Year: 2015

FAST Act Highway Transportation Bill

Posted on by Lloyd C

On December 3, 2015, the House of Representatives passed the FAST Act Highway Transportation Bill or Fast Act. This Act is also known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. This bill is designed to work on roads, public transportation, and other types of transportation systems.

Implementation is throughout the US and over the course of five years. This bipartisan bill focuses on updating old and out-of-date transportation systems. This will help them to work for the future of the country.

While you generally don’t need a passport to travel on these transportation systems throughout the country, the bill also includes an agreement that relates to U.S. passports.

This new passport rule can interfere with the passports of a certain group of people.

How Do Passports Relate to the FAST Act?

Along with customs fees and other areas, new passport guidelines were attached to the FAST Act as a way to help pay for the transportation updates without resorting to a new gas tax to cover the cost.

These new rules also give the government power over whether or not you can have a passport. This rule will affect you only if you have a tax debt of more than $50,000. The government will then send a notice of a lien or levy.

This rule could impact you when you go to get a new passport or even if you already have one. This new law gives the State Department the right and the power to deny you a passport, take away your passport, or limit its use if you fall into this group of people with the IRS.

Considerations on Taxes Connected to Passports

Although the idea of connecting passports with tax collection was discussed before, it didn’t pose a problem with the passing of the FAST Act. There are certain aspects to consider the significance of this rule.

In 2016, people from certain states might even need to use their passports to fly within the country if their state’s driver’s licenses and state IDs don’t meet certain standards, so the new passport could impact national travel.

Conclusion

Nonetheless, the government won’t go after the passport until other avenues for collecting taxes are explored. Also, there are some exceptions, including if you are paying off your taxes through an IRS installment agreement or if you need an emergency passport – to come back to the United States, for instance.

 

The Passport Denial Program: Explained

Posted on by Lloyd C

Applying for a new or renewed passport can be a bit of a stressful time for everyone. You need to make sure that you have all of your paperwork in order and that everything is complete. Do this to avoid your big international trip can go off without delay.

Many people don’t realize that there are certain situations where you will absolutely be denied a passport. Reasons that go above and beyond simply include the wrong type of photo or filling out a form incorrectly. To understand why you might get denied a passport, you must first understand the Passport Denial Program.

What is the Passport Denial Program?

The Passport Denial Program is specifically designed to help states enforce child support-related obligations that people may have. If you owe over $2,500 in back child support, for example, you will be submitted to the Department of State’s Passport Denial Program, at which point the processing of your application will not go through.

The Passport Denial Program is part of the Federal Offset Program and was created in conjunction with the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.

Can I Still Get a Passport In the Passport Denial Program?

If you feel you have fulfilled your child support obligations and were previously in the Passport Denial Program, don’t worry – hope is still there. Upon being submitted to the Passport Denial Program, the agency will hold your application for a period of 90 days.

The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement will then review your case during this period, at which point it will either be released or maintained. If you’re still in the Passport Denial Program after that period of time, you can not get your passport.

If you do find that the OCSE has released your case, the passport agency that you submitted your application through will mail your new or renewal passport to you within two to five business days.

The only situation where this may not be the case is if OCSE takes longer than 90 days. Even if you are deemed eligible to apply for and receive a passport, you must submit a new application.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

There are a few other things that you must be aware of. Especially when applying for a passport with child support obligations. Particularly if you are applying for a passport for the child in question at the same time.

The first is called the Two-Parent Consent Law. This means that you must prove that you have the authority to obtain a passport for the child. Especially if he or she is under the age of 14 years old. You should also be aware of the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program. This means that the child’s legal guardian must be properly notified before a passport application gets approval.

If you’ve just been released from the Passport Denial Program and are worried that you may not receive your passport on time, you can always use an expedited passport service in your area. They can cut the normal processing time from ten to thirteen weeks. Depending on the area of the country where you live.

Conclusion

Make sure you are aware of all the requirements necessary to receive a passport for your child. Be informed and utilize expedited services if needed to ensure that you will have your passport in time for your travels. Good luck!

10 Amazing Tourist Destinations in India

Posted on by Lloyd C

Planning a vacation in India provides an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful architecture, temples and natural surroundings. Although personal preferences impact the best locations for a vacation, having a few locations in mind before a trip makes it easier to plan the perfect vacation getaway. Here are 10 amazing tourist destinations in India that you must go.

Agra – Home to Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal India
While the city of Agra has different areas, including less attractive locations, it is also the home of the Taj Mahal. When it relates to architecture, history and love, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Taj Mahal is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is a favorite destination for visitors to India

Goa – The Sandy Coast of Goa

Goa India
Goa is famous for the amazing beaches, but that is not the only beauty found in this amazing destination. The amazing Dudhsager Waterfall is in Goa. Visit the waterfall as well as the beautiful beaches during a visit to the area.

Amritsar – Home of The Golden Temple

Amritsar is the home to the stunning Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple. The temple is a beautiful destination from afar and when exploring the interior.

Jaipur – The Pink City

The Pink City
The entire city of Jaipur is stunning. The beautiful stucco buildings and the ancient architecture provide an amazing view for visitors around the world. Visit the Amber Fort or the City Palace during a vacation.

Jaisalmer – The Golden City

The Golden City
The Golden City in the heart of the Thar Desert provides unexpected beauty for visitors to the area. Explore the beautiful architecture of the city and the ancient roads that offer a glimpse into the long history of Rajasthan.

Athirapally – The Amazing Athirapally Falls

Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally in Kerala combines unexpected natural waterways for amazing views and stunning surroundings. Enjoy the gorgeous forests, multiple streams and amazing waterfalls that are available in the area.

Lakshadweep – The Laccadive Islands

Laccadive Islands
For individuals who enjoy beaches and salt water, Lakshadweep offers the perfect location for underwater beauty. Go on a coral reef tour or enjoy the exotic surroundings at the beach.

Jagdalpur – Amazing Lush Green Mountains

Jagdalpur
When natural beauty is a personal preference, visit Jagdalpur for a chance to see the Chitrakoot Falls. The 98-foot tall and 980-foot wide waterfall is an amazing view. During the monsoon season, it is brown with silt. During the summer months, expect clear water.

Kendrapara – The Bhitarkanika Wetland

Bhitarkanika Wetland
Kendrapara is the home of the Bhitarkanika Wetland. The beautiful forest and the wide array of waterways provide a chance to see different animals. In particular, the wetland has the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India and is a nesting beach for sea turtles.

Udaipur – The Rajput-era Palaces

Kumbhalgarh Fortress Udaipur
Udaipur is sometimes called the Venice of the East due to its vast network of lakes and waterways. Visit the Lake Palace or the Nehru Garden for a trip that incorporates more than just the beauty of the waterways.
India is a vast country with stunning natural settings, beautiful architecture, and thousands of years of history. While planning a vacation or trip to the country, set aside some time to explore the beauty of the area.

How to be Part of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago

Posted on by Lloyd C


Trinidad, which is one part of the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, is in the Caribbean. The island is just seven short miles off the coast of Venezuela. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago are known all over the world for a wide variety of reasons, including some of the most impressive sites and the most gorgeous examples of nature at its finest. It is also famous for the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. This annual celebration is always on Monday and Tuesday immediately proceeding Ash Wednesday.

Traveling to Trinidad

Though becoming a true part of Carnival is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It is also something that will require you to make appropriate travel accommodations before your trip begins. Going to Trinidad from the US will require you to have a passport. If you do not currently have a US passport, there are a few ways you can obtain one.

Passport Application

Before you fill out your passport application, ensure all your official documents are in order. You will also need to gather all evidence that indicates the reasoning that you’re taking a trip to Trinidad. Other documents may include a copy of your birth certificate or other proof of identity.

There are very strict passport photo requirements when applying for a passport. Each photo needs to be a front view of your face. The photo must be six months or less. The purpose of this is to make sure that the photo on your passport accurately reflects your current appearance. This way, when you are ready to take the trip you can avoid certain types of issues. Issues that may arise when entering or exiting the country.

A Passport Photo

Passport photos will also need to be in full color and must print on high-quality photo paper. Each passport photo will also need to be two inches by two inches in size. You can have official, high-quality US passport photos taken in a variety of locations in your area. Places, including the post office and any major pharmacies.

Another factor that you must consider when applying for your passport is where and how you get it processed. By far, the most convenient location to process your passport application is at a US Post Office location. Any USPS location will be able to accept all of your information and begin processing. The factor that you need to keep in mind, however, is that this is also by far the slowest way to get a passport. Standard waiting times can exceed five weeks or more. Especially during the busy summer travel season or if you live in a heavily populated state.

You may also choose to take your information to regional passport offices for the purposes of processing. These locations are dedicated to a single goal, which means that all of your information will be processed much faster than it would be at a USPS location. If the waiting time is still too long, you may also choose to use an expedited passport service in your area. For this method, you will need to pay an additional “Rush” fee on top of the original passport application fee.

Once you have made it to Trinidad, you will also want to note the location of the US Embassy in the country if you run into any issues. If you lose your passport or other important documents during your stay, for example, the US Embassy will help you take care of all of these issues and more.

The Embassy of the United States in Trinidad and Tobago is located at 15 Queens’ Park West, Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago. In addition to helping you with all documentation and passport-related needs that you may have while you’re on your trip, it can also be an invaluable resource for the purposes of obtaining a non-immigrant VISA and other types of documents.

Do You Need a Passport To Go to the Virgin Islands?

Posted on by Murray L

Thanks to the fact that the U.S. Virgin Islands is a United States territory. So, preparing for any type of trip will not necessarily be as time-consuming as it would be with other destinations. As long as you’re a US citizen, you don’t need a passport to travel by air or sea to the United States Virgin Islands.

Do You Need a Passport To Go To the Virgin Islands?

As previously stated, United States citizens are not required to bring a passport when traveling to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, you will still need to bring photo identification, such as an official state driver’s license to fly. You will not be legally required to present your passport when entering the islands and will not be stopped by United States Customs officials at any point.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are not a legal United States citizen and plan on flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you must provide a passport during your travels. You will need to provide this information at two distinct points – once when you enter the U.S. Virgin Islands and once when you return to the United States. Even if you already live in the United States, you must show your passport during your trip.

Benefits of Having a Passport

Even if you’re a US citizen, it might still be a good idea to bring along your passport. For example, your passport will always be accepted as identification on your trip. This can make it easier when you board your return flight home.

How to Obtain a Passport?

A passport requires you to apply at a passport facility nearest to your home. Many United States post offices will both accept and process your passport application.

You will need to bring the appropriate payment for fees, a color photo that matches all of the requirements (it must be a current headshot taken within the last six months and must be two inches by two inches in size), and other documents.

You will also have to provide a certain document that will serve as your “Proof of Citizenship.” This will help to make sure that your passport is processed accurately.

If your trip is just around the corner and you don’t have time to wait three to six weeks for standard passport processing times, you may also choose to use a passport expedite service to help things move along much faster.

Conclusion

The documents and paperwork required to apply for a US Virgin Islands passport may seem overwhelming, but most applicants should find the process easy. As long as individuals arrive at their appointment with all documents in order and filled out correctly, they can expect to receive their passports within ten to thirteen weeks.