Just a note now that you mention photos. Mine came out very light--almost faded looking on the passport and one time in Orlando they pulled me over to check it to make sure it wasn't a fake!
Jim - I think photographers here set up for darker skin types than you and I have. Every time I've used a professional photographer here my photos were overexposed and all I can figure is that if my skin was darker the photos would have been fine.
The Passport I got via Servicios Consulares in Plaza Caracol was issued by the US State Department and returned quickly in diplomatic pouch.
