Applying for a visa or a passport and have questions about your application?  You’re in luck!  Passports and Visas.com has begun offering a free FAQ service through their blog.  If you have questions about processing times, fees, requirements (or any other concerns) just post your questions in the comments below and our team of experts will get back to you with answers a.s.a.p.

Today’s Question:

Donna asks “Can I put tape on the back of my birth certificate, it’s falling apart, and I am afraid it will rip when I submit it for my passport??”

Today’s Answer:

Hello Donna!  Thanks for getting in touch.  According to a representative from the US Department of State, it’s advised that you get a new birth certificate before sending it in for processing.  While the application maybe accepted with your current birth certificate, it will be up to the discretion of the processing officer.  This means if they deem it unacceptable, you could face significant delays in your processing time.  Hope that clears it up!

Anyone else have a question they’d like answered?  Just submit it here and we’ll get back to you a.s.a.p!

The Miami herald just released this great article:

Q: How do I transfer valid Visas from an out of date passport to a new one?

A: Although some countries will transfer your Visa from your old passport to your new own, this is not necessary and will cost a fee. Do not attempt to cut your Visa out of your expired passport and put it in your new one – this could render the Visa invalid. Most countries (the United States, http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions/questions-1253.html, and the United Kingdom, http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/, for example) will advise that you travel with both your expired passport containing the valid Visa, and your new passport, as long as both passports were issued by the same country.

Upon arrival at your destination, the Immigration Officer will check your Visa in your expired passport, as well as your new passport to allow entry. It is always best to check with the government of the country you are visiting to make sure you are following proper protocol.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/15/2268459/just-ask-gemalto-how-do-i-transfer.html#ixzz1PQ19PEfY

Have questions?  Don’t hesitate to ask!

Well, you can.  And you needn’t be a journalist or professional traveler to get one.  So, you maybe thinking…

Why would I need a duplicate passport?

There are many reasons, but here are a few of the most common.

Visiting politically sensitive countries that might impact future travel. In a report by AC360’s Chris Guillebeau, When [he] recently came back to the states via Miami… the immigration officer had a least a dozen questions for [him] as theyhe flipped through his passport. Among other things, they asked [him]:

• Why did you go to Pakistan?
• How many days were you there?
• Who did you meet with?
• Who paid you to go to Karachi?

A second passport helps to avoid these types of complications and delays.
No travel delays while you wait for visas to process. No need to be stuck at home (or abroad) while waiting for travel visas to process.  A second passport means a foreign consulate can hold onto one of your passports while you continue traveling with the second.
Peace of Mind. Now you don’t need to worry about losing your travel document.  A second passport gives you the piece of mind to know that no matter what, you’ll always have the identification you need.

So, how do you get your second passport?

Decide whether or not to use a professional service. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, you’ll find all the information you need to secure your second passport below.  If you need a little assistance, don’t want to deal with the hassle, or, need your second passport in a hurry, contact us.  We’ll take out all the guess-work and can often process applications within 24-hours.

Fill out the application. The application can be found on here.  For your duplicate passport, this application will either need to be submitted by mail or in person  (unless you utilize a passport service like us).

Write a letter explaining why you need a duplicate passport

If you’re a journalist or someone whose job requires constant travel to sensitive countries, you should have no problem.  If not, some compelling evidence, such as frequent international travel, will definitely help your case.  Try to illustrate how your duplicate passport would have been useful on previous trips.  Your letter usually needn’t be longer than one paragraph.

Submit the application as well as required documents

In addition to your application you’ll need two passport photos.

Pay the fee

The cost of a duplicate passport is $135 if you apply directly.  Expect to wait a minimum of four to six weeks for your application to process if you apply directly.  And remember, duplicate passports are only valid for two years (as opposed to ten years on your primary passport)

If you have any questions, need assistance, or don’t feel like waiting four to six weeks for your duplicate passport, let us know!  We can often turn applications around within 24 hours!