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The REAL ID Act and Extension States

Posted on by Lloyd C

So you live in one of the nearly 30 U.S. states/territories that are not in compliance with the “Extension State/Territory” list in regards to the REAL ID Act, but what does this mean for us? Does this mean I should apply for a passport today? Will I be able to travel by domestic commercial flights across the US? What is my states ‘expiration date’ in regards to how long I can use only a drivers license to travel? We have all your questions answered for the REAL ID Act and Extension States and Territories.

U.S. Passport and Real I.D. Act

Advice to the citizens of these member states is to consider applying for a passport. Seeing that a passport is the most reliable second form of identification and is the easiest to obtain. The term “Extension State/Territory” means that the states were given extensions by the federal government. However, those extensions are only temporary. The federal government has decided to continue to accept licenses from those states. Only so because they provided adequate justification for noncompliance with external factors such as resources, contract cycles, etc. Thus, for the duration of the extension, the ID’s will be accepted without a second form of identification.

Extension Time

So, the current extension time period expires October 10, 2017. While that leaves some time for the state’s government to decide, it absolutely leaves Washington, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and American Samoa out of compliance and does not grant any more extensions. Therefore, residents of these states must start applying for a passport book or card.

Hence, eliminate the stress and foreseeable problems by simply obtaining a passport. Thus, the chances of some states requiring a compliant ID is looking promising. In addition, passports are a one time cost that is good for 10 years with no worry. Furthermore, a passport is the most reliable second form of identification. As well as being the easiest to obtain. Consider getting the Passport Card as it is a valid form of ID. However, you can not use the passport card for international travel by plane. If you think you’ll fly overseas, you should get a passport book.

What States Have REAL ID Act Extensions?

So, be sure of your state’s status. Here is a list of the following states/territories that have an extension through October 10, 2017. This allows them to travel only with an accepted driver’s license and/or identification card.

The Best Way To Get Around Prague, Czech Republic

Posted on by Lloyd C
It’s no secret that this once overlooked gem is now on every traveler’s ‘must see’ list. Prague is a city whose identity has much to do with its lengthy and brutal history. From when Prague was the capital of Bohemia, to the great fire in the mid-1500s, to decapitations taking place in its city center (the Old Square) in 1612, and when Hitler’s troops occupied Prague in WWII, the city has centuries of history to share with traveler’s. Luckily, the Czech Republic sits within the walls of the Schengen Area. Which means, US citizens can travel here with no visa. Only a valid passport for a maximum of 90 days.

Public Transportation

As a city with so much for travelers to see, what’s the best way to get around Prague? Luckily for us, Prague has one of the best public transportation systems in all of Europe that includes the metro, trams, and buses. Two-thirds of Prague’s population uses public transportation seeing as it flows in the city center and to the outskirts of the city walls. (And it’s affordable price will help you understand why!).
There is no need to take a taxi within the city center. For budget traveler’s, it is a dream come true! With the amount of traffic that suffocates the city roads, it would also drain your wallet to pay for. Luckily there are affordable options for travelers.

Tourist Pass

The tourist pass will be your best friend for getting around the city. Hence, for a 3-day pass, which is formally known as a ‘short-term tourist pass’ travelers only have to pay 310 CZK. That converts to about 12 Euro. This allows travelers to ride all any mode of public transportation an unlimited amount of times within your 3 days. Of course, there are other options if travelers are staying for a longer or shorter duration of time.

The Cruise

Another option for transportation would be to take the Short River Cruise on the Vltava. For about 12 Euro traveler’s can take a 1.5-hour cruise to get a new perspective of the city from the water. The cruised does not offer commentary, but the price does include bus transportation to the dock of the cruise. This is a view that travelers cannot miss.

Remember that you will not need a visa for travel to Prague if you are a U.S. citizen. Simply grab your valid passport and enjoy 90 days of visa-free travel around Europe!

Bangkok’s Back! Travel Tips for Thailand’s #1 city.

Posted on by Lloyd C
Grab your passport, pack a bag, and buy a pillow for a long flight because this year we are going to Bangkok! Each year MasterCard provides research to tell traveler’s what the years most popular travel destination is. Typically London has been winning the race, but this year with a projection of 21.47 million international visitors puts Bangkok in first place for 2016 which made it beat out top cities such as Paris and New York as well!
Despite its recent tragedies such its unsteady political infrastructure and 11 bomb attacks that left dozens of foreigners injured, Bangkok’s reputation has not to be dulled to adventure seekers. Its unique historical presence along with its rich culture, exotic foods, and urban vibe combine to make this city one that traveler’s of all ages need to experience. Bangkok is off the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Chao Phraya River is still used for trading after over 200 years ago. This outlet allows for a lot of cultural influence that makes each point of interest interesting as well as special to Thailand.

Best Place To See in Bangkok:

Without paying a visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok you would do the city an injustice! The Palace is one of the city’s most famous landmark dating back to its conception in 1782 when it was home to the Thai King. Over the years it was home to the Thai war ministry, state departments, and the Royal court. It’s one of a kind architecture and rich history are what make it the soul of Bangkok.

How to get around Bangkok:

As the world’s most popular city it’s imperative that there is a lot of foot and car traffic. Taxies are a great, relatively inexpensive way to get around the city. However, be sure you are aware of possible dangers to avoid getting ripped off.

Bangkok Travel Tips:

1.) Be firm and tell them that you know the cost and the duration of your journey otherwise they will probably upcharge you.
2.) Make sure they turn on their meter without negotiation! If they refuse then simply take another taxi because it is a sign that they will not be honest with you.
**TIP: Have the address in your GPS on your smartphone to guide the driver where to go, otherwise they will take longer routes to make more money.

thai street food bangkok Bangkok Travel Tips Passport Visa RequirementsWhere to eat in Bangkok:

When in Bangkok one must try Som Tum, but where to get the best is the question. The one restaurant travelers must try is Kum Poon which is centrally in the Central World Plaza, so it’s quite easy to find. The traditional dish is met by the cozy ambiance of the place to makes it arguably the best spot to get Som Tum. Kum Poon also serves a family sized portion of this dish which is an unforgettable sight and something you must try when traveling with a group!

What paperwork you need (Bangkok Passport & Visa Requirements):

As a US citizen, traveler’s can be in Thailand for 30 days with no requirement for a visa. American traveler’s do, however, need their passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Thailand. The Thai immigration officials may ask to see your return ticket, so be sure to have one handy in case!

Do You Need a Passport to Fly Domestically?

Posted on by Lloyd C

Are you getting ready to book a domestic flight and wondering if you need a passport? Good news: It’s rarely necessary for Americans to carry their passports when flying domestically within the United States.

However, there have been some travel document changes due to heightened security in recent years, making it more important than ever that travelers know what is required of them before arriving at their departure airport. We will try to answer the question: Do you need a passport to fly Domestically?

Highlights

  • When traveling within the US, you don’t need a passport to fly, but make sure you have a valid driver’s license or state ID. Check if your ID is REAL-ID compliant before May 2025 to avoid any issues.
  • When traveling domestically within the US, a passport is not required by airlines or TSA. However, it is advisable to have it as a secondary form of identification.

What is the REAL ID Act?

The REAL ID Act of 2005 is a federal law that requires all states to standardize their driver’s licenses and identification cards. This means that, except in certain circumstances, travelers will need valid documentation such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license when flying domestically within the United States.

Make sure your state-issued ID meets the security standards set by the Real ID Act, or it won’t be accepted for federal purposes, such as domestic flights. Verify if your ID is compliant before traveling or you could take your passport or passport card.

Both Passport Book and Passport Card are Accepted I.D. for Domestic Flights

A passport card is not for air travel but a good ID to carry.

However, if you have a passport book or passport card, you can use either of them as an acceptable form of I.D. for air travel within the United States. The passport book and card are official documents issued by the U.S. Department of State that provide proof of your citizenship and identity when traveling abroad. When used domestically, they prove both your identity and your U.S. citizenship, which is required for air travel in the United States.

Make sure your passport book or card meets the standards set by the REAL ID Act, so it will be accepted at airports and other federal buildings and facilities. If you don’t have a passport book or card, you can apply for one through an authorized passport agency or office.

Can I Still Fly in the US Without a REAL ID?

Starting from May 7, 2025, REAL ID will be implemented without any additional delays. Therefore, individuals aged 18 and above in the United States will be required to possess a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license (EDL), or an alternative acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Learn more below about each state ID requirement.

Conclusion

The U.S. passport book and card are official documents issued by the Department of State that help prove both your identity and U.S. citizenship when traveling abroad or domestically. Before you travel, make sure your passport meets the REAL ID Act standards to avoid any problems at airports and other federal buildings or facilities.

If you don’t already have a passport book or card, you can apply for one through an authorized passport agency or office. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before your trip to make sure your application is processed in time.

Good luck! Bon voyage!

The ESTA Visa System: What You Need To Know

Posted on by Lloyd C

ESTA (short for “Electronic System for Travel Authorization“) is a fully automated system designed by the United States Department of Homeland Security that is used to determine whether or not somebody is permitted to travel into the United States under the terms and conditions of the VWP or Visa Waiver Program. The VWP, in turn, allows citizens of 38 different countries the ability to travel into the country for up to three full months WITHOUT obtaining a visa first, provided that they’re here for either business or tourism.

Related Read: How to get an FMM Card?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The current ESTA application involves two distinct parts. First, the traveler will submit any and all requested biographic information to help determine as much as possible about who they are and where they’re coming from. Secondly, they will also have to answer a series of questions to help make sure they’re eligible for the VWP in the first place.

A traveler can submit an application to the ESTA at any time prior to their travel. For the best results and to avoid potential delays, however, it is always recommended that the application process begins as soon as travel plans are made or airline tickets are purchased.

This program could be a potentially huge time saver for travelers who know they’re eligible for the VWP but also wish to avoid information processing delays that could cause issues with their trip.

It is important to note that approval under the ESTA does not grant a person automatic admission into the country – it only determines whether or not they’re permitted to travel there. As always, admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when the person arrives.

Important Considerations About the ESTA

As of April 1, 2016, all travelers who wish to use the ESTA program will need an electronic or “e-Passport” to do so. Each e-Passport is embedded with an electronic chip (similar to that of modern-day debit and credit cards) to help store information and enhance security.

Additionally, it is important to understand that the ESTA is currently undergoing a change that will determine the exact shape it takes in the future. As of August 31, 2016, Customs and Border Protection has submitted a proposal to continue using the ESTA program that will also see additional questions added to the application form in the near future.

These new questions will specifically target the social media use of the applicant. While this information does not currently need to be provided, there is a chance that it could go into effect at any point after September 30, 2016, when the comment period on the CBP’s request ends.

Conclusion

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a valuable resource that helps ensure the safe and secure travel of visitors to the US. It is important to remember that as of August 31, 2016, Customs and Border Protection has proposed changes to the ESTA program, including additional questions about social media use. Therefore, it is important to check back on www.uspassporthelpguide.com from time to time for any updates or changes that could affect your travel plans in the near future. It is also important to fill out and submit your ESTA application as soon as possible so that you can ensure a smoother experience when entering the US. Thank you for visiting www.uspassporthelpguide.com!

We wish you safe travels

7 Weird Things About the Irish: Travel Tips for Ireland

Posted on by Lloyd C
Each country and its people have their quirks. Regardless if they’re stereotypes about their physical appearance or their tendencies we all have them. However, the humor can be found in the aspect of truth within these age-old tales. Out of the sake of pure fun, here are seven strangely true generalizations about the Irish people that will help on your next trip to Ireland. Remember that you will need a valid passport for travel to Ireland. However, no visa is needed for American travelers to Ireland. Enjoy these Travel Tips for Ireland and make your next trip to the Emerald Isle unforgettable!

1.) The Irish speak their own version of English.

Obviously, we know that Ireland has their own language, Gaeilge, or “Irish Gaelic” as the national and first official language of Ireland. However, once visitors arrive they will notice that their English has been taken over by influences of this and slang words that have been passed on for ages. Taste is a word used to refer to a grilled sandwich. To be “wrecked” usually refers to be exhausted after a night of drinking. The infamous “Craic”, well we will just let you figure that one out on your own. The majority of Irish folk speak English. But, due to their one of a kind lingo we wish you all the luck trying to understand a conversation with a native.

2.) The Irish give the worst directions.

There are over 30 U.S. States that are larger than the whole country of Ireland, and for locals, this is no surprise. Seeing as they know how small their cities, towns, and villages are they feel as if everything is right around the corner.

3.) The Irish are world class procrastinators.

If the Irish people are good at anything it is procrastination. There doesn’t seem to be a good explanation for this accurate stereotype. Except, maybe that they live a simpler life and they would rather spend their time doing other things- such as drinking!

4.) The Irish have the gift of the gab.

Not only can Irish people talk a lot, but they also speak quickly so keeping up with a native may give you a wee bit of a headache. The Irish people have mastered small talk, however, they truly are genuine and can offer lots of interesting passed down stories. Therefore if you strike up a conversation with an Irish, be sure to have plenty of time.

5.) The Irish are one with the weather.

A true Irish man can not only smell the rain coming but can also feel it in the air at least a half an hour before it comes. This is no exaggeration, and if you spend any amount of time in Ireland you will contest this. This ‘talent’ probably stems from their expertise seeing as they’ve grown up around rainy weather 85% of the time.

6.) The North vs the South of the Irish feud is a thing.

For those who are unaware, Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain while Southern Ireland is considered the Republic of Ireland. The states have been separated since 1922 for political and religious reasons that have migrated into personal feelings. In short, the people who live in these areas want two different things. Until this day, people from Southern Ireland and vice versa can instantly spot one another by their accent and perhaps the way they carry themselves. Regardless of the bad blood, the hostility is still there till today.

7.) The Irish really are the most friendly bunch of people.

Ireland as a whole has the mentality of avoiding conflict. We can see this in historical contexts as they opted to remain neutral during World War II. Also, Irish people are raised in laid back and relaxed homes. More likely than not, the Irish are raised on the saying “To have a friend you need to be a friend”. Regardless if there is some truth to the two points above, or its the charming Irish accent that foreigners cannot tell if they are angry or elated we can just always assume that the Irish are always being friendly and the best hostesses and friends. What a great stereotype for people to have about your country!? We hope you enjoy your next trip abroad with our Travel Tips for Ireland!

Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic

Posted on by Lloyd C

What Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic Have in Common

You may be wondering what possibly Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have in common with one another? They are 3 of the cheapest and most fun cities to travel to within Europe in 2016 and should be on the top of traveler’s ‘To-do’ list! Here’s proof of how travelers can live like kings in these cities with a breakdown of costs and practically free things to do. Review our Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic

Make sure you understand the different passport and visa requirements before you travel. For much of travel throughout Europe, you will want to know ahead if your destination is part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is an agreement amongst many European nations to allow for visa-free travel for up to 90 days. American travelers will enjoy this opportunity to travel throughout much of Europe without having to deal with visa concerns.

Travel Tips: Prague, Czech Republic

Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic Travel: For a little, less than $ and a z10.00 travelers can purchase a 48-hour travel card that allows them to travel all over the city of Prague for two days.
Accommodation: In this city, the cheapest hostels run at about 7-10 euros a night for a single dorm-style room. But, of course, if travelers want to treat themselves they can stay in a three-star hotel for two nights with two adults for about 100 euros! (Yes that means it’s about 25 euros per person, per night!).
The essentials: Yes, we are talking about booze and coffee! For less than $2.00 visitors can indulge in all beer, coffee, wine, and cola throughout this city.
stay for two adults in a three-star hotel: £70 ($100.78)
Top free tourist attractions: Get the best view of the whole city of Prague from the iconic 14th-century structure called Charles Bridge which is free of cost!

Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic budapestTravel Tips: Budapest, Hungary

Travel: Here travelers can obtain a 48-hour travel card for under $13.
Accommodation: Single dorm hostels is as low as $7 a night. Or, private rooms begin anywhere from $12 a night. If the traveler’s want to shamelessly indulge in a two-night stay at a three-star hotel for two adults they can expect to pay about $62.
The essentials: Who could forget one of the most important aspects of a vacation? Coffee and wine tie for the cheapest at about $1.75 per glass. While beer is just about $2 per beer in local bars. So grab some friends and hit the city for the night!
Top free tourist attraction: Visitors need to spend time at one of Budapest’s natural hot spring baths. This is free of cost.

Travel Tips: Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic warsawTravel Tips: Warsaw, Poland

Travel: Here, travelers can obtain a 48-hour travel card for less than $7.00. With it they can explore all the city has to offer.
Accommodation: Hostels are on average beginning as little as $10 for one night stay per person! If traveler’s want to treat themselves to a three-star hotel they can get a two-night stay for two adults for less than $80.00 at certain hotels.
The essentials: Yes we are talking about beer, coffee, and wine. Coffee can be purchased for about $2.75, beer for just around $2 in pubs, and wine can be enjoyed at under $3.50 per glass. Does it really get better than this?
Top free tourist attraction: Visit the Royal Castle which is at the best price for any budget traveler: Free!

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling to Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic should be a memorable experience that you’ll never forget. With proper planning and research, you’ll be able to maximize your enjoyment of these beautiful countries. From exploring ancient castles, living in fairytale villages or tasting traditional foods and drinks on the cobblestone streets, there is something for everyone in these amazing places. Make sure that you pack appropriate clothing – it is imperative to dress appropriately if you plan to visit any religious sites or monuments.

Travel Tips for a New Traveler

Posted on by Lloyd C
Every traveler discovers their own travel tips to pass along. Today we’ve gathered some of our favorite travel tips for a new traveler. Of course there the obvious things like always make sure you have a valid passport. And always check for visa requirements in advance. You can download the Passport and Visa app to help with those requirements. But what else should know as a first-time new traveler?

Leave your prejudices at the check-in.

Whether you realize it or not what you know about the world before your travels are solely from stereotypes and prejudice whether from media or from other people’s stories shared. This, however, does not give truth to what you think about different groups of people or cities.
The best advice would be to open your ears and allow for people and cities to expose themselves to you keeping that prior knowledge in your head but not letting it fog your mind.

Do your research and ditch the travel books.

Travel books are grand for an introduction to a city or a region, but let it be the inspiration for you to dive deeper and do other research on places you want to see. Travel books act as the bones or structure, but it’s up to you as the traveler to put the meat on the bones.
Guidebooks never talk about the off-the-beaten path and local hot spots. You’ll learn your best ‘travel book’ is befriending local people or other travelers you find along the way.

Pack light but for anything.

“Pack light, but for anything” sounds like an oxymoron, huh? Well, it’s possible and you will thank yourself once you master this.
There’s no reason to have several pairs of shoes, instead pack multi-purpose items like a blanket scarf, (HELP to insert other good clothing items that you need or don’t need).
Because the truth is- when you get bit by the travel bug you don’t want to stop and you don’t want the size of your luggage to hold you back. Even if you’re only making a short trip to somewhere like Ireland you cannot predict the climate because one day you can experience all 4 seasons. Packing tips are always a must-know and must-discover for all travelers.

Travel slow.

There are a lot of worlds to see, but don’t try to squeeze the whole continent of Europe into 3 weeks! Sure you will have a lot of photos to share. But, you will be missing out on gaining genuine knowledge of the places you will travel to.
For some reason, it has become a fad to do trips like ’6 countries in 14 days, but don’t give into it. Travel like a rabbit, be as curious like a child, indulge like a local, and relax like an elderly.

Be prepared to be ripped off a few times.

You will be ripped off. Whether it’s from a professional currency exchange, a local trying to make some money or an airline you will have run run-insure you walk out with non-refundable charges but this is just a part of traveling. It’s these experiences that make you wiser and act like a reality check to be more aware.

Make friends everywhere.

You don’t travel to the other side of the world to hang out with people from your home country! Where is the fun in that? Sure it’s comfortable, but you learn so much more when you befriend other travelers and locals along your travels. Open-minded people attract other open-minded people.
Doesn’t matter if you make friends in one week, one month, or one semester… If you make friends that make goodbyes hard, you’re doing it right.

You’ll get better as you go.

Practice makes perfect in nearly everything- including traveling! Along your way, you’ll learn tips from your past experiences traveling, locals, and new friends that you’re going to wish you could do it all over again. Whether it’s traveling financial tips you learn, languages, or cultures you will grow so much as a person, far more than that could be taught in a classroom.

Conclusion

All in all, traveling can be a fun, exciting and educational adventure if you are properly prepared. Taking the time to research your destination and plan ahead will help make your journey smoother. Follow these tips, and before you know it, you’ll have experienced enough travel to write your own guidebook for future generations.

What is a Passport Fair?

Posted on by Lloyd C

A Passport Fair in your local area may make applying for your U.S. Passport even easier. Passport Fairs are becoming quite popular this summer as passport offices are receiving record numbers of passport applications. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State expects over 47 million passports to expire this year alone.

Where are Passport Fairs Located?

These passport fairs provide quick ‘open door’ passport service so you can get the process underway without an appointment.  Many US Postal Service locations across the country are offering Passport Fairs. A Passport Fair is a basically an open event for U.S. citizens to apply for a U.S. Passport, without the need for an appointment. Many passport acceptance facilities require an appointment in advance, and many times this can be difficult for people to fit in their busy schedules.

What is a passport fair price and fees?

The Postal Service doesn’t receive tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations. There are no additional fees when applying for your passport through the Postal Service, with the exception of shipping your documents to the Passport Agency.

What Documents Should I bring to a Passport Fair?

You will need to bring the required documents for your passport application. If you need to know what documents you need, visit the Passport Services page and select the passport type that you need. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome, and passport photo service will be available.

What is a passport fair alternative?

Routine processing through the post office can take 4-6 weeks or longer, so apply early. If you have upcoming travel plans, you have some options to expedite your passport.

Expediting Passport at a Passport Fair

Expediting your passport does come with additional service fees. The government charges an additional $60 to all expedited applications. If you choose to utilize a private registered passport service, you can get your passport processed as fast as 24 hours. Additional fees will apply. To learn more, please visit the Emergency Passport section of our site.