US passport prices hit expats in city

• Source: Global Times
• [09:38 July 15 2010]
• Comments

By Craig Curtis

Lineups at the US consulate in Shanghai Wednesday remained as lengthy as usual, a day after the United States announced new passport price increases.

Passport renewals for US passport holders climbed from $75 to $110, while new passports for minors, people under the age of 18, increased to $80, up $20 from before.

A new charge was also added for those wanting to insert additional pages to their passports, a service previously offered free of charge.

American Jacob Yount, who arrived at the US consulate on Nanjing Road West Wednesday, was supportive of the new fees.

"It's a good way for the US to make money," he told the Global Times Wednesday, adding that every little bit helps, given the country's current economic situation.

According to the website of the US State Department, the increase in passport fares is meant to provide more financial support to Americans living overseas, who may need help in crisis situations.

Still, others queuing Wednesday, many of whom were unfamiliar about the new fees, had their gripes when they found out about the news.

"They should really better inform us of these kinds of things," American Birdy Tolar, told the Global Times Wednesday.

A passport clerk at the consulate Wednesday said that registered Americans in the city were informed about the changes via e-mail.