The Department of State (US Passport Service) has published a proposed rule on Regulations.Gov announcing the intention to increase the fees charged for a number of consular services, including an increase in passport application fees. These fees are being increased to “ensure that fees for consular services reflect costs to the United States of providing the services.”
Reportedly, the Department of State conducted a study between 2007 and June 2009 and determined that their Agency is not sufficiently recovering the costs to perform various consular services for the public, which the issuance of a US Passport is a major portion of activity.
The proposed fees include a $35 increase in the fee for a new passport or passport renewal and the new fee will be a total of $110 to acquire your passport. Among other changes, a child’s passport would increase $20 to a total fee of $80. Finally, the relatively newly introduced passport card will see an increase in fees as well.
No specific date is noted for implementation of the increase; however, we’d expect it to occur sometime this year.
So, how does this affect you? Naturally, we’d suggest that you plan ahead and apply for a new US passport soon!
Archive for the ‘Passport FAQ's’ Category
US Passport Fees Proposed to Be Increased
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Why use a Passport Expeditor?
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010Why would you use a Passport Expeditor?
If you are traveling to another country you’ll need a passport. If you are pressed for time, typically inside 6 weeks, you’ll really be up against a time deadline using the traditional method of going to the Post Office. If this fits your situation, you may want to use a passport expeditor. Keep in mind, we are a private company and charge extra for our personal services.
As a private expeditor, we guide you through the steps to obtain the necessary documents to complete your application. Then, we review and submit your passport application to the Passport Agency for you, essentially “walking” the documents to the Passport Office and picking them up when they are ready. Above is a chart that explains the different alternatives for acquiring your passport so that you are informed.
Have a question? Give us a call at 1-800-860-8610
How to Apply for a New Passport
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
If your old passport has expired or you’ve never applied for a passport before, you’ll need to arrange a new passport application in order to travel outside of the US. Applying for a new passport can sometimes seem like a 
confusing process, especially if this is the first time you’ve done it. So if you need to apply for a new passport, where do you start?
Two Options for a New Passport
When it comes to your new passport application, you have two options: apply the standard way through the Department of State Web site, or choose to apply though a private passport expediting company.
What’s the difference? Speed and efficiency. If you apply through a private service then you will be helped through every stage of the process to make it easier for you and to prevent you from making any mistakes. If you send your application form off to the Department of State and there is a mistake it can hold the process up for weeks. But a private passport firm will check through everything first to make sure it’s all correct so you won’t have to worry.
A private passport company can also offer a new passport service in as little as 24 hours, whereas the standard passport application can take anywhere from three to six weeks. If you need your new passport in a rush you only really have one option.
Passport Application Process
Whichever service you choose for your new passport, you will still need to send in the same information. This will include a completed DS-11 application form that has been signed at a passport acceptance facility, two passport photos, fees, travel documentation, and a few other things. For full details of exactly what you will need to send, see our section on new passports.
Once you’ve collected all of the relevant information, you simply need to send it either to the US Department of State or to your passport expediting service who will do the rest for you.
All you have to do then is wait for a few weeks (or as little as a day with a passport expediting company) and your new passport will arrive through your door. Easy!
US Passport Requirements to go to Canada
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009As 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, 
but 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.
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 
. 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.
How to Get a Passport Fast
Friday, December 11th, 2009
How do you get a Passport Fast?
It’s everyone’s vacation nightmare: you’ve been planning your vacation for weeks or months, you’ve been dreaming about sandy beaches, hot sun, relaxing days by the pool … but you’ve got so carried away with it all that you’ve forgotten the most important thing of all: your passport.
What do you do? How do you get your US passport sorted out fast? Luckily there’s a way that’s quick and easy.
Same Day Passport Service
With a same day passport application service, you can get your passport within 24 hours. It seems impossible, especially when you visit the US Department of State Web site and find out there’s an average wait of six weeks. But with a private passport application service you can get your US passport delivered on the same-day with ease.
Why Bother Going Fast?
There are many reasons why you may need to arrange a passport application fast.
Perhaps a business meeting has just come up out of the blue and it’s hugely important that you attend, but after buying your flight and booking your accommodation you realize that your passport expired a few weeks ago.
Sometimes even the most careful planners can get caught. Even if you have your passport ready and you’ve checked and double checked that it is still valid for a few months, you might find out at the last moment that the country you’re visiting requires at least six months validity on your passport or they won’t let you get a visa.
Most people start to panic when they find they need a passport immediately, and some give up all hope of ever making the trip.
But with a same day fast passport expediting service you just have to fill in a few forms online, send the required documents, pay the fee, and your US passport will get delivered straight away.
Streamlined Process
When you go with a passport expediting service your passport application is handled by a dedicated team who streamline the whole process. That means you’ll bypass all the restrictions that come with applying for your passport in the standard way.
When you apply for a passport with an expediting service, you get the same passport but just a lot quicker. It makes your life easier and means you never have to worry about missing your vacation or important trip ever again.
Want to Study Abroad? Get your Passport and See the World!
Friday, November 6th, 2009Do I need a US passport to study abroad?
Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular with US students as it’s the perfect way to enjoy new experiences and see the world. If you decide to undertake some of your studies abroad, make sure you are fully prepared by arranging your passport, visa, and travel insurance in advance.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad allows you to work in a completely new environment, meet people you would never meet back home, and learn about a new country in a way that you simply could not achieve through a standard vacation.
Of course, for those with one eye on a career then studying abroad can really help to give the resume a boost. Whereas including ‘traveling’ on your resume may not give you the edge over other applicants, studying abroad will show prospective employers that you can look after yourself and use your initiative in a new and challenging environment.
Studying abroad doesn’t just have to be for college credits. Many people choose to study in different countries to pick up language skills that can be used back home. Some people also choose to combine foreign study with an internship to make the most of the opportunity of being abroad.
Planning your Studies Abroad
The first step in arranging your trip abroad is to decide where you want to go. Your college advisor should have lots of useful information about which courses you can apply for as well as which countries and institutions you can study in. Once you’ve got your heart set on a particular location, you’ll need to do some planning to ensure everything is in place before you leave.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Although a standard travel insurance policy should be fine, there are some specialist student travel insurance policies that provide cover for equipment and fees in the event of your having to return home, so it’s worth looking into this first.
Arranging your Passport and Visa
One of the most important things to remember is your passport and visa. You may not need a visa for your chosen country, but many countries require one for entry. You might need a special study visa which could involve a letter of confirmation from your chosen institution, but your college should be able to help with the exact details. Not sure whether you need a visa? You can use us to find out about visa requirements for all countries.
And of course you won’t be going anywhere without a passport. Our advice is to get your passport as early as possible to avoid any problems. But even if you do leave it to the last minute then we offer a passport expediting service.
Once you’ve got your passport, make two photocopies of it before leaving home. Leave one copy with your parents or friends, and take one with you, keeping it separate from your passport. Then if you lose your passport you’ll be in a better position to sort out a replacement.
Start Planning Now
Interested in studying abroad? Let us take care of all your visa and passport details so you can concentrate on having a great time without worrying about forgetting anything.
Do I Need a US Passport to go to the Caribbean?
Monday, October 26th, 2009Do I Need a US Passport to go to the Caribbean?
A vacation to the Caribbean is on the travel wish list for many of us. However; without a passport your trip to the Caribbean may be delayed. Whether heading there on a family break, your honeymoon, or simply for some time to relax, there can’t be many better holiday destinations around.
Best Places to Go
You are spoiled for choice when you head to the Caribbean. There are simply too many different things to see and ways to spend your time. Here’s just a few ideas for your vacation:
• Go island hopping in the Bahamas
• Scuba dive for shipwrecks in Bermuda
• Enjoy some of the best rum in the world in Barbados
• Check out a game of cricket in Antigua
• Chill out with some Calypso music in Trinidad & Tobago
And that’s not even mentioning the long days spent lying on golden sands and swimming in the crystal-clear waters—the most important ingredient of any tropical vacation.
Preparations
Before you go to the Caribbean on your vacation, there are a number of things you need to remember. You’ll be spending plenty of time on the beach so beachwear is essential, as is sunscreen, a camera, and some spending money. More importantly, make sure you have travel insurance that includes medical cover in case you need to make a trip to the hospital. Although it’s a worse-case scenario, medical fees abroad can be enormous, so don’t get caught out.
The Most Important Item : Your US Passport
Apart from all of these, the most important item of all is your passport. Without this you won’t be going anywhere and you can kiss that picture-perfect beach goodbye.
The Caribbean forms part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), like Canada and Mexico, so you do not require a visa to visit any of the countries. However, your passport or passport card is certainly required, no matter what you may have heard, so make sure you apply for yours as soon as possible.
Applying for your Passport
Applying for your passport is easy with our service. We tell you exactly what you need to provide, then check that everything is in order before sending off your application. It really is the most convenient way of getting your passport or passport card, and it only takes a matter of weeks.
Expedited Service
Need your passport in a hurry? Expedite your passport through us and it can take as little as a single day. This is great for those last-minute hiccups when you suddenly realize you completely forgot about your passport, and is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Christmas Holidays in Europe..Don’t forget your Passport!
Monday, October 26th, 2009Europe is one of the most popular locations to head on vacation at Christmas. The beauty of the ‘Old World’ is that there are so many amazing places to see all in one relatively small area. Flights between countries are quick and cheap, so you could hop about and see three or four countries in a matter of weeks.
Christmas Highlights
With so much on offer, it’s difficult to pick the highlights of things to do on your vacation in Europe this Christmas. Many tourists end up visiting a few of the major cities, spending some quality time in each. Here are a few ideas if you are looking for some inspiration:
London: Carols around the Christmas Tree
You don’t get much more Christmassy than singing carols around the tree in Trafalgar Square. This tradition goes back over half a century and will really get you in the Christmas spirit during your vacation in Europe. The actual tree is an annual gift from Oslo, and it is always decorated in white lights. A celebrity usually helps to turn on the lights, which this year will take place on December 3. Most evenings people gather together to sing carols, so feel free to join in.
Paris: Open Air Ice Skating
From mid-December onwards the city of Paris puts on free outdoor ice skating outside City Hall. It’s a fantastic setting, and there is nothing quite like it. The best thing is it’s completely free, so you can take your own skates and stay as long as you want for nothing! Although if you need to hire skates then these will cost €5 a pair.
Madrid: Procession of the Three Kings
If you head to Spain after celebrating Christmas somewhere else then you can arrive in time for the Procession of the Three Kings in Madrid. This usually takes place on January 5, and although it occurs in all towns and cities across Spain, Madrid’s celebration is the biggest. Thousands of sweets are thrown out from no less than 30 carriages parading through the street, making it a night to remember.
Don’t Forget your Passport
If you decide to visit any of the countries above during your vacation in Europe, or indeed any other countries, then don’t forget your passport. There is no way you can travel to Europe without a passport, so don’t spoil your Christmas by forgetting it. Try to get it as early as possible; it’s always best to have your passport in your hand long before you plan to leave America as then you won’t have to worry about it.
However, if you realize that you need it quickly there’s always our expedited service. You can expedite your passport with us using our emergency service and could have it back in as little as a day.
Visas
As for visas, for the countries above you can simply get a visa on arrival and there is no need to plan ahead. However, always check the latest visa requirements and details of any individual country you are visiting to avoid encountering any problems on arrival.
Changing the Name in your Passport after Getting Married
Monday, October 26th, 2009Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe—wherever you head on your honeymoon, planning this special trip is one of the highlights of the wedding preparations. But with all the excitement of the trip, and all the other considerations when planning the wedding, it’s very easy to forget about the essentials.
One thing that many people forget to consider until the last moment is whether changing their name after they get married will affect their honeymoon travel arrangements. This can result in a huge panic that no one needs on their wedding day, so what exactly are the correct procedures?
Wait Until After the Honeymoon
The general advice is not to worry about anything to do with your new name until after you get home from your honeymoon. In order to change your name, you need to show your marriage license. This is only given to you just before the wedding, which means you would have to change your name and get a new passport before traveling on your honeymoon, which for many people simply isn’t feasible.
On top of that, you would have to change your name in your plane tickets as well, for which an extra charge would be required.
Your names on your travel ticket must match the name in your passport in order to be valid. So unless you want to delay your honeymoon until after you have changed your name then it is much better to just wait and do it all together at a later date.
Applying for a Passport Name Change
If you apply for a name change on your passport through the US State Department, there are different rules regarding this process. If your passport is less than a year old, you can change the name in your passport for free after it has been legally changed. You will need to send in your current passport, the marriage certificate or a certified copy, and Form DS-5504.
If you applied for your passport over a year ago, you will need to send the same documentation as above, but rather than Form DS-5504 you will need to send Form DS-82 instead. In this case a fee will apply.
Use a Professional Passport Service
At Passports and Visas.com we provide first-rate passport services, including name changes on your passport. Want your name changed in a hurry? We also offer an expedited service to get your passport changed in as little as one day.
Relax and Enjoy your Honeymoon
Whatever your honeymoon plans, changing your name is one thing that you don’t need to worry about until after you get home. So enjoy your honeymoon, and then on your return change your name legally and follow this up by getting a name change in your passport.
