Tag: get passport easily

Travel safety tips for solo travelers

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Have you got the travel bug for trekking off into the world on your own? There’s nothing quite so exhilarating as packing your bags and flying solo, going wherever the wind takes you. However, be warned. There are special safety precautions that even seasoned travelers should take when traveling alone.

Protect your passport

When you got your passport photo taken, it’s not likely you were picturing having your passport stolen while abroad. However, every day, travelers in foreign countries get their passports stolen, leaving them stranded far away from home.

To protect yourself, always keep your passport safe. Consider investing in a passport case with RFID blocking, which will keep savvy criminals from electronically pickpocketing your passport information. Not only that, but your passport will feel a little heavier in your pocket, giving you extra warning if someone tries to lift it.

Maintain sobriety

Part of traveling is enjoying the delectable food and drinks available in far flung places. But if you overindulge, you leave yourself particularly susceptible to cunning criminals who may try to take advantage of your lessened awareness after drinking more than your fair share. By all means, sample the goodness that foreign places have to offer, but as a solo traveler, it’s even more important to maintain your sobriety so you can get back to your hotel safely.

One tip to try is to have a glass of water in between each beer or cocktail. This will reduce the amount of liquid that you’re able to comfortably consume.

Keep in contact with friends and family

It’s fun to take off without telling anyone where you’re going. But if you’re traveling alone, this isn’t a safe option. Confide in at least one person so that if you run into trouble, you’ll have someone who can quickly get to you or lend you a helping hand. Add a layer of protection by giving that person a photocopy of your passport photo. If need be, this will help authorities locate you in a foreign country.

These travel safety tips for solo travelers will help to make your journeys even more enjoyable. You’ll be able to relax, knowing your passport is always safe and sound.

Photo: Travel by Moyan_Brenn licensed under Creative commons 2

5 tips for a stress-free passport application process

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Having that first passport in your hand opens up new worlds for you, or at least new countries to explore. Getting it, however, can be a stressful experience if you aren’t prepared for it.

Armed with these tips, you can enjoy a quicker, less expensive and relatively stress-free application process.

Apply early

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your passport. Normal passport processing takes at least four to six weeks, and sometimes longer. If you wait, you can order expedited processing, but this will cost an additional $60, and it still takes three weeks to get your passport.

Get your own passport photo

Save time and money by having your passport photo already taken and ready to go. Programs like Paspic can help you create the perfect passport picture that meets the standards for your specific country. This free service saves you time and money, and you can pick up your photo or have it shipped directly to you overnight. If you’re creating a child or baby passport photo, using this site also helps you avoid the meltdowns that often occur when having their picture taken at your local store. You can take their picture in the comfort of your own home with your smartphone or webcam.

Know if online is an option

In the US, you cannot apply for a passport online if you’ve never had one. First-time applicants must fill out Form DS-11 and bring it to an Application Acceptance location in person.

Have what you need ready

Read up on what’s required for the application process in your particular country. In the United States, applicants must present their passport photos, photo identification and a document that proves their citizenship. You should also have the fees required for the passport available.

Apply for the right passport

Planning on traveling a lot? Think about this beforehand and ask for a passport with enough pages to support your travel. If you wait until later to add extra pages, it will cost more.

Once you have your passport in hand, make sure you keep up with it and renew it before it expires. If you wait too long, you may not be able to enter certain countries.

Photo: Couple! by mynameisharsha licensed under Creative commons 2

Your passport FAQs

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There aren’t many more essential on-hand items for world travelers than the passport. As your ticket into and out of the country, it is important to keep safe but also learn as much about as you can. The last thing you want is to be left high and dry in another country because you forgot to read the fine print. Even if you have had a passport for years, there are probably a few lingering questions you still haven’t answered. Take a minute to check and see if they are listed below.

How long is my passport valid?

It depends on how old you were when you got it. If you were older than 16, then it expires after 10 years. If you were younger than 16, then it only lasts five years.

Do children need passports?

Definitely. Children 15 years old or younger need to apply for a child passport when traveling overseas. It may be wise to note that child passport photos take a bit of extra care than adult photos, so checking to make sure your photos make the grade before submitting is a good idea.

How quickly can I get a passport?

If you need a passport within three weeks, you can apply for an expedited passport, which will cost extra. Otherwise, it will take six weeks to get your passport. In the case of life or death emergencies, you can apply for a passport within 24 to 48 hours in certain cases.

How important is the passport photo?

Passport photos are one of the most important parts of the process, and the number one reason why passport applications get rejected. To avoid a rejected application, or any problems at customs, make sure you get professional photos taken.

Is a passport a valid form of ID?

Yes, a passport is actually one of the most highly authenticated forms of identification available and can serve as personal identification in most cases. However, when going about your day to day life in your home country, it may not be advisable to carry your passport, in order to keep it as safe as possible.

4 tips that will help you beat the passport rush

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Did you know that 2016 is expected to be a landmark year for passport applications? It’s true, and it has to do with a ten year-old decision that requires Americans to have a passport for travel to Canada and Mexico. Back in 2006, passport applications hit the 17 million mark and now they’re expiring, numbers are expected to surge up to 20 million or more this year. So, whether you are looking to travel to one of our neighboring countries, or anywhere else in the world for that matter, one question rises to the surface: how can I beat the rush?

The good news is there are a few strategies you can use to make sure you get your travel documents in order in record time. Take a quick look and save yourself a mountain of hassle.

1. Apply by mail

One great way to cut down on time spent in line is to just avoid the lines all together and apply on the internet. It will take less time and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Who could ask for more?

2. Try an expedited request

For an extra $60 you can put in an expedited request, which will automatically put your application at the top of the stack. The only downside is, you will need to visit the passport office in person. Is an hour spent queuing worth a few weeks saved on your application? You decide.

3. Make an appointment

If you do decide to head into the passport office for an expedited request, your best bet is to set an appointment, so you don’t find yourself waiting behind all of the other walk-ins. This way, you’ll be in and out in no time.

4. Get a professional passport photo taken

Believe it or not, passport photos can get rejected, which, needless to say, can put a major kink in your travel plans. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, get a professional photo taken. This can help ensure your application gets accepted first time round.

Photo: US Passport by Damian613 licensed under Creative commons 2