Note: This article was published in Global Update and provides essential information for Costa Rica travelers.

Now is the time to check: if you plan to attend the U.S. Grains Council’s 12th International Marketing conference and 55th Annual Membership meeting in Heredia, Costa Rica, you must have an up-to-date passport.

Start the process of renewing your documents now if your current passport expires before August 2015. Taking care of this chore early is all the more important because State Department officials announced in July a glitch in its global database that created an ongoing backlog of visa and passport processing. Applicants seeking travel documents should expect delays for the foreseeable future.

Please visit the State Department website, http://www.state.gov for information on obtaining or renewing a passport. Also, if you plan to bring a minor child or grandchild, go to the State Department website for information on the documentation needed.