Posts Tagged ‘us passport’

How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport: The Answers

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

So you’ve finally nailed down all the details of your big trip.  Plane tickets?  Check.  Hotel reservations?  Check.  Passport… You  did remember to apply for your passport didn’t you?  Forgot?  It’s ok!  We know what you’re thinking… Do I have enough time left to get my passport before I leave?

Processing Times

The state department is currently quoting processing times of approximately 4 -6 weeks from the time of your application.  During busier times, like the holiday or summer travel seasons, they advise you begin your application as far as 10 weeks in advance.  And remember, these processing times are a best case scenario, assuming everything is submitted correctly.

Afraid you’re out of time?  Don’t worry, we’re here to help.  Passport application delays are usually caused by applicant error.

To avoid slowing down your passport application:

  • Make Sure you’ve properly filled out the correct forms.  Inaccurate information, or incorrect forms can send passport agents looking for clarification on your application.  This can cause delays of days or weeks.
  • Make sure you’ve included TWO photographs that meet the appropriate specifications. Photos must be 2 x 2 inches in size, include a full face, front view and open eyes, and must be taken in front of a plain white or off white background.
  • Make sure you include an approved proof of citizenship. Your best bet is a certified passport, including a registrar’s raised, embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal, and the registrar’s signature.  The certificate must also have been filed with the registrar’s office within 1 year of your birth
  • Make sure you include the appropriate payment. The bureau of consular affairs has a detailed list of fees associated with passport applications, so check with them for the latest costs.  Checks should be made out to the Department of State.

    Failure to include any of these elements with your passport application could delay processing by days, or weeks.

    Running out of time?  Don’t leave your last minute passport application up to chance.
    If you’re trip is imminent, our passport expediting services can get you a US passport within 24 hours.  We know the forms, we know the fees, we’ve done this before.  Don’t worry, with us, you’re in good hands.  We’ll take the stress out of travel (or at least out of your passport application) so you can just relax and enjoy your trip.

    Tags: , , , ,
    Posted in Passport FAQ's, Passport Processing | 1 Comment »


    US Passport Requirements to go to Canada

    Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

    As of June 1, 2009, everyone from the US arriving in Canada by air, land and sea will need a US passport to enter.

    We recommend that you apply for your passport now and if you need it in a rush, apply for your us passport with passportsandvisas.com.  Canada is a favorite destination for many American tourists, canada passport borderbut making the journey used to be a lot simpler. As the rules regarding passports and travel requirements have recently changed, here’s a guide to what you do and don’t need now when heading across the border.

    The Old Rules

     

    Before June 2009, the only time that you needed to carry a passport with you when visiting Canada was if you were traveling by plane. If traveling by boat or car then you only needed to take proof of citizenship and picture ID.

    The New Rules

     

    Nothing has changed if you are flying to Canada from the United States as you will still need your passport. However, if you are crossing the border by land or sea then you will now require either a passport or a passport card. This may be annoying for all those people who have crossed many times in the past without needing a passport, but there is not much that can be done about it.

    This is all part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), an agreement existing between the United States and a number of other countries including Canada and Mexico. The measure was due to come into force in 2008, but in the end it was put back to 2009. Increased security issues are partly to blame, and as a result if you don’t take your passport or passport card with you then you won’t be leaving the country.

    The Passport Card

     

    The passport card is a new piece of documentation that was introduced in 2008. It is a small, wallet-sized card that carries all the necessary information on it to cross the border into other countries in the WHTI. It is more convenient and cheaper than a passport, so if you only want to travel to Canada then you could just get one of these.

    Exception to the Rule

     

    There is currently one exception to the rule of taking a passport with you on a trip to Canada. Children under the age of 16 traveling by boat or vehicle do not need their passports to cross the border, and all they need is to present an original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate. If they are traveling by plane then the same rules apply, but otherwise they will be free from the restrictions in place for everyone else.

    Why Canada?

     

    Canada is a fantastic place to spend a vacation, and is hugely popular with American tourists. Possible things to see and do include:

    • A trip to the CN Tower in Toronto, which at 1,815.4 feet tall has stunning views over the city and Lake Ontario

    • The Canadian side of Niagara Falls, known as Horseshoe Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world

    • A trip to Old Québec, walking the cobbled streets and admiring the 17th century architecture

    Get your Passport Now

    Need to get a passport or passport card to visit Canada? Don’t get caught out by the new rules. You can expedite your passport application with us at Passports and Visas.com and receive it within as little as one day. We also offer a number of other services including renewals, replacements, and children’s passports, which you can also expedite, so whatever you need let us arrange it for you.

    Tags: , ,
    Posted in Passport FAQ's, Passport Processing | No Comments »


    How Do I Renew My US Passport?

    Sunday, December 27th, 2009

     

    Many are asking how do I renew my US Passport with the recent law changes Passport Renewal.  Renewing your passport really isn’t as tricky as some people think it is. It can often seem confusing, and with all those forms to fill in it’s easy to panic and end up making a mistake, which will lead to further delays.

    But with a little bit of help, getting your passport renewed really isn’t that difficult.

     

    Why Renew?

    Why would you want to renew your US passport? Any travel outside of the United States will require you to have a passport in your possession. Even if you’re just hopping across the border to Canada or Mexico for a few days, there are no exceptions. Everyone needs a passport.

    If your old US passport has expired then you will certainly need to renew it. However, there are occasions when your passport has not expired but you will still need to get it renewed.

    For example, if you are heading to a country that requires a certain time period of validity on your passport before it expires, which could be six months or more, then you will need to renew your passport if it expires within this time.

    Also, if you’re going away for a long trip and your passport will become invalid during the time you are away, you will again have to renew your passport before you leave.

     

    Passport Renewal Service

    Your best option is always to go with a company that provides a dedicated US passport renewal service. You can often find a number of different levels of service, depending on what you need. For example, if you need a passport very quickly then you can get it in as little as 24 hours. Or if there is no rush you could opt for a standard 10-day service.

    Whatever option you choose, a passport renewal service will make the process as simple as possible so there’s no chance of making a mistake. It involves filling in an application form and sending it together with two passport photos, a letter of authorization, and order form, and a few other details. You can find the complete list of everything you need to get your passport in the time specified.

    Then just send it all in via FedEx and your passport renewal service will do the rest, so your passport will arrive in the allotted time.

     

    Get it Faster

    If you need your passport renewed fast by an expediting service, it’s always best to leave it to the experts. Save time and hassle and make sure you get your passport renewed in time for your trip, wherever you’re heading.

    Tags: , , ,
    Posted in Passport FAQ's, Passport Processing | 1 Comment »