. And congrats on your dietary success!
An inexpensive way of getting a new passport picture is going to the local Brooks, Walgreens where they use a digital camera... I'd bring a picture with you.. Had a friend that lost many, many pounds and her drivers license didn't look a think like her "new" weightless.
Just "having" a new picture with you is not the same thing as having it officially affixed to your passport. Anybody can carry a current photo around. It doesn't mean anything unless it's officially affixed to the document.
Immigration people in most places are well trained in these matters. They don't look at the "overall appearance" like we do. They look at such things as the separation of the eyes. It's uncanny how they are able to see past many overt changes.
I know that such things as growing or shaving off a beard or moustache are no big deal as far as the immigration people are concerned. They see that all the time.
If you're really concerned you should consult with a local passport office or the State Department. Maybe send them your existing passport picture and a new photo and ask them what they think.
Here in Orlando a woman was denied boarding a flight because she didn't look enough like her driver's license photo. She was a cancer patient and had lost a lot of weight and her hair was just starting to grow back in. Here's the story. So there is a slight possibility that the weight loss and beard shaving would cause a problem.
Thanks to all for your help. Based on what I am hearing my hair line (or more correctly my lack of a hair line) and other features should be close enough for identification. I will be getting a new driver's license soon so I will have a more up ro date "official" document with me. Thanks again.
cant answer your question but, CONGRATS on lossing the weight. that is fantastic. i bet you look and feel like a new man. keep up the good work and have a great cruise.
JerryO congrats on the weight loss. I know what you mean, my passport is new and I I was trying to lose weight so I probably should have waited to get my picture taken but who knew, I lost 26 pounds and I'm hoping they just look at it and say you look much better now.........at least thats the plan. Have a great time and enjoy the new you.
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