Proof of Citizenship: No Birth Certificate

All of us travel, some of us more than others. Whether we are traveling to a country near our home or one located thousands of miles away, we still need to make sure our passport is up to date and has at least six months left of use before entering certain countries.

The panicking starts when you are about to travel out of the country and you discover that your passport will expire before you leave the country and you feel anxious about what to do and who can help you with the process.

Besides all the research you have to do to find a trust worthy company to work with, there are documents you will need to gather to be able to apply for a new passport or a renewal:

-Birth certificate (proof of citizenship)

-Copy of driver license (if you don’t currently hold one you will need 5 secondary I.D.’s)

-Two new passport photos

-Copy of your itinerary for proof of travel

After reading this you start to wonder and look for those documents. When was the last time you saw your birth certificate? Is your license under six months of use? Is it expired? Where can I take the passport photos? I don’t even have an itinerary yet!

Don’t worry until your options have run out. You can submit a combination of records. Here are some options to help you with that process:

-Baptismal certificate
-Hospital birth certificate
-Census record
-Early school record
-Family bible record
-Doctor's record of post-natal care

Please keep in mind that the public records must be sent in with a birth record or letter of no record. The early public records will not be accepted if presented alone.

If you decide to submit a letter of no record you will need to include the following:
-Your name
-Your birth date
-The years when a birth record was searched
-Acknowledgement that no birth certificate was found on file

Another option you have is to fill out the DS-10, which is a birth affidavit. It must be filled out by an older blood relative. If one is not present the form can be filled out by a physician or someone who has knowledge of your birth.

Once that form is completed you may appear at the court house with the DS-11 (application for a new passport) and other public records listed above.

Just to let you know, there is one last option you may apply for. This is the birth certificate search through the government. They will ask you for a fee of $150 and will search for your birth certificate and mail it to you when found. That process could take weeks so knowing exactly when you are traveling is crucial.

Always give yourself enough time to do all that is necessary for your next trip. If sometimes comes up and you need a trustworthy and fast service call us today! We are here to serve you and provide you with the best service.

Contact us today:

Express Passport888-612-9899
www.ExpressPassport.com
info@expresspassport.com
Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

If you have any questions on visas feel free to ask for Kerri.

New: Passport Cards

Traveling across the globe is always a great experience, but there is always that one thing to worry about: Identification and passport.

Is it safe to carry your passport book with you at all times? Should you have to stress about the risk you have of losing it? What can you do to prevent your passport book from getting lost or stolen?

When traveling, it is always necessary to carry your identification and passport book with you. Ladies, we love to bring different purses and bags on trips. We go back and forth thinking of which one we will use that morning before leaving for the big day we have ahead of ourselves.

What can happen to your passport after leaving for the day:
-You took it out of your purse/bag because it was taking up space when looking for an item.
- It was left on a stand after you paid for a souvenir.
-You put it down to wash your hands and someone took it when you looked away.
-During lunch it was put down on the table and somehow forgotten.

Numerous things can happen to your passport book when you are traveling. There is always a lot to think about and you only think about it again when you are back in your room at night.

 If you lose it or someone steals it, you could be the next one in line to apply for a temporary passport at an American embassy in another country.

There is an option that could help us prevent all the stress from happening. Why should we have to worry about carrying the passport book around when we can apply for a passport card?

Well, first of all, the passport card is the size of your driver license. If you think about it, the passport card will be harder to lose even though it is smaller.

It will fit in wallets and will be carried around without the worries a passport usually gives all of us.
Your passport card will now be your travel backup I.D. and proof of your citizenship. No more leaving passport books at restaurants, souvenir stands, bathrooms, or random spots you encounter.

Here’s some of the basic facts about using your U.S. passport and passport card, so you can understand a little more about what it really is.

For US citizens, the passport is the sole official travel identification document, recognized, and accepted across the world, regardless of the citizen’s mode of transportation. Every country of the world will recognize you as a U.S. citizen.

On the other hand, the U.S. passport card is accepted as a U.S. citizen’s official travel identification document by 20 of the world’s nations; Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and 17 island nations of the Caribbean. For travel to every other nation of the world, U.S. citizens must use their passport book. Furthermore, the passport card may only be used for international travel, on land and sea. Unfortunately, you may not use the passport card for international air travel.

Examples:
• Driving between the U.S. and Canada or between the US and Mexico is permitted.
• Taking a cruise from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and/or many Caribbean island nations and back.

Unfortunately, some citizens traveling only with a passport card on those journeys may be heading for trouble.

In case of emergency, it is always necessary and useful to have another form of identification with you at all times. Depending on what country you are visiting your driver license will not work.

Making sure you always have your passport book and card on your trip is a good idea. Hotel rooms have a safe where you can lock your passport book for the day and if that is not the case you can buy a lock for your suitcase and lock your passport in it for the day.

 Is it still worth your order of a passport card? Absolutely! You will have less stress and more room in your bag!

If you would like more information on passport cards and how to order one feel free to call Express Passport at 888-612-9899. We are here to help you.

Express Passport

888-612-9899

www.ExpressPassport.com

info@expresspassport.com

Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

Visa Marriage

Many people have the dream of coming to the U.S., starting a new career, establishing a new life, getting married, and becoming successful. There are several steps to take before all that happens. Others enter the country on a travel visa on the thought on getting married. Will that work for them? Is it illegal?

You can usually get married on a travel visa. You may enter the U.S., get married, and return home before the visa expires. A bad situation can happen if you come into the country with a visa and plan on marrying a U.S. citizen and moving here after the wedding.

We hear a lot of stories about people from various countries coming into the U.S., getting married, moving here, and starting a new life. Why were these people allowed to stay? What happens is: They can have the U.S. citizen come to their country for a couple of weeks, plan the wedding here, get a travel visa, have the wedding in the U.S., and somehow they prove that moving here was spontaneous.  No, it does not work for everyone.

To successfully adjust status after marrying on a travel visa, the foreign spouse must show that they had originally intended to return home, and the thought of staying in the U.S. was not planned. Some couples find it difficult to honestly prove intent but others are successful.

If you're thinking of getting married in the United States while on a travel visa, here is what you should think about:

1.               Traveling again will take a while. Planning a honeymoon out of the U.S. and going to a beautiful Caribbean island can be forgotten. If you choose to stay in the country and change your status, the foreign spouse will not be able to leave the U.S. until they apply for a green card and receive it. If the foreign spouse leaves the country before securing one of these two documents, they would not be allowed to re-enter. You and your spouse would have to start the immigration process from scratch by asking for a spouse visa while the foreign spouse remains in his or her own country.

2.               Re-entering is a challenge. When the foreigner arrives, they will be asked why they are traveling. You should always be upfront and honest with border protection officials. If you just say, "To see the Statue of Liberty," and a search of your luggage shows a wedding dress, be prepared to be asked numerous amounts of intense questions. If the border official believes that you're not coming to the U.S. for just a visit and you cannot prove that you are leaving before your visa expires, you'll be on the next plane home.

3.               If you are planning to return to your home country, it is ok to get married in the U.S. The problem comes around when you do plan on staying in the U.S. You can get married and go back home before your visa expires, but you'll need very good evidence proving that you ARE planning on going back home. Come prepared with employment letters, proof of residency – such as a water bill -, and of course, a return ticket home. The more proof you have for going back the better off you will be and the easier it is to get in the U.S.

4.               Will you be ok with leaving all your personal belongings back home? If you do get in the U.S. and getting married is successful, you should be prepared to not be able to get your personal belongings back home, because you will not be able to leave the U.S. until your green card is received. One of the advantages of moving to the U.S. on a fiancé or spouse visa is that you will have time to get everything organized and ready to go while waiting for the visa. With a spontaneous wedding, on the other hand, you will not have time to do much. There's no time to say goodbye to friends and family, close bank accounts and end other obligations. You should also know that there are many documents that need to be submitted for a status change. Hopefully there will be a friend or family member back home who can get the information for you and send whatever you need to the U.S.

5.               If you choose to stay in the country after the wedding, what will happen if you are denied? No one expects to be denied a visa or a status change, but not everyone is eligible to receive one. Reasons for denial: a person's health, criminal history, previous bans or just a lack of required evidence. If you are the immigrating foreigner, will you be prepared to be denied the stay and be ready to go back home? What if you are the U.S. citizen? Are you prepared to leave your life here in the U.S. and start over? Or will circumstances like work and even children keep you from leaving the USA? If that happened would you have to divorce your new spouse and move on? These are difficult questions to answer, but the possibility of being denied is very real, so you should both be prepared.

6.               Avoid visa fraud. If you want to come into the U.S. and you have successfully said you are just visiting, but you stay, there could be consequences. If caught, you could be sent back to your home country and be banned from coming back to the U.S. Be careful and choose the right method.

On another note, if you are an American citizen and you plan on traveling to another country on a travel visa, there are many things you should know.

If you are planning on traveling next year – four months from today – and your passport expires in less than six months, you will not be allowed to enter a country on a travel visa or by using your passport. They will require that you renew your passport. It cannot expire six months or less before your travel date.

There are certain documents they will also ask for before you are ready to travel:
-Letter of invitation, bank statement, vaccinations, driver’s license, utility bill, phone bill, and etc.

Always prepare yourself to gather many things they will ask of you. It is all done for security purposes and for your own safety.

If you need a passport renewal or a travel visa give us a call! It is our duty at Express Passport to satisfy your every need of travel (New passport, Passport renewal, Child Passport, Lost/Stolen Passport, Added pages, Name change, and Travel visas).

Don’t hesitate to contact us!
888-612-9899
www.ExpressPassport.com
Email: info@expresspassport.com
Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

Former FSU Football Player Faces Caning in Singapore

A former Florida State University football player may become the first American citizen in 16 years to be caned in Singapore after he overstayed his visa, his lawyer said Thursday.

Kamari Charlton, who was a reserve tight end for FSU from 1992 to 1996, was arrested on September 1 when he attempted to leave the city 169 days after his 90-day social visit pass expired.

Charlton was born in the Bahamas and owns a construction company there. He decided to go to Singapore due to his wife’s medical care for pregnancy complications. It was not clear why Charlton and his wife chose Singapore for medical treatment.

Staying in Singapore more than 90 days after the end of a visa is punishable with a maximum jail term of six months and at least three cane strokes.

The attorney general's office declined to comment on the case. A judge is to meet with lawyers from both sides in a pretrial conference today.

If found guilty, Charlton would be the first American citizen caned in Singapore since 1994, when the last person to be arrested was a teenager named Michael Fay. He was punished for vandalism.

Know your rules and regulations for every country you are going to visit. Every country has different requirements. They even require that your passport will not expire in the next six months between now and the time you visit/travel. A passport renewal would be necessary. Go to www.ExpressPassport.com and sign up today!

I know many of us forget to check expiration dates on our passport and visa information, but no one would like to be in Charlton’s shoes. It could be something that would hunt you for the rest of your life.

Here is a checklist for visas:

1. Passport (0-6 month validity)
2. Passport photos (1-4)
3. Application
4. Confirmed itinerary (round trip ticket)
5. Consulate fee: Money order made out to the consulate (most are postal money orders). India is made out to Travisa.
6. Business: business letter of financial responsibility

Added requirements for some countries:

• Letter of invitation
• Bank statement
• Vaccinations (yellow fever)
• AIDS test
• Jurisdictional visas: Brazil, India – Driver’s license, utility bill, and phone bill.

If you would like any more information or details on visas or passports, please contact us.

888-612-9899 (Visas -> Kerri / Passports -> John)
www.ExpressPassport.com
Email: info@expresspassport.com
Hours: 9AM to 5PM Monday – Friday.

Largest U.S. Passport

Some of us like to travel the country while others like to travel abroad. Traveling out of the country requires a few extra things and one of them is a passport.

Each person’s passport tells a story: Where they have been, what countries, how many countries, and how many times they have left the U.S. Some have a few stamps on a couple of pages and others have numerous pages with stamps everywhere.

Sanjeev Midha loves to take his family on lavish, multiple-month international vacations. Each year, he sets aside $150,000 to $250,000 just to travel the world. Clearly, money isn't an object for the owner of a technology company.

I began to wonder how many pages and stamps he has in his passport.

We tend to think about traveling and planning trips, but the size of our passports never seems to cross our mind. Only about one in every three Americans even has a passport, according to the U.S. State Department.

Midha has had to add a huge amount of pages to his, which at 96 pages, is considered one of the largest in the United States. In 2009 he had to get a new one, because it was full and he couldn't add anymore pages.

"Each page was crowded, crowded, crowded. There were stamps, stamps, stamps. We travel as a family, a lot," he explained.

These vacations involve a lot more than sitting on a beach or getting on a cruise ship for a three-week trip in Australia.

Now the question comes to play: How do I add pages to my passport? Easy. You can start by going to our site (ExpressPassport.com). Click on the “passport forms” link (http://www.expresspassport.com/Passport-Forms.asp). That page will show you the DS-4085 form. Once you apply for our service that is the form you will be filling out. Keep in mind that DS-4085 only applies for those whose passports have at least one year left of validity.

“But my passport expires in eight months.” That is no problem. All you have to do is apply for a passport renewal and request a “big book”. Your passport will then come with extra pages and ready for travel!

A passport renewal is very simple. The checklist of documents we will need contains a very small amount of things – Your expired passport (for proof of citizenship), two new passport photos, an authorization letter we send you by e-mail, and the DS-82 form that allows you to apply for the renewal. That is it!

If your passport has expired for over five years you will need to apply for a new passport. The checklist includes a few more items that are required. Here is a link to the checklists: http://www.expresspassport.com/helpful-links.asp.

The form you will need to apply for a new passport is the DS-11. Once you are done filling it out make sure you take it to the nearest post office or court house. An agent has to witness you signing the form – for security purposes – and he/she will also sign the form.

How close are you to traveling now? Very close! Just choose the delivery service that is best for you and your travel date. Example: If you choose the 3-4 business day service, you will receive your passport 3-4 business days from the day we receive your documents.

Do you travel a lot? Do you need to add more pages or get a new passport? Do you want a renewed passport? Maybe your passport has expired or it’s been lost.

So many things could happen in such a short amount of time. That’s why Express Passport is here. Our main purpose is to help and serve you with any passport needs you may have.

Contact us at 888-612-9899

Site: www.ExpressPassport.com

Email: info@expresspassport.com

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

Worry-Free Traveling

For everyone:

Here is some advice on what to do before going out of the country.

All of us should have a passport. We all think, “I’m not traveling any time soon so it is a waste of time to get a passport now.” Big mistake! Random travel dates can come up, such as, business trips, family vacations, and even when you just want to get away spontaneously. When that situation happens you start looking for your passport or you panic because you don’t currently hold one.

Your travel date is a few months away. You become worry-free, and suddenly, your passport situation starts to become faint.

Time goes by and you find yourself in an unusual situation: only a few weeks away from traveling. What do you do now?

The post office can always help, but their service will take about eight weeks (two months) and you can’t wait that long. Will you miss your trip? Is there a chance you could your job? No! Express Passport is here to serve you and help you get your passport in as little as 24 hours!

“But I don’t have to come into your office and take time off from work.” That is no problem. You can apply online. It is very simple. Once you are done with your order and you are ready to process it we’ll contact you, send you an email with a checklist of things you will need, FedEx labels, and an authorization letter that you will sign to authorize us to work on your passport. Yes, that’s it!

*What about children?

If your child’s passport has expired you’ll need to apply for a new one. Until the child is 18 they may not renew their passport.

If you apply for a passport and you decide to apply for your child’s passport as well, keep in mind that the delivery cost will be lower! In a time like this it is good to think about all the options you have.

How to get started:

Visit www.ExpressPassport.com

Phone number: 888-612-9899

Email: info@expresspassport.com

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM.

You may ask for Kerri or John for details.

Soccer Player Loses Passport Before Finals

Some of us sleep with blankets, others with teddy bears, but Carlos Vela sleeps with his passport! I’m sure you’re all wondering why anyone would do that.

Carlos revealed that in April 2010, he lost his passport and missed the biggest game of his career. He didn’t know of any express services, and as a result, he wasn’t able to attend the game and his team lost (Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final game in Barcelona).

Because of the hit Carlos and his team took, he thinks the best thing to do is make sure the passport is near him at all times.

He believed Mexico had a good chance competing for the World Cup and keeping his passport safe would assure him and his teammates that he would be there. They would also have a chance to play against the best teams.

Vela had the chance to prove himself again and he did have the chance to play in South Africa this past June. He continues to keep his passport safe at all times and under his pillow every night. Make sure yours is safe as well!

Have you ever lost your passport? Has it been stolen? If this has unfortunately happened to you, give us a call. We can help you have your lost/stolen passport reported missing and we can issue you a new one!

You can reach us at 888-612-9899

Web site: www.ExpressPassport.com

E-mail: info@expresspassport.com

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

Parrot Steals Tourist's Passport in New Zealand

There is Ben – sitting in his car – on the way to the airport. He’s thinking of how marvelous his trip out of the country will be after a well deserved year. Everything is working his way; the family is with him, he is on time, everyone remembered to bring their belongings, and all passports are up to date. This trip will be perfect.

They arrive and New Zealand couldn’t be any better. The whole family wants to explore and it is decided that they will go on a tour bus around the area. The excitement forces Ben to forget to put his passport away. 

Suddenly, the unexpected happens: A native New Zealand parrot (Kea) spots Ben’s passport and unbelievably takes the passport into the dense rainforest! Thankfully Ben has a sense of humor and can’t help but chuckle. He says, “My passport is somewhere out there in Fiordland. The parrot is probably using it for fraudulent claims or something.”

That sense of humor will get him a long way, considering the fact that the post office will take weeks and weeks to replace his stolen passport.

If you are an American and you lose your passport in another country, you need to contact an American Embassy immediately! However, if you lose your passport before you leave the country, the fastest way to replace is to go through a private passport expediting company (www.ExpressPassport.com).

We can help you report the lost or stolen passport and we can also help you replace it. We work directly with the US Department of State. If you were working on your replacement by yourself, you’d have to make an appointment with a Regional Passport Agency, take time off from work, and wait in line. If you choose our service there is no need to do any of those things. All you have to do is send your application and we take care of the rest.

At Express Passport, we have helped many customers replace their lost/stolen passports. You can always count on friendly and knowledgeable guidance.

Get the help you need to make sure your trip isn’t delayed!

You can reach us at 888-612-9899

Web Site: www.ExpressPassport.com

E-mail: info@expresspassport.com

Hours: Monday – Friday from 9AM to 5PM

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

How to Expedite Passport Renewal.

If you have to travel overseas for business or personal reasons within two weeks or less and realize that your passport has expired, you’ll have to obtain a new passport fast. Whether you have to get a renewal or a replacement, the ability to get an expedited passport is the key to getting important documents together before your trip.

There are different options available to expedite passport renewal. The option you choose will determine how fast your application is processed. You have two assets: time and money. Each option requires a specific amount of time. Each has certain costs involved. You have to decide how much time you require in relation to how much you can pay. The information below helps you decide the best option to expedite passport renewal.

(1) You can get a fast passport renewal through the U.S. Department of State Passport Services. The time to expedite your mailed passport application can vary from 2 to 3 weeks. You first have to fill out and sign Form DS-82. Put the application, with your old passport, photos and application fee in an envelope. Make sure to write "Expedited Passport Renewal" on the front of the envelope. Note that if your current passport was altered or heavily damaged in any way, you will have to renew your passport in person rather than through the mail. 

(2) If you plan to travel in less than 2 weeks, you can also apply at a regional passport agency for fast passport renewal. By using this option, you can usually get your passport the same or following day you present your application. You have to appear in person by appointment at a regional passport agency. These offices are located in Aurora, Colorado; Boston; Chicago; Detroit; Honolulu; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; Minneapolis; New Orleans; New York; Norwalk, Connecticut; Philadelphia; San Francisco; Seattle; and Washington, D.C. You also have to show documented proof of the emergency.

(3) Another option for getting quick passport renewal is to use an expedited U.S. Passport Renewal Service. This is a good alternative if you have less than 1 week before your departure date and cannot travel to a regional passport agency. You can authorize a passport expediting service to get your passport renewed. Many passport and visa expeditors offer downloadable applications and renewal forms on their websites for added convenience.

If you have any more questions please call us at 888-612-9899.
Visit us on the web! http://www.expresspassport.com/
Email: info@expresspassport.com