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 Processing’ Category
US Passport Fees Proposed to Be Increased
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Snowstorm in Washington DC causing delays
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010Washington DC is still in recovery mode from a major snowstorm with another scheduled to arrive later today with a predicted 20 inches of snow. All government offices, the US Passport Agency and most Embassies are were closed yesterday, the 8th and will also be closed today, the 9th. Our office; however, is open this morning to service customers.
Our other offices are open and operating so give us a call at 800-860-8610 and our staff will be able to assist you in determining the right place to send your application.
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.
Department of State and Most Embassies closed Nov 26 and Nov 27, 2009
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the Department of State is closed on Thursday, Nov 26 and Friday, Nov 27. Most Embassies will be closed on these days as well. We will be closed on Thursday, Nov 26th but back open on Friday, Nov 27 at 9am EST.
Department of State and most Embassies Closed Today, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009Department of State and most Embassies Closed Today, November 11, 2009 (Veterans Day).
Thanks to all the troops and veterans for what you do.
Our phones are open today and passport and visa processing will resume tomorrow
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.
