Month: February 2015

How to be Part of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago


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?

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.