Year: 2013

Honeymoon in Style: Planning an International Vacation with a Passport (Name Change)

Dreaming of a romantic getaway with your significant other? With a passport in hand, the world is wide open for exploration. Whether you’re looking to venture somewhere exotic, explore the depths of history, relax on beautiful beaches, or seek out thrilling adventures, an international trip will create memories to last a lifetime.  But planning an international honeymoon isn’t always easy – and luckily we’ve got the tips and tricks to make sure that you can jet off into marital bliss without any worries.

You can find everything you need about passport information, entry requirements, and downloadable forms from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. For those who are in a hurry, we’ve collected some key details for you.

Forms of Identifications

If you’re planning to visit any country outside the US and its territories (like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), you’ll need some form of identification as entry requirements differ for each country. This can include one or more of the following:

  • You’ll need to bring your passport or a valid proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Proof of onward travel or a return ticket.
  • Visa is basically pre-departure approval which is often needed for longer or shorter visits in some countries.
  • Tourist Card: You can typically get a tourist card from either a country’s consulate or the airline.
  • A credit card or bank statement will do the trick as proof of sufficient funds.
  • Proof of hotel reservations
  • Immunizations post covid some countries now require your immunization card.
  • Military I.D. card
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Voter registration Card
  • Expired U.S. passport

Important

  • Just a heads up, some countries need your passport to be valid for six months or more beyond your travel dates. So, if you have a passport already, make sure to check its expiration.
  • If your passport shows travel to Israel, some Middle Eastern and African countries might not issue visas or allow entry.
  • If you need a visa to enter a country, you often have to get it before you go. In some cases, you can get it when you arrive. Call the country’s embassy or consulate to find out. Check out this website for all your visa needs www.nationalpassportservice.com

How do I travel for my honeymoon after my wedding with my maiden name on my passport?

Planning to travel after your wedding, especially for your honeymoon, might seem difficult at first. But with all the relevant information about your documents and plans, the process becomes easier than you’d think. As long as it hasn’t expired, you can use it as usual, just like anyone else. Even if your passport is in your maiden name, the name shown on it remains valid until it eventually expires.

How to Change the Maiden Name on my Passport?

If you are a newlywed or recently divorced woman, you may be wondering how to change your maiden name on your passport. Luckily, the process is quite simple. First, you’ll need to fill out Form DS-82, which is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Then, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documentation, including your current passport, your marriage certificate or divorce decree, and a recent passport photo.

Once you have completed all the paperwork, you can either mail it in or go to a passport agency in person. Keep in mind that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to receive your updated passport, so be sure to plan accordingly if you have travel plans. With a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to update your passport with your new name and continue exploring the world with ease.

Conclusion

A honeymoon in a foreign country can be an amazing and unforgettable experience. Planning ahead, budgeting carefully, and knowing the requirements for obtaining a passport with a name change are essential steps to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

When thinking about spending time abroad, make sure to research what activities you’ll have access to once you get there such as sightseeing, cultural experiences, and more. With careful planning and knowledge of the process behind obtaining a passport with a name change, couples can create memories that will last a lifetime during their international honeymoon adventure.

Six Months Passport Validity Rule

What is the six-month passport validity rule? When traveling overseas, most people know that a valid United States passport is required to enter an international destination. But, what is unknown to the traveler is that some countries would need to have enough six-month validity on their passport to travel to the country known as the six-month validity passport rule for visitors.  Therefore, if your passport expires within the next six months or, in some cases, three months, some countries will refuse to give you entry into the country.

Hence, this rule is in place so that if the unexpected visitor needs to stay for up to six months, his/her passport would be valid to leave the country.

What is the Six Month Passport Validity Rule?

The 6 Month Validity Rule is imposed by foreign countries and not by the United States of America. It means that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you can enter a foreign country that imposes the six-month rule. This rule is imposed by some of the countries we have listed below. This rule is prevalent in the Asian continent, such as China and Hong Kong.

Which Countries Require Six Months on Passport?

When visiting another country, remember that the six-month rule is enforced by countries outside the US, not by the US. Hence, it’s important to know the rules when entering or leaving to avoid any issues.

AlgeriaAngolaBotswana
CameroonCentral African RepublicChad
CongoCote d’IvoireDjibouti
EgyptEquatorial GuineaEritrea
EswatiniEthiopiaGabon
GhanaGuineaKenya
MadagascarMalawiMauritania
MoroccoMozambiqueNamibia
NigeriaRwandaSenegal
Sierra LeoneSouth SudanSudan
TanzaniaTunisiaUganda

AfghanistanAzerbaijanBahrain
BangladeshBhutanBrunei
BurmaCambodiaChina
IndonesiaIranIraq
JordanKuwaitKyrgyzstan
LaosMalaysiaMaldives
MongoliaNepalNorth Korea
OmanPakistanQatar
SingaporeSri LankaTurkey
TurkmenistanUnited Arab EmiratesVietnam
Yemen  

FijiFrench PolynesiaKiribati
Marshall IslandsMicronesiaNew Caledonia
PalauPapua New GuineaSolomon Islands
TongaTuvaluVanuatu

BoliviaEcuadorGuyana
PeruSurinameVenezuela

Countries That Require a 3-Month Passport Rule?

Which countries need you to have a passport that is valid for three months or more? As a traveler, it’s important to know the requirements for international travel. One important factor to consider is the validity of your passport. While most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months, there are some that have a 3 months passport rule.

Albania*LithuaniaAustria
LuxembourgAzerbaijanMalta
BelarusMoldovaBelgium
MonacoBosnia and HerzegovinaMontenegro
CzechiaNauruEstonia
NetherlandsFinlandFrance
North Macedonia*GeorgiaNorway
SpainMoldovaGermany
LatviaBelgiumPanama*
SwedenMonacoGreece
LebanonBosnia and HerzegovinaPoland
SwitzerlandMontenegroHonduras*
LiechtensteinCzechiaPortugal
NauruIceland

Other Countries with Passport Validity Requirements

CountriesPassport Validity (On Arrival)
Bermuda45 Days
Eritree3 Months
Hong Kong3 Months
Lebanon3 Months
Macau3 Months
Micronesia4 Months
South Africa3 Months
The Maldives3 Months
Zambia4 Months

U.S. Citizens Entering U.S. with a Passport Expiring in 6 Months?

The six-month validity requirement does NOT apply to an American citizen using a U.S. passport to enter the United States or Canada. He/she may do so up until the date of expiration of the passport.

Overall

Even though many countries implemented the six-month validity rule, other restrictions are enforced to enter these countries. Some require a passport to have one clean page per stamp or at least one available sheet. Also, a visa is a requirement to enter some countries. Be aware of this significant document because without it, when it is required, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the country you plan to visit.

Having a passport with plenty of validity before travel is best and wise. Also, it is necessary to know some laws of the country you plan to visit to avoid any mishaps or know what to do when you are there.

Applying for a Passport Outside of United States: How to Guide

apply-for-a-passportMoving to another country can be an exciting adventure. There are a lot of new and wonderful things to learn from another country. If you are living abroad, you want to be assured of being able to come back to the US whenever you want. Your US passport is your little piece of home. So, if you let your passport expires, you may think it will not be easy to apply for another one. But, it is a relatively simple and painless procedure.

The Embassy or Consulate

To begin with, you need to find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Ask them for the relevant documentation and application forms to fill in for your passport. Each embassy and consulate has different procedures for submitting these. So, always be sure to check online or with your embassy or consulate.

Supporting Documents

There are also supporting documents you need to submit along with your application forms. These are to establish your U.S. citizenship and to verify your identity. This will make the process move forward with a bit more speed. The necessary documentation usually is your birth certificate which shows that you were indeed born in the US. If you do not have this, then you will likely be refused a United States passport. You may require to submit an affidavit along with your evidence of citizenship.

Under normal circumstances, this would not be necessary. But since you applying outside of the US, this may be an extra requirement as a supporting document. Verifying your citizenship and identity is a crucial part of applying for a passport outside of the United States. As with most other applications, there are fees. These vary from embassy to consulate so again you must check with them to make sure that you are paying the right amount.

This may seem like it is a laborious process, but the forms are quite simple to fill in and the instructions that accompany the forms are detailed and easy to read so you will be able to make sure that you don’t incorrectly fill out your application. If you do this on the internet, the United States Government’s passport site has an excellent ‘Passport Application Wizard’ that automatically ensures you fill the form out correctly.

After all your documents are checked by the consulate, you should receive your passport quite speedily.

How Can I Get a Passport in 2 Weeks?

While getting a U.S. passport is a relatively simple process, if you need a passport in 2 weeks this could take a little more effort. Standard passport turnaround times are about 4-6 weeks and expedite processing, for an extra fee, usually requires 2-3 weeks.

However, for last-minute travel plans that require a passport in less than 14 days, a trip to a Regional Passport Agency may be necessary. Appointments are mandatory and can be scheduled 24 hours a day via telephone at 1-877-487-2778. Most locations are in major cities. So, allow extra time for travel if you do not live in a major metropolitan area.

The Application Process

The standard passport application will need to be filled out, and renewals require form DS-82 as well. In addition to the passport fee, which ranges from $130 – $195, the Expedited Service fee of $60 per person will apply. The new passport can be picked up at the agency or mailed. Overnight delivery has an extra charge of $12.85 per application. All agencies accept checks, money orders, and credit and debit cards.

Expediting Agencies

Some agencies may require proof of travel within two weeks to use this expedited processing service. Have a copy of your itinerary. They will not accept a mobile itinerary. The Regional Passport Agency does not charge any extra fees to use their services. In some cases, passports are available within hours of applying.

Expedite With a Private Passport Company

If you are unable to travel to your nearest Passport Agency, there are also many passports expediting services. They generally charge fees in addition to the passport charges listed above. Fees may range from $70 – $300, depending on how quickly you need a passport. One benefit of using an expediting service is that the passport is delivered to your location. Whether it’s your home or the airport.

Both choices are legitimate options. The main difference lies in cost and convenience. Going directly to an official Regional Passport Agency will save the costs of using an expediting service. However, with an expediting service, you never even have to leave your home.

The fees listed above are current as of 5/10/13, but the most up-to-date information can be found at the State Department.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a passport takes time and commitment when done through official channels. This process is essential in becoming an international traveler, however, in some cases, you may need to expedite the process. It is possible to get a passport within two weeks if you’re willing to pay the additional fees and consult a professional service if necessary.

It’s important to remember that although it may seem expensive upfront, the long-term benefit and satisfaction of having a valid passport far outweigh any costs associated with it.

Ways to Expedite Your Passport Renewal Application? [2023]

Are you ready to travel but concerned your passport expiration date is looming? Don’t let that hinder your international plans. With expedited passport services, it’s easy and hassle-free to get a brand-new passport in as little as 24 hours. Whether you’re heading out for business or pleasure, guide yourself through the entire process in this blog post on how to efficiently renew an expiring U.S. Passport quickly and easily

Expedited Passport Renewal by Mail

If you have more than two weeks to renew your passport, you can opt for this method. You can download and print the application form to fill out at home or ask for a renewal form from your local post office. Once you have completed and gone through the form, you can send it in along with the rest of the necessary items, such as passport photos and payment method.

Be sure to pay the expedited fee and overnight delivery. This way is ideal for people who need a passport in a rush. Also, for others who do not have the time to visit a regular processing center.

Expedited Passport Renewal by Passport Agency

If you need your passport in less than two weeks for any international travel, you will need to make an appointment to submit your passport application in person. Since you will be dealing with the passport agency in person, the process will be faster. When your paperwork is filed, the Regional Passport Agency would be able to get your passport the same day.

Make sure to check the US Department of State travel website to bring all the necessary paperwork. Also, have the payment to make the process go as smoothly as possible. It can definitely be a hassle to make an appointment and travel to an agency to expedite your passport renewal, so have patience and also a lot of yourself enough time to get it done.

Expedited Renewal with Passport Expediter

If you don’t have the time to mail your application, or you are nowhere near a regional passport agency, don’t fret, there is still a way for you can expedite passport renewal in time for your trip. There are privately owned companies, such as National Passport that are authorized to submit passport applications on behalf of their clients. It cuts your wait time in half and you can do this on your own time and terms.

Of course, there is the disadvantage of having to pay extra for the company’s service. But, this will allow you to run other errands you need to get done before your trip.

The majority of the responsibility will be on you to bring all the necessary paperwork. The company will make sure there are no hiccups in the process. Once the transaction is complete, you will have your renewed passport and be ready to travel.

Conclusion

The passport renewal process is one that you should start as soon as possible. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute if you need it for an upcoming travel trip. All the time and energy put into expediting your application is worth it when you get your new passport in hand. It can bring forth an assurance that the journey of the unknown awaits with ease. Enjoy great travels knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Applying for a Passport at the Local Government Office

Applying for a passport is one of the unfortunate hurdles that await those seeking adventure around the world. There are many rules and procedures that have to be followed in order to complete the process in a timely manner.

Rest assured that obtaining a passport is well worth the adventure that can be had by traveling to all of the exotic destinations around the world.

All of the information needed to obtain a passport can be found on the government website; www.travel.state.gov. The process for first-time passport applicants is different than that of someone looking to renew an already existing passport. Below is the process for first-time applicants.

First-Time Applicants: Passport

You have to apply in person at a local government office such as a city hall or DMV if you fall into one of the following circumstances;

1. This is an initial passport application.
2. Under the age of 16.
3. A previous password was issued when the owner was under the age of 16.
4. A previous passport was lost, damaged, or stolen.
5. A previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
6. Any name change.

Before going into a local government office, one should prepare the necessary paperwork and proof of citizenship. The first step is to go onto the government site in order to download form DS-11 which is the application for a new issuance of a passport. Next, fill out the form but do not sign it until at the government office in the presence of the registrar.

The next step is to prepare a document that proves the applicant is a US citizen. This can be accomplished via one of the following primary methods:

1. A previously issues US passport.
2. Birth Certificate.
3. Consular report of birth abroad or certification of birth.
4. Naturalization certificate.
5. Certificate of citizenship.

Secondary Documents:

Applicants must also present secondary forms of identification in person such as a driver’s license, government ID, or military ID. These will need to be brought along with the primary form in order for applications to be processed.

Those wishing to save money should also have a passport photo taken of themselves before they head to the local government office to apply. This saves time and will cost about half of what the government charges. Applicants can also ensure that they are happy with the photo as well which isn’t a bad thing. Ensure that the photo is not attached to form DS-11 when applying.

Applicants will also be required to pay a passport origination fee when they apply. The fee ranges from $165 for adults seeking a book and card to $55 for only the card. Most applicants will want the book as the card only allows access to Canada.

The final step is for applicants to travel down to their local government office and apply in person. It is imperative that all of the required documents are brought as well as the proper forms filled out. Applicants will be sent home if anything is missing.

New passports take approximately a month to arrive on average but can fluctuate due to demand. Wait times have been known to be as long as six months although that is rare. Once the passport arrives, applicants should immediately sign and fill out all pertinent pages. After that, holders will be able to travel the world and maybe check off a few bucket list items.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying for a passport at the local government office does not have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. With preparation and knowledge of what to expect, the entire experience can be a pleasant one. Remember to plan ahead and bring all necessary documents with you to the office.

Expedited Passport For International Trip [2023]

Are you planning an international trip and need to acquire or renew a passport in record time? Don’t worry – with the help of expedited passport services, it’s easier than ever to get your travel documents on short notice. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this guide will give you all the information you need to know about obtaining an expedited passport quickly and easily.

So if you’re preparing for a last-minute international trip, read on to learn how expedited passports can help shorten wait times and simplify the process.

Expedited Travel Document: How to Guide

Getting an expedited passport for an international trip is possible, but there are extra steps that are necessary to get your passport quickly. When the passport application is complete, the applicant must include an additional passport expediting fee for expediting your passport.

This would ensure the State Department put your passport application on priority status. The process usually speeds up the processing time by about two weeks. When expediting with Post Offices be sure to mark “expedited” on your envelope and on your passport application.

You also need to pay an additional overnight delivery fee for your passport. The State Department recommends you use a two-way overnight delivery method. This would ensure you get your passport back on time for your International trip.

Covid 19 and Expedited Travel for International Trips

International travel during the Covid-19 pandemic has become a complicated and challenging endeavor. Many countries have implemented strict entry requirements and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

However, for those who need to travel urgently, expediting the process can be crucial. Expedited travel services now offer a way to reduce the time spent waiting for approvals, visas, and clearances required for international travel.

Applying with the Regional Passport Agency:

If you need an emergency passport, and you will be going on an international trip, and your passport is expired or you need a passport for the first time. You could apply via the Regional Passport Agency for your passport. Only if you have proof of international travel. By applying with the Regional Passport Agency in your area you could get your passport the same day.

Please call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment. We are available to take your call Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note that our appointment line is closed on federal holidays.

Apply via Private Expediting Passport Company:

If you cannot apply for a passport by going to the Passport Agency. You could apply by hiring a private expediting company to expedite your passport application for you. Our company recommends the following expediting passport company. These companies have expedited passports for us and we highly recommend them.

But it is more expensive than applying yourself. As you need to pay for the private expediting company plus the State Department Fees for your passport application. You can download and fill the forms out. Applicants must prepare in advance and have all the required documents before going to the local to apply for the passport services they need.

It is crucial to have all the necessary documents in order to have the passport process go as smoothly as possible. Applying for an expedited passport means that the passport applicant must have all the necessary documents for their passport.

If you are missing any documents, do not submit your application as this may cause a delay in the process.

Conclusion

All in all, the addition of expedited passport services is a godsend for international travelers. It would make obtaining the necessary paperwork to travel abroad much faster and simpler. With more streamlined processes in place for obtaining a passport, traveling overseas could quickly become a breeze.

What to Do When Your U.S. Passport Is Damaged?

damage-passportWhether your passport has been damaged via tears, normal wear, rips, staining, or water, it must be replaced immediately if traveling abroad. If the damaged passport involves your photo I.D., damage to the back or front cover, or any of the stamped pages, airline and customs officials have the right to deny entry into a country.

If your passport is even slightly damaged in any way, officials may consider it to be suspicious and question its validity. Hence, it is better to be safe than sorry and apply for a replacement.

The US State Department has the following categories for any damaged passport:

Different Types of Damage Passports

  • Water Damage Passport – Damage due to a Water Condition
  • Rip Passport – Rips or Tears Passport that make it hard to read
  • Suspicious Marking Passport – Suspicious markings on the personal I.D. page
  • Torn Out Passport Pages – Pages that have been torn out
  • Holes Passport – Unapproved holes or staples
  • Other Damages on Passport – Other Damages unapproved by customs officials

If you are in the US and you don’t need your passport immediately, go to the nearest Passport Agency. You can also go to a Post Office and get the application form.

The normal replacement time is between four to six weeks. If you need your new passport sooner, there are a couple of options for getting your new passport quickly. First, you can pay an expedited fee to the passport agency where you live for a two-week delivery.

Secondly, a professional expediter service will act on your behalf and submit an expedited application for a replacement passport.

Expedited passport businesses are registered with the U.S. Department of State and they provide various passport services to individuals, travel agencies, and businesses.

They work with national and international Passport Agencies to retrieve your confidential information. This information is verified through documentary evidence, which they will ask you to submit so that they can quickly return a new passport for your travels.

Necessary Documentation Necessary When Traveling Abroad

Some of the personal documentation necessary when traveling abroad could be proof of present address, date of birth, an original police report, and an affidavit affirming the damage to your passport.

If your passport becomes damaged while traveling abroad, then again you must appear in person at the local consulate, government office, or your native country’s Embassy. Travelers can also receive assistance at the nearest airport offices in some locales. In an extreme emergency, the consulate office or Embassy will issue a passport with a time limit which must be returned in promptly upon coming back to the US.

An additional option mostly favored by travelers is the services of an expedited passport service company. Expedited businesses have provided a new passport as quickly as 24 hours. They take the stress out of a stressful situation by replacing your passport in a very short period.

When travelers contact an expedited passport service and fulfill their requirements, the professional expedited company representative will appear at a passport agency on your behalf.

The passport agency staff will review your forms and confirm them. The agent will then issue you a new passport. The expedited service representative will send you your new passport according to the type of mail service and time frame you have chosen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your U.S. Passport is damaged, you must follow the protocols outlined by The Bureau of Consular Affairs to submit for a replacement. It’s important to provide all documents and information promptly for the quickest processing time with maximum security. Please be advised there will likely be additional fees associated with a replacement passport and that they may take up to eight weeks to receive in return. Be sure not to forget all of the many steps throughout this process as even the smallest mistake can lead to unnecessary delays in receiving your new passport.