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Visa & Passport Services, Archived Knowledge Base
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ok, by now pretty much everyone knows that passport and travel requirements have changed and are still changing. If you haven't been keeping up try not to feel too bad, it confuses everyone, perhaps even the individuals that came up with the changes to begin with (although you have to admit, that would be worth a great laugh).
Of course just when you think you have it down, something else changes, if not on the whole, then at least in part. For example, say you and the family have finally decided to take a well-deserved vacation. But not just any vacation, no sir you guys are going on a cruise! And while some people may think your nuts when you say family, because, well cruise sounds so romantic (it really does doesn't it?). But again, you guys are doing it right, your taking a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, perfect family entertainment for both parents and kids. Yes, they do it right, lots of wholesome things for the kids as well as a few surprises for the adults. This is so cool; you knew you would need passports for the cruise, because you have been following the news. So, bypassing all the middlemen you guys applied for your passports, feeling oh so smart, you had it timed perfectly. You knew the average processing time for passports and made sure you did this in plenty of time for the cruise. Great, right? Well almost, can you imagine the faces when you are trying to board the ship, passports are being checked and you have yours handy? Until you are told that yes, the passports themselves are in order, however, the cruise line requires you to provide proof that your passport numbers were assigned at least 75 days prior to the travel dates. It doesn't matter that you have them, it doesn't matter that you have had them for 3 weeks in advance. What matters is that you are around 8 weeks too late; at a minimum you should have had them 11 weeks before the cruise. Perhaps bypassing the middleman is not always the best practice. While you had foresight enough to know you would need them, you did not know there were other requirements. With something this important it can be a wise move to contact a company that specializes in obtaining travel documents. If this were the case they would have naturally asked you questions about all parts of your travel and it is a good bet that they are extremely familiar with most, if not all, requirements, even a cruise line. Being professionals they would have known what questions to ask and offered advice as well. Be sure to keep this in mind for your next vacation. Labels: Egypt Travel, employment, passport, passport applications, passport renewal, passport services, passports, travel, visa @: TexasTower.net 0 Comments
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Is it ok to admit that you are just a little, not fed up, but tired maybe of hearing about all of the new passport laws? We absolutely know that these measures are in place or being put in place for our safety and it is appreciated. However, that does not make it any easier to understand nor does it make it any easier to keep up with all of the changes.
Some say that the government has a way of taking something that should be, or was, basically simple and turning it around so that it is no longer even recognized as something that we might have known. And, if by chance you somehow manage to grasp the initial change, just wait a while because there will be another one coming along to once again leave us in the dark. If anyone is thinking that it sounds a little like sour grapes you may be right. After all, most of us feel that we are of reasonable intelligence; therefore if something comes along that the general consensus says we should understand and we don't, we certainly don't want to admit that we do not have the ability to grasp it. However, in something that is as important as our travel and safety we need to make sure that we do grasp it at least well enough to be able to travel and be safe. So, for those of you that may not completely understand all of the new passport/visa/travel regulations and requirements, it's ok. You do not have to admit to your friend or neighbor that you don't get it. Consider contacting a company that specializes in understanding and securing the types of documents that are needed for travel. They have to be current and up to date on all laws and requirements. They can tell you what you need for each and every country you plan to visit. They can help you obtain the documents you need and can walk you through the process. This ensures you will have everything you need to have an enjoyable worry-free trip. However, you may want to go ahead and tell your wife that you contacted such a company because you will impress her no end. She is always giving you a bad time about not asking for directions, right? Well you may just see tears of joy over this admission or perhaps a free no nag pass for a few months. Labels: passport, passport applications, passport renewal, passport services, passports, travel, visa @: TexasTower.net 1 Comments
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Due to increased security many travel requirements have changed or will be changing in the near future. For example, as of January 2007 if you planned to travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada by either air or sea you were required to have a passport. In January 2008, the passport requirement is extended to include all land border crossings as well as land and sea travel. Even though these changes are implemented in stages it can be difficult to understand and keep up with the changes.
If you have plans to visit some Middle Eastern or African countries you may want to double check their entry requirements. Many of these countries will not issue a Visa or allow entry if your passport indicates any travel to Israel. Many people are not aware that if US citizens travel to a country where a valid US Passport is not required they will still need documentary evidence of their citizenship and identity. Appropriate forms of identification may include an expired US Passport or an original birth certificate. A certified copy of the birth certificate may be acceptable, just be sure that it has the raised and embossed seal. Some countries require that your US Passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity you will have to apply for a new one. Some countries have departure fees that are either paid at the time you purchase your ticket or when leaving the country. These are only a few examples of regulations and requirements that may be needed for travel. If you plan to travel you may want to get in touch with a company that specializes in obtaining documents that may be needed for traveling. This assures that you will have everything you need to make your trip a little more enjoyable. Labels: birth certificate, birth certificate copy, Egypt, Egypt Travel, international drivers license, passport, passport applications, passport renewal, passport services, passports, travel, visa @: TexasTower.net 0 Comments
Friday, January 11, 2008
There are many different reasons for travel; it may be for business or pleasure and perhaps a little of both. In either case hopefully you will be able to enjoy your destination and have a little relaxation since you are not at home.
Unfortunately there are also several reasons that you may have to take an unplanned or unexpected trip due to an illness or death in your family. There are so many details to cover and paperwork that needs to be completed and you really do not have time for mistakes or delays. Of course, one of the best ways to avoid such problems is to make sure you have everything that you will need before you actually need it. However, this is not always the case, so what can you do? Perhaps the best plan would be to contact a company that specializes in obtaining paperwork that may be required in order to travel outside the country. If a passport is required for your travel and you do not have one then you will have to get one before you can go. In order to get a passport you will most likely need a certified copy of your birth certificate as well. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation where you have very little time and need everything to go just right, then one of these companies will be your best bet. They are up to date on all current regulations and laws that may be required in your travels and may be able to help you expedite the whole process. Labels: passport, passport applications, passport renewal, passport services, passports, travel, visa @: TexasTower.net 0 Comments
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The holidays are pretty much over and your life is starting to slow down again. Or hopefully it has at least stopped that feeling of flying headlong into all of the Christmas chaos.
You made it through all the relatives' different schedules, visiting and everything else that goes along with family and the holidays. But, you have to admit you did learn a thing or two this year. Everyone was so excited to visit you and your family in your new home in Canada. The kids were extra excited because there was snow and they really don't get too much snow back home. But, your sister looked simply exhausted and you really didn't want to pry, but were afraid things weren't going to well for her. So, when the kids were out skating and the guys were watching football you had a chance to really talk with her. And, yes, it was a relief to learn that everything was ok, she was just so worn out and tired. Getting everything together for this trip was actually harder than she thought it would be. With so many new laws and regulations for traveling she had a hard time getting everything together. She had never even considered the fact it may be difficult getting into Canada without certain documents, it had never been a problem before. After all of the excitement and everyone was back home you may have started thinking about your sister and the traveling problems she ran into. So, you have decided that you do not want that to happen to you, but how do you avoid it? What can you do? To start with you may want to get in touch with a company that specializes in obtaining proper traveling documents. Since there are so many new laws it can be difficult for you to keep up with them. Whereas a company such as this is always on top of the laws and requirements for all areas. This reduces your chances of having a really hectic time traveling, or at least the paperwork involved. The rest of the chaos (families, etc.) just comes with the territory. Labels: canada, canadian travel, passport, passport applications, passport services, passports, visa @: TexasTower.net 0 Comments
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