Express Passport Opens VISA SERVICES On ExpressPassport.com

Boca Raton, FL (September 15, 2010) – Express Passport offers a variety of passport services through their site http://www.expresspassport.com-/ from same day passport needs to adding pages for a future trip a month away and now they have expanded their services to include expedited visas to major international destinations.  Express Passport has capabilities to expedite Chinese and Brazilian (non-jurisdictional) visas in as little as one business day.

“It opens up travel options that take the rest of the applicants weeks, sometimes months to secure.  It is difficult to obtain visas when they don’t apply with a professional company who can review all documents and fix errors before submission,” remarked Kerri Powers, managing partner of Expedite Media, LLC, the parent company of Expresspassport.com.  She has been working with couriers in Washington DC developing relationships with all the foreign embassies for submitting applications in a timely, efficient manner.

Every country is different- some don’t require visas in advance for tourist travel, but do require them for business- some require 1 or 2 passport photos and some require vaccination reports to be submitted with the application for a visa.  Express Passport guides the applicant through the process giving up to the minute requirements specific to each country.

Contact:

Name:  Kerri Powers – Managing Partner

Email:  kerrip@expresspassport.com

Phone:  888-612-9899

URL:  www.Expresspassport.com

City:  Boca Raton, FL

Country:  US

Back Child Support a Major Issue When Applying For a Passport

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (August 5, 2010) - William Metts, a man on a mission to get his passport and travel overseas for a new job, ran into difficulty when his passport application was held up for owing back child support- in two different states.  Although he had already worked out the finances with his ex-wife, and paid in full (plus some) his application still was “suspended” or held until the government could catch up in a system that, in this day and age, is not instant.  Many phone calls, many agencies and many people became involved and ultimately Mr. Metts got the passport.

Mr. Metts enlisted the assistance of Express Passport, a private expediting company for passports and visas, to get his passport within a week to travel to the Middle East as a private contractor for a communications firm.  Within 1 day of submitting the application he was informed of the hold placed due to the child support issues though Express Passport and was able to make arrangements with both states, New Hampshire and South Carolina, to clear the issues.  The limit for back child support is $2500.00 federally, but many states have a ZERO tolerance on the allowance and prevent the passport from being issued.  This goes for renewals, too.  Contrary to popular belief this is not an issue for the Attorney General as he was advised at one point, but it does filter through the office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Tax Intercept who has a special division called “Passport Denial.”

“Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work, professionalism and extraordinary effort that you and your team displayed during my passport "experience."  I hope that your typical customers have fewer issues; I cannot imagine how long it would have taken me to try to get this on my own.  I think it is fair to say that I would not have gotten it at all…” stated Mr. Metts once the news of the passport release was passed on to him.  It can take as many as 30 days to have a release from Health and Human Services.  Express Passport assisted Mr. Metts and had the passport to him in 8 days.

Express Passport, www.expresspassport.com, is a private passport and visa expediting company specializing in obtaining US passports for applicants within 1 week.  Express Passport is available through the internet, live chat and live trained personnel to assist with expedited requests Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm Eastern time.  The corporate offices are located in South Florida, with satellite assistance country wide.

Contact:

Kerri Powers, Managing Partner

Kerrip@expresspassport.com

888-612-9899

http://www.expresspassport.com/

How to Prevent Passport Problems

Negligence is one of the main causes of a passport application being rejected or delayed when submitting the documents to the Passport Agency.  How can this be prevented?  What steps can a traveler take to ensure timely delivery and enjoy their time abroad?  Here are a few tips from the professionals at Express Passport- industry leaders in expedited passports and visas.

1. When applying for a new passport- a first time traveler needs to pay close attention to the application form called a DS-11.  Fill the form out completely, be it online or by hand, and then read it over very carefully to make sure all information is true and accurate.  (The DS-82 for renewals is less intensive, but no clerk is there to remind you to sign it!)  All applications MUST be signed in original ink- no photocopies.
   
   
   The additional documents required to accompany the application are very specific.  The most common ones asked for when applying for a new passport are the applicant’s original or certified copy of their birth certificate.  It must be the long form, have a raised or embossed seal, watermark or multicolored seal indicating its authenticity.  NO photocopies, Birth Abstracts, Birth Announcements or abbreviated forms of the Birth Certificate are accepted.  If you are applying for an adult passport for the first time and have a 5 year child passport that is expired- that is sufficient proof of citizenship and the Birth Certificate is not needed.  The same situation exists for renewals- as long as the passport is in good condition (not mutilated or damaged at all)- a Birth Certificate is not needed.

The Driver’s License is the other form of identification required- this time to prove the applicant’s identity.  The Driver’s License must be more than 6 months in issuance- meaning it cannot have been renewed or re-issued within the previous 6 months to avoid having to produce 5-7 additional forms of identification. 

Two identical passport photos taken within the past 6 months that are 2”x2” with a plain white or slightly off white background must be submitted.  It is strongly suggested that these photos be professionally taken, must be in color and meet the strict sizing guidelines provided by the US Department of State.

2. The check for the government fees will be included in the applicant’s submittal to the Passport Agency.  Make sure it is dated, the correct dollar amount appears in both the numeric and written form and that it is signed!

Once you receive your completed passport the first thing to do is READ IT.  Verify all information has been printed correctly and all dates are correct.  Even the Passport Agency makes mistakes and this can cause timely delays at the borders or even denial of travel.  Once all information is verified sign your passport. 
This is a FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION and should be treated with care and respect.  Keep it in a safe secure place at all times to avoid theft or loss.  Make a photo-copy of the inside cover and any long term multiple entry visas applied to the book and keep them in a safe place.  If you do not have a Passport Card to keep in your wallet, keep a photo-copy of the passport information there. 

While traveling keep your passport as close to your person as possible- avoid leaving it in a carry-all bag, backpack, luggage or other item that can be lost or stolen.  If a hotel safe is available, lock your passport inside until it is time to travel again.  Avoid having one person or traveling companion be the “keeper of the passports.”  Each person should have their own passport on them while traveling.

When going through customs or immigration or while exchanging currency at a bank or airport NEVER let anyone, official or not, leave your presence with your passport.  Always ask to accompany them wherever they need to go with your documents. 

If something happens to your passport while traveling abroad- IMMEDIATELY report the theft or loss to the local police and then the nearest US Embassy or US Consulate.  Take the photocopy of the passport (if you have it) and passport photos with you to the US Embassy or Consulate and a temporary limited issue passport will be given for your return to the United States.  If in the States and the passport is lost or stolen, follow the same procedure with the police notification and report the passport lost through the State Department or State Department website at www.travel.state.gov.  When applying to replace that passport, an additional document will be required called a DS-64 Statement of Lost, Stolen or Damaged Passport.

Additionally, if any of these application procedures are needed in the short term or for an emergency, expediting services can cut through the timing and hand carry your documents into the passport agency for faster service.  Some companies can even get a passport in as little as 8 hours.  It is in the applicant’s best interest to apply as soon as they know they will be traveling abroad.  Also, it is at the US Department of State’s discretion to issue a passport to any applicant or request more information as they deem necessary. 

If you have any questions regarding this blog or our service feel free to give us a call at:

1-888-612-9899.

Web site: http://www.expresspassport.com/

Email: info@expresspassport.com 

New Requirements and New Fees for US Passport Holders

The new regulations and new fees have prompted a passport rush. The State Department is warning Americans that they won't be allowed to enter the country from Mexico or Canada without a passport after June 1, 2009.  The fees to the Department of State were increased as of July 2010.

The U.S. government has also introduced passport cards designed to speed border crossings by U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean by car, rail or boat. The government approved the wallet-size cards as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to passport books. They may be used only by citizens returning to the United States through land or seaports from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Air travelers must carry full passport books.

The cards emit a radio signal picked up by Customs and Border Protection officers at checkpoints. The signal provides inspectors with a file number linked to passport data on each cardholder. The cards are handy for frequent border crossers, and cost just $55 for a first-time adult applicant, rather than the $135 fee for a passport book.  They can be ordered standard issue or expedited.  They are “swiped” at the border as a credit card is swiped at a terminal- the information coded in the back magnetic strip. 

If you have any more questions feel free to call us at 888-612-9899.

Our web site: http://www.expresspassport.com/

Email: info@expresspassport.com

India Travel Visa Requirements.

     Many people visit India each year for different reasons, including business, religious pilgrimage and tourism. All foreign nationals are required to have a proper visa to enter the country. With few exceptions, there are 4 main requirements to getting a visa to India. Failing to submit the right documents will most likely result in a denied visa. Visa Categories depend on the applicant’s purpose of travel and the maximum length of your stay determine what type of visa is appropriate for your trip. You can get tourist visas that are valid for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or 10 years. Business and student visas are also available for 1 year.

Give your trip information, passport number, photographs, visa fee and completed application for your visa. Make sure that you send all important documents or your visa could be delayed.

Application Form
The first step in getting a visa to travel India is to fill the application form. Visit the Indian Embassy or one of the Indian Consulates to apply for your visa in person. This sometimes can be done in the same day. Alternatively, you can apply through the mail, but it can take a longer time.


Following are the Indian Consulates, Embassy offices in US.

Embassy Of India, Washington DC
2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington,
DC 20008
Tel: (202) 939-9806 Fax: (202) 797-4693


Consulate General Of India, New York
3 East, 64th Street, New York, NY 10021,USA
Tel : 212-774-0600 Fax : 212-861-3788


Consulate General Of India, Chicago
455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive, #850 Chicago, IL 60611, U.S.A., Tel(312) 595-0405
Email: info@indianconsulate.com


Consulate General Of India, Houston
1990 Post Oak Blvd. Suite 600 Houston, TX 77056 Tel: (713) 626-2355 Fax: (713) 626-2450,
Email :cgi-hou@accesscomm.net


Consulate General of India, San Francisco
540 Arguello Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94118 Tel: (415) 668-0662
Fax: (415) 668-7968
Email: Info@IndianConsulate-sf.org


Passport
Travelers to India must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining beyond your intended stay before expiration. In addition, there must be at least two blank pages where they can stamp the visa.

Photographs
Two identical passport-size photographs (color, front facing, 2" X 2") must be attached to the application form. Visa applicants should give special attention to the requirements of the photos (i.e. no glasses may be worn). The specific requirements can be found on the visa application form.

Proof of Address
Applicants need to submit a photocopy of either a state issued identification card, driver's license, or current utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage) to get a visa. For more details please refer to visa requirements of the specific country.

Birth Certificate
All U.S. citizens need to submit a copy of their birth certificate. Those born outside of the United States can submit any government document from their country of origin that shows date of birth, nationality and their parents' names.

Visa Fees
A postal money order made payable to either the Embassy of India or Consulate of India to pay for the visa to be applied to the passport.

Requirement Exceptions
Travelers from certain countries can have additional restrictions. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka all need to fill out extra paperwork. United States citizens can be given five- and 10-year visas, while citizens of all other nations are required to leave after 6 months for at least 2 months before they can return.

*For more information please call us at 888-612-9899.
*Visit us on the web: http://www.expresspassport.com/
*Email: info@expresspassport.com

How to get a Chinese Travel Visa

If you are planning to travel to China, you will have to obtain a valid travel visa and have it applied to your passport. There are different visas available depending on purpose of your travel and the length of your stay. The process is very simple but does require planning ahead.


(1) First, make sure your Passport is current with at least 6 months remaining validity beyond your intended stay and at least 2 blank pages.

(2) Decide which Chinese Visa you require. There are different types of Visas available to travelers when visiting China.
Here are the subcategories of regular Visas for China:

C Visa - for international crew members who work on-board duties on trains, airplanes, and other vessels.
D Visa - for aliens who will reside in China permanently
F Visa - for foreign citizens who are invited to China for less than 6 months for a visit, a lecture, research, scientific or technological and cultural exchanges, to do business, advanced studies, or an intern practice
G Visa - for foreign citizens who travel through China
J-1 Visa - for foreign resident correspondents in China
J-2 Visa - for foreign journalists who make short trips to China
L Visa - for foreign citizens who visit China for sightseeing, visiting family, or for other private reasons
X Visa - for foreign citizens who travel to China for study or internships for more than six months
Z Visa - for foreign citizens who travel to China for job, and their family members

(3) Visit the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. on weekdays during office hours or you can download the Visa Application form from the Embassy of China website

(4) Gather the following documentation to apply:
Current Valid Passport
Completed Visa Application Form.
One 2x2 inch (either black and white or color) photo.
The Visa Fees in the form of a postal money order made payable to the Consulate of China or the Embassy of China.

(5) Submit the required documents to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.

(6) If you cannot visit Chinese embassy or consulate, a travel agent or expediting service can arrange someone to submit the visa material for you.

(7) You can have your documents returned to you by mail if you provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your application

If you want more information click on this link!
http://www.expresspassport.com/Visa-Country.asp?VisaCountryID=2
Feel free to call us at any time. 888-612-9899.
Email: info@expresspassport.com

How to get a visa to Brazil.

To visit Brazil for travel as a tourist, many foreign nationals require a valid visa applied to their passport. For visitors the most common type of visa is the tourist visa. A Brazilian tourist visa is good for 90 days from the date of entry into the country and it can be renewed inside Brazil for 90 more days. Foreigners have to fulfill the specific requirements set by the Brazilian Government. There are 10 types of Brazil travel visas grouped into the following 4 categories listed below:

Tourist
Temporary
Permanent
Diplomatic

Here are the necessary steps to take for getting a travel visa to visit Brazil.

(1) Download the visa application from the Brazilian Consulate Web site. Fill the complete form online and print it. You will have to provide a complete explanation for visiting Brazil. Make sure to sign the form. Parents have to sign the paper for children younger than 18 years of age.

(2) Make sure you have a valid passport. Your passport must have at least two blank pages where they can stamp the visa and it has to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

(3) Attach a copy of your tickets or copy of your flight itinerary and photo to the visa application.

(4) United states citizens need to pay a nonrefundable processing fee. The fee has to be included with your application, and has to be in the form of a postal money order. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can find the amount of the application fee on the Brazilian Embassy Web site.

(5) Submit your application and important documents for a tourist or temporary visa in person at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or at the consulate that serves your state. Brazilian Consulates are located in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Miami, Houston, Hartford, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

(6) Wait for 3 to 4 business days for tourist visas or temporary visas if you submit the application in person. Expect a processing time of more than two weeks if you mail your application to the Brazilian Consulate.

If you want more information click on this link!
http://www.expresspassport.com/Visa-Country.asp?VisaCountryID=1

Feel free to call us today! 888-612-9899.
Email: info@expresspassport.com