We sent my wife's passport to the DC embassy on January 18 for the addition of extra pages. I sent it by certified mail so I know they received it. I have not heard anything since then. There are two numbers at the DC embassy for passport questions:
(202)939-9838
(202)939-9862
I've been calling a lot over the past week. The 9838 number goes to a full mailbox so you can't leave a message. The 9862 number goes to voice mail, but the message is never returned.
I called the 9862 number today and was shocked that someone actually answered. I asked about the status of my wife's passport that we sent over six weeks ago. He said he didn't know and I would have to call the 9838 number. I told him the person never picks up and the mailbox is full, and he just repeated that I have to call the 9838 number.
So I've been thinking about waiting a few more weeks, reporting the passport lost, and then we can go to the embassy in person to get a new one. I know we'd have to get a police report and redo all of the documentation. We have copies of the first and last pages.
Has anyone done this? Would they be willing to reissue a new passport, or would they refuse on the grounds that they have it somewhere? I guess that would be a good sign, as at least we'd find out what happened to it.
We have a trip to South Africa in May so once we get her passport we have to apply for a visa from them.
Thanks for any advice.
(202)939-9838
(202)939-9862
I've been calling a lot over the past week. The 9838 number goes to a full mailbox so you can't leave a message. The 9862 number goes to voice mail, but the message is never returned.
I called the 9862 number today and was shocked that someone actually answered. I asked about the status of my wife's passport that we sent over six weeks ago. He said he didn't know and I would have to call the 9838 number. I told him the person never picks up and the mailbox is full, and he just repeated that I have to call the 9838 number.
So I've been thinking about waiting a few more weeks, reporting the passport lost, and then we can go to the embassy in person to get a new one. I know we'd have to get a police report and redo all of the documentation. We have copies of the first and last pages.
Has anyone done this? Would they be willing to reissue a new passport, or would they refuse on the grounds that they have it somewhere? I guess that would be a good sign, as at least we'd find out what happened to it.
We have a trip to South Africa in May so once we get her passport we have to apply for a visa from them.
Thanks for any advice.