Year: 2016

What You Need to Know About Upcoming U.S. Passport Changes

Posted on by Lloyd C

What You Need to Know About a PassportOn January 22, 2018, the REAL ID Act will come into effect.

This will require more stringent ID checks on all domestic flights. In fact, by 2020, driver’s licenses were longer be acceptable on domestic flights in the US. As a result, many people are racing to renew their passports to ensure a smooth and trouble-free travel experience. However, questions still remain about what passport changes have been added to the new passport one.

What kind of delays can be expected on passport renewals, and how to go about renewing a passport.

Here is what you need to know.

Why You Should Get Your Passport Renewed

The REAL ID Act has already caused a significant uptick in passport renewal requests. The estimated expectations are 17 million in 2016 and a whopping 20 million in 2017 and 2018. According to the Department of Homeland Security, after 2020, absolutely all travelers on U.S. domestic flights will no longer accept driver’s licenses as a form of ID. Hence, that will make passports a necessity.

Due to this massive increase in applications, the State Department’s recommendations are for travelers to upgrade their passports. So, a passport renewal for an adult costs $130 and takes 4-6 weeks. The State Department indicates that there could be delays in the coming years due to the number of applications.

Many people are also unaware of the 6-months validity rule. This rule is applicable in many countries. Countries in Asia and almost all 26 European countries in the Schengen Zone use the 6 months validity rule. Going to one of these countries with a passport set to expire in 6 months, you will get stopped from entering. All the more reason for renewing your passport as soon as possible.

In order to receive a new passport, you should first visit the State Department’s website where you can find just about all the information you need to go about the renewal process. In general, you can either mail-in form DS-82, which you can find online, or you can do it in-person at about 8,000 locations where agents will process your passport request.

New Passport Features

The federal government is rolling out a number of changes to passports. This is in order to protect national security and reduce fraud and misuse. A new passport makeover will start in July of 2016. Perhaps, the biggest change is a new chip going into the passports. This chip feature will be on the information page of your passport. It will be machine-readable and contain key biometric data on each traveler.

The chip also offers new security features that will keep people from falsifying your data based on information stored on the chip. There will also be a variety of new watermarks and “optically variable” special inks along with special designs that stop forgery and misuse. The inks will change color on the angle you view them. While certain designs or artwork will actually raise off the page so you can feel the design. Other forensic features and technological improvements will be in the near future as well.

There will be other changes as well, such as fewer passport pages. Current passports feature 52 pages, but the new 2016 passports will feature only 28. The new passport has a polycarbonate coating that protects the book from water and bending.

Ultimately, getting your new passport sooner rather than later will provide you with more security. Also, it will help ensure that you avoid any headaches during your travels.

Everything You Need to Know About A US Passport Card

Posted on by Lloyd C

When you’re getting ready to travel, have you ever heard about a passport book from one person or source and a passport card from another source or person?

Are passport books and passport cards the same thing, or are they different?

The passport card is valid when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at landed entry points. The passport card is not valid if the owner wants to use it for air travel.

However, a passport book is just the right document to use to travel around the world.

What Does a Passport Card Look Like?

190px-Passport_cardA passport card looks like a driver’s license or credit card in size. The passport card has the applicant’s photo and data printed on them. There are many places in the US that can issue a US passport card; these are called Passport Application Acceptance Facilities. A passport book is larger and is most often in television shows or movies. It is somewhat larger than a postcard.

Where Can You Get a Passport Card?

US passport cards can be picked up at post offices, regional passport agencies, or through a private passport expediter. There are nearly 9,000 places in the US that make it more convenient to receive a passport card or a passport book. For more information on obtaining a passport card here.

What Documents Are Needed?

Because a passport card can be used to attest to United States citizenship and the identity of the person who is carrying it, the necessary documents to receive it are as stringent as most identification-proving documents.

An applicant has to prove their US citizenship, which includes their birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a previously issued passport.

An identification document, such as a copy of a valid identification document and a passport photo is also necessary.

How Much Is a Passport Card?

The first passport card a person receives costs $55 for an adult; it can cost $40 for a child under the age of 16. The expense for the card has a $25 execution fee built-in. If an adult has received a passport card after they turned 16, they can get a card for $30 if their passport is valid or did not expire more than five years ago.

It can take from four weeks to three months to receive a passport from the United States Passport Service. As with many businesses, there are peak times when the service is slower because there is a backlog of others waiting to get a passport card.

The process of receiving a passport can be expedited. An expedited application costs an additional $60 but can still take up to three weeks. Some expedited services may be faster, from 8-14 days for $149, or $349 for next business day service.

It is even possible, in some situations, to get the passport in the same day as the application. For many people, these expedited services are worth getting their passport cards faster than potentially three months.

For those who are preparing to travel to another country that will not require air travel should consider using a US passport card. This card is easier to carry and often harder to lose because it will be in the owner’s wallet. Those who need a passport card can allow us to help get their passport in good time.

How to Easily Travel with Two Passports – A Guide to Understanding Dual Citizenship

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you a dual citizen looking to travel with two different passports? Has exploring multiple countries with two separate documents confused and overwhelmed you? If so, worry no more because this guide, specifically tailored for dual citizens, will provide all the details needed to make navigating international borders with multiple nationalities effortless. Here, we’ll cover everything from obtaining dual citizenship in the first place to how it works when you get on a plane or cross border checkpoints.

How to Travel With Two Passports?

Dual citizenship, as its name suggests, is holding citizenship in both the US and another country simultaneously. This can occur in several different ways depending on the situation. The first is by birth. If a child of a US citizen is born in another country, the child holds citizenship in both countries.

Marriage is another way that this can occur. Most countries automatically extend citizenship to people from the US who marry a person from that country. The third is by going through the naturalization process. This is where a US citizen will become a naturalized citizen.

When this happens, the person does not lose their previous status as a citizen of their home.

If you hold dual citizenship and are traveling with two valid passports, there are a number of essential things to keep in mind.

What Are The Benefits of Having a Second Passport?

The most important thing to know is that even if you are a dual citizen traveling with two completely valid passports, you will always need to travel with your United States passport at all times. You must use your US passport when you attempt to re-enter the US. The other passport is for the country where you have dual citizenship and want to enter that country.

The passport you should present when entering a country often depends on which passport you use when booking your airfare or other travel accommodations. For example, if you hold dual citizenship in France and the US, you may book your first flight with your French passport.

Then, book your return trip with your U.S. passport. In that event, you would present your French passport when you reach your destination. Hence, you’re US passport when you return home to the US. As a general rule of thumb, you should always use the passport number for the country you plan on visiting when booking any round-trip ticket.

Issuing and Renewing Passports

If you hold dual citizenship and plan on renewing or applying for a US passport, your second passport is not part of the application process. It can, however, be used as proof of your identity. Renewing your foreign passport while living in the US requires contacting your country’s embassy. Many will require you to return your current passport to complete the renewal process.

Conclusion

All in all, dual citizenship has many benefits, making it an attractive option. It can open the door for more opportunities to expand your career, study, and travel. Having dual citizenship also allows you to exploit two countries’ economic and political systems.

How to Expedite a Passport for Urgent Travel?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Have you headed abroad at the last minute and need your passport quickly? Getting your passport expedited to meet an upcoming deadline can seem overwhelming, but with some proactive planning, it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what is involved in getting a passport issued quickly will help make the process more manageable and provide peace of mind when making those travel arrangements. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to expedite a new or renewed passport for urgent international travel.

What is the Requirement for an Expedited Passport?

You can apply for an expedited passport. This process is required if you plan to travel internationally within two weeks or less. Generally speaking, it takes about four to six weeks to get a new passport. However, the State Department provides an expedited service that will issue your passport much faster than that, usually within three weeks.

When applying for an expedited passport, you must provide proof of international travel within two weeks or less. The State Department requires you to submit a copy of your itinerary or tickets showing your trip details.

Where are the Regional Passport Agencies Located Near Me?

There are over thirty Regional Passport Agencies throughout the United States.  The Regional Passport Agencies process passport applications for those who need to travel in less than three weeks. To locate a Regional Passport Agency in your area, use the State Department’s website or call their toll-free number (1-877-487-2778).

When applying for an expedited passport, you must make an appointment at the Regional Passport Agency. You can make an appointment online or over the phone. Be sure to bring all required documents and forms with you when you go to your appointment, including a valid photo ID, proof of international travel within two weeks or less, and payment for the passport fees.

Additionally, some companies specialize in expediting passports for those who do not have time to visit a passport agency.

Expediting a Passport with A Private Passport Expeditor?

Expedited passports can also be obtained through private companies, such as A Passport Expeditor. These companies offer their services to individuals who need a passport quickly and are willing to pay a fee for the expedited process. Generally, you will complete an application with the company and send them your required documents and forms.

The company then sends your passport application to the appropriate government processing agency and submits it with priority status. Your passport is then processed as quickly as possible, usually within a few days. Most private expeditors offer same-day or overnight shipping of your passport for an additional fee.

Keep in mind that there are several factors to consider when selecting a private passport expeditor, such as whether the U.S. government authorizes them, their customer service ratings, and the speed of delivery they offer. It is important to do your research before selecting a passport expeditor to ensure that you are getting the best service possible for your needs.

Finally, remember that while private passport expeditors can help speed up the process, they come with an additional cost. Therefore, it is important to consider the cost of using a private expeditor versus the time saved to determine if it is right for you.

Our website offers information about all of the available passport services and can help guide you in making your choice. By researching each option carefully, you can find the best solution for your passport needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, having an expedited passport can greatly help a traveler save time when plans change unexpectedly. Additionally, those needing a passport quickly should take the necessary steps promptly and systematically to calculate the amount of time it will take to receive a passport. Furthermore, while certain methods will certainly be faster than others, understanding these intricate processes can make the process much easier.

Ultimately, every person’s situation is different, and having the proper documents as well as utilizing all available resources is key for those looking to obtain a passport with urgency.

A Guide to Traveling in the Schengen Area – Navigating Requirements for European Vacations

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you planning a European vacation? If so, understanding the Schengen Area requirements is essential to ensuring your trip goes smoothly. For most travelers visiting Europe, this means obtaining a visa before traveling.

This can be intimidating; however, with some basic knowledge of what’s required and resources to turn to for support, you’ll have everything you need to breeze through immigration at any Schengen Area airport! In this blog post, we introduce the purpose and scope of the Schengen Area and easy-to-follow guidelines on how to prepare for your upcoming travels.

What is the Schengen Borders Agreement?

According to the Schengen Borders Agreement, people are allowed to travel freely within the 26 European countries that make up this area, provided that they meet the requirements to enter in the first place. Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, and Germany are just a few countries that make up this area within Europe.

What Countries Are Part of the Schengen Agreement?

AustriaBelgiumCzech RepublicDenmarkEstonia
FinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungary
IcelandItalyLativaLithuaniaLuxembourg
MaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugal
SloveniaSpainSweden SwitzerlandSlovakia
Liechtenstein

What is the Difference Between the EU and the Schengen Agreement?

What is the difference between the EU and Schengen? The EU is a union that encompasses both political and economic aspects, complete with its own parliament, political structures, and governance. On the other hand, the Schengen Agreement is a treaty designed to facilitate the unrestricted movement of people between the participating countries.

What are the Schengen Travel Requirements?

Are you traveling to any of the 26 countries in the Schengen area in Europe? There are always important things to keep in mind.

For starters, whether your trip is for tourism, business, or even if you’re passing through the Schengen area to reach a separate destination, your passport needs to be valid for at least three full months past your date of departure and for at least six months in total for everything to go as planned.

If you fail to meet this qualification, your airline could potentially deny boarding.

This could be either at your point of origin as your trip begins or while you’re transferring planes. You will also likely be denied entry into the Schengen area altogether.

Schengen Visa Requirements

There are three main types of Schengen visas. You should know which one you will need to prevent any delay. The Uniform Schengen Visa, or USV, allows for a person to reside in the desired country for up to 90 days every six months. The Limited territorial validity visa, or LTV, allows for a person to travel only in the Schengen country.

People who may be studying in a Schengen country will get National visas. Or traveling there for the purposes of business or who may be permanently moving to the country in question. This particular type of visa is designed to be single entry only. It is given under the assumption that the person in question will eventually return to their country of origin.

Expedited Passport Services

If your trip to the Schengen area is coming up and you don’t meet the current travel requirements for one or more reasons, don’t worry – you still have options. Expedited passport services exist specifically for this reason. Instead of waiting the eight to ten weeks it normally takes for new and renewal applications, these services can have your valid passport in hand within 24 to 48 hours in most circumstances.

They will take all of your documents and submit them through the appropriate channels. This will significantly reduce the average processing time, particularly during the peak travel season of the year.

Conclusion

Exploring the Schengen Area can be an unforgettable experience with rewarding moments that will stay with you forever. With every country and town comes unique scenery full of culture, traditions, and plenty of exciting activities to participate in.

From exploring Italy’s rolling hills to biking through the Netherlands — whichever your style may be — you are sure to find something new and captivating when visiting Europe’s Schengen countries.