New Passport Rules A Surprise to Two Former Presidents - Expedited Passports

The Department of State put a lot of effort into publicizing the changes to US travel requirements that became law on June 1st. They added a clock to US Passport Agency’s web site, counting down to the second when the new rules would go into effect. They made announcement after announcement, starting months ahead of time.

However, for all their outreach, there were at least 2 people that the State Department failed to reach with their warnings: Former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.  The two ex-presidents were asked about the new requirements during a joint appearance in Toronto on Saturday, May 29th.

As reported in the Winnepeg Free Press, here’s how they responded:

“I’ll be frank with you Frank, I don’t know about the passport issue,” Bush told the crowd of 6,000.

“I thought we were making good progress on using a driver’s licence to cross the border. What happened to the easy-pass card?”

Clinton too said he’d only heard about the passport requirement a day earlier, adding that in all likelihood most Americans were completely unaware of it as well.

Apparently, our two former presidents would have benefited from reading our blog! The new requirements were put into place as part of the final phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). To sum them up:

• All adult American citizens traveling to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean must have a US passport or another document approved by Homeland Security to get back into the country. Previously, you could use your driver’s license and a birth certificate if you were crossing by land or by sea, but that is no longer the case.
• Children under the age of 16 can use a birth certificate when traveling by land or sea.
• Children ages 16-18 can use a birth certificate when traveling by land or sea as part of an organized, chaperoned group, like a sports group or school group.
• Passengers of any age can use a driver’s license and birth certificate (or naturalization certificate) if they are on a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends in the same US port.
• Air passengers of any age need a US Passport Book.

If you need a passport to travel to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean, you should be prepared to wait. It’s currently taking at least 4 to 6 weeks to process a passport application submitted with standard processing. New passport applications submitted using the government’s expediting service take at least 2-3 weeks, and that’s if you pony up the cash for overnight shipping to and from the Passport Agency.

Can’t wait that long? A private passport expediting company is a convenient way to get your passport more quickly. An expediting company hand-delivers your application materials and then sends you your new passport. Because your application goes to the top of the stack, it gets processed much more quickly-in as little as 24 hours!

Don’t let the new passport regulations interfere with your summer vacation-order your passport now!

Are you getting married in the near future? If you’ve been living on your own for awhile, you may not need the traditional wedding gifts of household appliances and dishes.  And, if you’re like me, the thought of someone spending a lot of money on nice china just because “it’s something you’re supposed to have once you’re married” may make you cringe. If this sounds familiar, consider using a honeymoon registry instead of the traditional wedding registry.

A honeymoon registry allows your friends and relatives to give you the gift of travel. You decide where you want to go and what you want to do, and then break everything down into “gifts” that people can buy for you.  For example, people can contribute money to cover part of the airfare, a night in a hotel, dinner out, museum tickets or even just a bottle of wine. If everything works out, you get help paying for the honeymoon of your dreams and avoid getting oodles of stuff you don’t really need.

The two biggest honeymoon registry services are Honey Luna and the Big Day. If you decide to go this route, here are some tips:

• Make sure you have gifts in a variety of price points
• Provide detailed descriptions of each “gift” so that the person buying it can visualize what they are purchasing.  Some people won’t want to contribute because they feel like they are giving a gift certificate instead of choosing something special. If they can visualize what they’re buying, and more important, visualize you enjoying it, they are more likely to go along with the idea.
• Let people know about the registry well in advance.
• Have a back-up plan for financing.
• Expect resistance from more “traditional” family members. Get other family members to promote the idea for you.
• If you’re leaving the country for the honeymoon, register for an express passport. You, your spouse and everyone who contributed to the registry will be extremely disappointed if the trip doesn’t happen because you don’t have your documents.

When you apply for a passport with normal processing, it can take at least two months for you to receive it. Even with the government’s expedited service, you can expect to wait at least 3 weeks. And then, if there’s a problem with your application you might have to start over again.

When you order an express passport from a private passport expediting company, you get expert help with your passport application. And with express processing times that range from 24 hours to a little over a week, you’ll have it in hand well before you walk down the aisle.

Your passport is the last thing you want to worry about when you plan your honeymoon-order an express passport today!

Want to see the world and make a difference at the same time? Many organizations offer international volunteer programs! Participating in an international volunteer program even has some advantages over simply traveling to another country, as this post on “Go Green Travel Green” points out.

Not only do you get the satisfaction that comes from knowing y0u’re helping others, you’ll also get a deeper experience of the culture in the country where you’re volunteering. Plus, traveling outside of the major tourist areas and interacting with local people will help you to learn the language more quickly and effectively than you would if you were staying in a hotel or hostel with other tourists.

If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad this summer, you’ll probably need an express passport.  Currently,  the US Department of State is taking at least 6 weeks to process a passport application with normal processing. If you apply for the government’s expedited service, you can still expect to wait at least 3 weeks for your passport, even if you spring for overnight delivery to and from the passport office.

The fastest way to get an express passport is to use a private passport expediting company. An expediter can offer express passport processing by hand-delivering your application to the US Department of State, and then rushing the passport back to you.  With an expediting company, you get VIP treatment, and your passport could be processed in as little as 24 hours!

Ready to volunteer abroad this summer? Order an express passport today!

Are you the type of person that likes to take off on an adventure at the spur of the moment? A new travel site called Voyij could have you applying for a passport, quick! Voyij is a service that draws information on last-minute travel deals from other travel sites like Hotwire, Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity.

What’s different about Voyij? Unlike other travel sites, you don’t start with a pre-planned destination. Instead, you enter in the airport that you would like to depart from and the dates you expect to travel. Then, Voyij pulls back a list of travel deals like flights, hotel rooms and all-inclusive vacations that leave from that airport.  Destinations can be within the United States (Las Vegas seems to popular right now) or anywhere else in North America and the Caribbean. International destinations are coming soon.

Remember, if you use Voyij to uncover a last-treasure of a deal on travel to another country, you’ll need to get a passport quickly if you actually want to go.  Right now, normal passport processing through the government takes at least 6 weeks, while the government’s expedited processing takes 3 weeks.

However, if you use a private passport expediting company to submit your application, you’ll get your passport much faster than that. A private expediting company will hand-deliver your application to the US Passport Agency. With processing times as low as 24 hours, you can book your last-minute trip with confidence!

Don’t get left behind-apply now to get a passport, quick!

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to start planning your family’s summer vacation. Where are you going this year? If you’re not sure, take a look at these top 5 summer vacation destinations. Remember, you need to renew your passport now if you want to travel this summer!

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic- Punta Cana is becoming an increasingly well-known playground for American tourists.  Gorgeous pink sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts are the main attractions here.
• London- See London without the fog! In the summer, nicer-than-usual weather brings Londoners out into the city streets to party.
• Argentina- Do you hate hot weather? Escape to the Southern Hemisphere! When it’s summer in the US, it’s winter here. The best skiing is from June to September, so come on down and play in the snow!
• Vancouver Island- Destinations for Leisure has an interesting post up that describes this Canadian island off the coast of British Columbia. If you can’t decide between playing in the ocean and playing in the mountains, this might be the place for you. Bonus: the island is known for its excellent seafood.
• Scandinavia- During summertime, the Scandinavian countries (Norway,  Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland) turn into the land of the midnight sun. With 24 hours of sunlight, the day doesn’t end until you pull the shades down in your hotel room.

Thinking about traveling to another country this summer? Pull out your passport and check the expiration date! If you have less than 6 months left, you may need to renew your passport before you travel. At this point, a private passport expediting service may be your best bet. Regular passport processing often takes 2 or even 3 months, and even the government’s expedited service takes at least 3 weeks.

Why wait that long? With an expediting company, you can renew your passport in as little as 24 hours, with no need to make an appointment or wait in line at a Regional Passport Agency.

For hassle-free summer travel, renew your passport with us today!

This year, international travel is cheaper for Americans than it has been in a long time.  The exchange rate between the dollar and many foreign currencies has improved, and the economic situation has airlines and hotels slashing prices to attract tourists.

What does this mean to you? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to travel internationally, this is the year to plan a trip. If a trip to Italy is on your life list, the best time to travel is right now. Spring is the best time to visit Italy-flowers are blooming, the weather is mild, and high tourist season doesn’t start until summer.

There are also some great last-minute travel deals out there. For example, this special from Eurofly covers your flight and hotel for 6 nights in the Eternal City for only $1299.00. What should you do when you get there? This post on Destinations for Leisure covers the basics: the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Colosseum. To which I would add: the Pantheon, the Galleria Borghese for art history buffs, and the Capitoline Museums for lovers of archaeology. (more…)

Do you have a wedding in your near future? Congratulations! Have you started planning your honeymoon yet? Many couples want to start their new life together by going somewhere new and exotic. However, the inevitable hassles involved in international travel can be stressful for newlyweds….or anyone else for that matter!

After all the stress involved in planning a wedding, you and your new spouse will probably want to relax. A honeymoon cruise may be just what the doctor ordered-you still get to go somewhere new and exciting, but the cruise line takes care of all the logistics for you.  Cruises are also a cheaper way to travel outside of the country, especially right now, when there are so many sales going on.

Destinations For Leisure has a post with some great recommendations for couples planning a honeymoon cruise. First, make sure to look for cruises that offer complimentary services to honeymooners. Also, if you’ve never been on a cruise before, choose a short cruise with a lot of time in port-nothing ruins a honeymoon like seasickness!

When you plan a honeymoon cruise, you also need to make arrangements for obtaining a passport if the cruise will take you outside of the US. Starting June 1st,2009, land and sea travelers to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean will need passports to reenter the US in many cases.

Obtaining a passport involves filling out the appropriate application forms, submitting proof of identification and proof of citizenship, and paying the appropriate government fees. Fees vary depending on whether you are applying for a new passport or a renewal-you can view current fees here.

Obtaining a passport does take some time-at least 2 to 3 months for the government’s regular service, and at least 3 weeks for their expedited service. To ensure your honeymoon goes smoothly, use a private passport expediting company if you are short on time. An expediting company can have your passport application processed in as little as 24 hours, depending on how fast you need it.

International cruise coming up? Visit our website and find out just how easy obtaining a passport can be!

International travel is a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. To help keep Americans safe, the Department of State issues travel warnings whenever travel to a particular country becomes dangerous. Here are the top 10 places not to take your US passport. You can find more travel warnings at the Department of State website.

1. Yemen-On the list for terrorist attacks that specifically target Americans.  In September of last year, the American Embassy was attacked, and the US government remains concerned about terrorist activities.
2. Sudan- The current situation in Sudan is a true human tragedy.  Americans are advised not to travel to the country at all, since there is a possibility of being caught up in protests or terrorist attacks that target Westerners.
3. Central African Republic-Armed rebel groups, bandits and poachers…not anyone’s idea of a good vacation.
4. Algeria-From the Department of State’s website: “Terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur regularly.” Enough said.
5. Iraq- The situation on the ground in most of Iraq is still dangerous for civilians, especially Western civilians. (more…)

Still trying to come up with ideas for Mother’s Day? Cruises have become surprisingly affordable-why not pitch in with your siblings and get her a cruise? For example, the Travel Deals blog has a link to some great deals on Caribbean cruises, starting as low as $179!

Remember, though, that travel requirements for cruises to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean are changing.  Currently, travelers on cruises to these regions can use photo ID and proof of citizenship, like a birth certificate, to re-enter the United States. However, starting June 1st, 2009, passports will be required for adults on cruises to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, unless the cruises begin and end at the same US port.

If you’re purchasing a cruise for Mom this year, make sure to check with the cruise line to see if passports will be required. If your mother doesn’t have a passport, you can help her apply for an expedited passport if she needs one. Since most of the cruises that are on sale leave within the next month or so, the best way to make sure Mom has her passport in time is to use a private passport expediting service. Although the US Department of State offers expedited service, their expedited service currently takes at least 3 weeks door-to-door.  An expediting company can have her expedited passport application processed in as little as 24 hours, so she won’t have to worry about being left in port.

Order an expedited passport today, and get ready to enjoy life on the high seas!

As the earth’s temperature rises, some of the most beautiful places in the world are changing forever.  A warmer planet means fewer glaciers and rising sea levels, both of which endanger certain famous tourist destinations. Here are five spots that are particularly threatened-get a fast passport to see them before it’s too late!

Venice, Italy

Many of the buildings in this ancient Italian city were built on wooden piles sunk into the Venetian lagoon. The city has been slowly sinking for years, and rising sea levels pose an increasing threat to the Serenissima‘s famous art and architecture.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a delicate, complex ecosystem built on the skeletons of colonies of living creatures called coral. Coral is extremely sensitive to changes in water temperature and water chemistry, which can cause a phenomenon known as bleaching. When this happens, the colorful living coral die and leave ghostly white skeletons behind. The Great Barrier Reef has already experienced some bleaching, and its expected to get worse in the decades to come.

Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. A dormant volcano covered by a glacier, it is a favorite destination for climbers around the world. However, the famous “snows of Kilimanjaro” may soon exist only in memory. The ice cap on top of Kilimanjaro is melting, although scientists disagree as to whether this is due to increased temperatures or less precipitation. Either way, the glaciers are disappearing, and may be gone completely as early as 2015 or 2020.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands, famous for the remarkable biodiversity that helped inspire Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, are also threatened by climate change.  Changes in sea levels and in the salinity of the ocean water around the islands are disrupting the delicate ecological balance that the people and wildlife that live on the islands depend on.

Swiss Alps

The glaciers in the Swiss Alps are melting, too. Some reports estimate they will be gone completely by 2030 to 2050. If you’ve always to go on a ski holiday in Switzerland, now is the time to do it.

If you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, remember to apply  for a passport several months in advance. Even with the government’s expedited passport service, you should allow at least 3 weeks before your departure date.

If you need a passport more quickly, a private passport expediting company can provide you with hassle-free fast passport service.  An expediting service will personally deliver your application to the US Passport Agency, resulting in processing times that can be as fast as 24 hours.

In addition to providing fast passport service, expediting companies also provide more personal attention and can help make sure your application is submitted correctly the first time.

Are you ready to travel? Try our  fast passport service today!