Archive for February, 2010

US Passport Fees Proposed to Be Increased

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

The Department of State (US Passport Service) has published a proposed rule on Regulations.Gov announcing the intention to increase the fees charged for a number of consular services, including an increase in passport application fees.  These fees are being increased to “ensure that fees for consular services reflect costs to the United States of providing the services.”

Reportedly, the Department of State conducted a study between 2007 and June 2009 and determined that their Agency is not sufficiently recovering the costs to perform various consular services for the public, which the issuance of a US Passport is a major portion of activity.

The proposed fees include a $35 increase in the fee for a new passport or passport renewal and the new fee will be a total of $110 to acquire your passport.  Among other changes, a child’s passport would increase $20 to a total fee of $80.  Finally, the relatively newly introduced passport card will see an increase in fees as well.

No specific date is noted for implementation of the increase; however, we’d expect it to occur sometime this year.

So, how does this affect you?  Naturally, we’d suggest that you plan ahead and apply for a new US passport soon!



Dept of State and Embassies Closed for President’s Day

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

The Dept of State and all embassies will be closed on Monday, February 15th due to President’s Day.  Our offices will be open; however!



Dept of State and Embassies Closed for President’s Day

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

The Dept of State and all embassies will be closed on Monday, February 15th due to President’s Day.  Our offices will be open; however!



Experience Saigon with a Vietnam Visa

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Saigon is a fantastic destination for any vacation. But if you want to head here you’ll need to arrange a Vietnam visa first. A Vietnam visa is easy to get for US citizens who hold a valid passport as the visa requirements are not strict. Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, a visa application is a simple process and you can get a multi-entry Vietnam visa for up to one month, three months, or six months.

Saigon—The Perfect Vacation Destination

Saigon is the biggest city in Vietnam, and it’s also the most exciting. Its official name is Ho Chi Minh City, but most people refer to it as Saigon. It is a city of wide boulevards, French colonial buildings, lively markets, pagodas, and thousands of motorbikes. Any trip here is sure to be an exciting experience, so here are a few things you should check out during your stay.

Reunification Palace

Once known as Independence Palace, you can easily arrange to take a trip around this mighty building. It is made up of large reception halls, a military operations room, and even the old gambling room. It holds an important role in the history of the country, being the site for the handover of power during the Fall of Saigon in 1975, and should definitely be on your list of things to see.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Located downtown, this cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Saigon. Built by French colonists at the end of the 19th century, it stands at a height of 190 feet and is constructed entirely of materials imported from France. Make sure to climb the belfry for a great view of the city.

Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda

There are lots of amazing pagodas to visit in Saigon, but this is one of the best. Its lavish decorations are a sight to behold, and twice a year it hosts amazing festivities for the native Chinese people of the city, so if you’re lucky enough to be around you’ll be able to witness a spectacular show.

Cho Lon

Everyone likes to visit the local Chinatown during a trip to a new city, and Saigon is no exception. Cho Lon is so big and packed full of interesting features that you could easily spend a whole day here. It is a very old part of the city, and you should certainly check out Binh Tay Market which will be a real sensory overload with all the exotic goods on offer.

Get Your Vietnam Visa and Get Going

The Vietnam visa application process is really simple, so getting hold of your Vietnam visa is easy. If you go with a dedicated Vietnam visa application service then you will be able to choose from a standard or rushed application, which is good for those who need to leave in a hurry.

The visa requirements stipulate a maximum stay of 30 days, but this should be plenty of time to find out all the wonders that Saigon, and the rest of Vietnam, has to offer.



Snowstorm in Washington DC causing delays

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Washington DC is still in recovery mode from a major snowstorm with another scheduled to arrive later today with a predicted 20 inches of snow.  All government offices, the US Passport Agency and most Embassies are were closed yesterday, the 8th and will also be closed today, the 9th.  Our office; however, is open this morning to service customers. 

Our other offices are open and operating so give us a call at 800-860-8610 and our staff will be able to assist you in determining the right place to send your application.