Tag: Online Passport photos

Do I need a passport to travel by train to Canada?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Travel to Canada has become a new favorite vacation destination for American families and couples. In fact, it has been steadily growing in popularity over the past decade. The diversity of Canada’s ten provinces and territories has won over Americans looking for a new perspective on our northern neighbor. An emerging trend in tourism to Canadian is by train.

Why travel to Canada?

Top travel professionals rave about the benefits of vacationing in Canada. The country is home to sophisticated urban destinations and quaint countryside villages. The natural wonders of the Canadian landscape include mountain ranges, lakes, and forests. Rarely known fact: in addition to its arctic terrain, there is some desert in Canada, too. Camping, hiking, fishing, and snow sports are popular with locals and tourists. Events and festivals draw a large crowd and loyal following. Gardeners love the flower shows, and the arts and music aficionados gravitate towards the independent film and music events.

Ready to book your trip to Canada?

American citizens should note the passport requirements for entry into Canada. According to the United States Department of State, entry into Canada is bound by Canadian law. Regardless of if you travel by air, train or bus, the law requires that “all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity.” There are several official documents that can satisfy the requirement. American citizens who intend to cross the United States-Canadian border must have of these documents: a passport card, a valid U.S. passport, or NEXUS card. Note: children that are younger than 16 only need proof of present U.S. citizenship.

Fortunately, obtaining the required travel documents to cross the Canadian border are easy. Whether you travel with a passport or passport card, PASPIC will quickly process your passport photo. PASPIC makes the procedure simple. Upload your photo, order your prints, check out and await delivery. Our passport photo experts manually review your uploaded photo to guarantee it meets the US Department of state requirements. Once approved, PASPIC will post your prints and ship first class within two days. Ordering passport pictures with PASPIC is the smart traveler’s choice for quick, quality passport photos at a competitive price. Get your passport photos today to start your adventure tomorrow!

How to eat like the locals while on vacation

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Part of your travel planning may have included finding cheap vacation deals or visiting local budget travel shops. But in order to have the most satisfying travel experience, it’s important to bring back lasting memories of sights, sounds, people, and tastes. In order to do that, you should also include eating on vacation as part of your total travel planning. Trying to figure out where to eat on vacation is difficult to decide before you get there. But once you arrive, there are very specific ways to eat like a local no matter where you travel.

1. Socialize with the locals

Although it may be tempting to gravitate toward a person who is speaking your native language when you are surrounded by foreigners, resist the urge. Instead, try to communicate with the locals. Of course, this is easy if you are American and you are in an English-language speaking country such as Ireland or the U.K. But what if you are in Italy, and no one speaks English? You could easily convey that you are seeking a restaurant by using hand motions. Who knows? You may be invited to sit at a local person’s home dinner table and be able to enjoy an authentic family meal.

2. Stray from the beaten path

Travel guides certainly have their place. But for eating on vacation, stray from the beaten path. Follow some locals who are obviously on their way to eat. They will no doubt be going someplace affordable that serves authentic local food. You can always hit the tourist restaurants another day if you want.

3. Order by sight

When you’re in a restaurant or bistro and there are locals seated around you, pay attention to the dishes on their table. When it’s your turn to order, instead of choosing off the menu, just point to the plate that looks most attractive to you and tell the waiter, “I’ll have what they’re having”. This is a great way to inject adventure into your travels, and a foolproof method to eating like a local.

Wherever you decide to dine while on vacation, don’t forget to bring your passport. Your passport can be an essential way to let the restaurant staff know you don’t speak the language and need help choosing from their menu in a foreign language.

I lost my passport traveling! What do I do?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There is no worse feeling while traveling abroad than discovering your passport isn’t where you left it. If you don’t find it after digging through all your portable belongings, there is a good chance it is either lost or stolen. Now, this is a good time to remind you to always have a photocopy of your passport stuffed safely away in another area of your luggage. With that said, here are the steps you need to follow should you no longer have your passport.

Contact the Embassy

First, you need to contact the U.S. embassy in the country you are in. You may need to put some travel on hold as exiting the country you’re in is likely not a possibility. When you contact the embassy, you need to tell them your passport is lost or stolen. While talking with the consular, you need to inform them if you were directly involved in a crime (is there a police report?) or if the passport is simply misplaced. You’ll also need to tell them when you’re planning on exiting the country. This is important as the embassy can issue either a full passport or an emergency passport.

Take a new passport photo

You’ll need to head out to the embassy. Thankfully, this is easier to do in most countries as there is a U.S. embassy in most large cities. Take passport photos before going. You’ll be able to find passport photo locations at most photo or travel centers. Again, it is a good idea to have backup passport photos with you while traveling internationally.

Complete the documentation

When you visit the embassy, you’ll need to fill out a statement regarding what happened to your previous passport. You’ll also need to fill out an application for a new passport. During this application, you need the passport photos, a form of ID (your driver’s license works), travel itinerary (your return plane ticket works) and evidence you are a U.S. citizen. This is where having the photocopy of the passport or birth certificate helps. In a pinch, your driver’s license may suffice.

Pay and wait

You’ll need to the $140 fee for a new passport. You’ll also need to wait a few days for the new passport to be issued. The emergency passport will be issued in 24 hours, but that only lets you get into the U.S. If you can, wait the few days for the new passport.

Passports for internationally adopted children

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Over the years, US families have had the interest of adopting children from different countries around the world. It is a good way to help families to grow, but because of child trafficking that has hit the world, there are legal procedures that must be followed for a child passport to be issued. Obtaining passports, citizenship, and visas are some of the things the new parents should ensure the adopted child has. So as the child can be eligible for a passport, some criteria should be followed because the children were not born in the United States.

Obtaining citizenship

So that the child can be issued with a passport, citizenship must be proofed for the child who is adopted. There are countries which participate in Hague convention, and if a child is adopted from such countries then obtaining citizenship can be easy. The admission of the children in the country is under IH-4 visa or IH-3 visa, whereby IH-4 visa is for children adopted in the U.S while IH-3 visa is for those that are adopted in their country. As long as they have the visa, it is lawful.

The process of application

If the child is from a country not involved in the Hague Convention, there are some forms which should be filled so that they can be granted the visas. Once the documentation is through, for them to obtain a passport, it is the same process as for an American child. Some of the relevant documents include certificate of citizenship of the child; a certificate of adoption; photographs of the parents; passport photo; and consent from both parents. Initially, the application must be submitted manually by those concerned, since there is legislation that does not allow children who are under the age of 16 years to renew their passport through mailing.

A DS-11 form must also be filled, and the submission should be through a legal and approved passport office. Though one may feel that obtaining a passport for children who have been adopted internationally is a complicated process, it is not. All you need is to be thorough with the course of getting citizenship, and you follow suits just like the other citizens. The process can be hastened by working with a passport office.

Mistakes that get your passport photos rejected

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There are many steps involved in getting your passport, and you don’t want your passport photo being rejected to be one of them. The government has strict parameters about what is acceptable in your passport photos. If you mess up, it can significantly delay them issuing your passport and, consequently, your travel adventures. Here are a few passport photo mistakes to avoid…

Mistake 1: Your face isn’t in the middle

Passport pictures must have your face in the center of the picture, facing completely forward, and looking directly into the camera. They don’t want to see the side of your face, or you peeking out of a corner of a picture. It must be centered, clear, and facing forward.

Mistake 2: You show too much emotion

You should wear a neutral expression in your passport photo. Don’t smile, or tilt your head up or down. Just look directly at the camera with your lips together and without emotion for your shot.

Mistake 3: You accessorize

Accessories in a passport photo are a no no. Hats, sunglasses, scarves, headphones, pacifiers in a baby passport photo, and headpieces will all get your photo rejected. Head scarves worn for religious purposes are an exception to this rule, but your face still must not be obscured by it.

Mistake 4: Your head is the wrong size

There are very specific size requirements for your passport photo. The photo must by 2 inches by 2 inches (or 51 mm by 51 mm). In addition, your head in the shot must be at least 1 inches by 1 3/8 inches.

Mistake 5: You hang out in the shadows

Passport photos must be on a white background, and they can’t have too many shadows in them either. Make sure there is no shadow falling across your face and that there is clear lighting on your features. Also, make sure there are no obstructions in front of your face, like plants or flags.

This list will help you avoid common passport photo mistakes. Steer clear of these and you’ll have your passport in hand faster. If you want to be certain your passport photos meet the requirements, then why not use Paspic to prevent delays?

Obtaining a child’s passport when you’re a single parent

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

As a single parent, you work very hard to provide your child with everything he or she needs. You have been cutting expenses and saving for the trip of a lifetime. You have already had passport photos taken, but when you get the application for your child’s passport, you learn that it asks for both parents’ signatures.

In many cases, it is just not possible to get both parents to sign. However, this does not mean that you will never be able to travel abroad with your children. These rules were put in place to protect against international abductions. You can rest easy because there are ways to get around such rules when it is not possible to get the signature of the other parent.

The government’s rules on passports for children

On July 2, 2001, it became a requirement for the signatures of both parents to be included on the passport application of any child under 14. Before 2007, children were permitted to enter certain countries without a passport of their own. However, on January 23, 2007, passports became a requirement for traveling between the United States and a number of countries, such as Canada, Bermuda, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Options for single parents

Single parents who are not able to obtain the signature of the other parent have a few options to take into consideration. In the event that the absent parent does not object to the child’s passport application, he or she can simply provide a signed and notarized Statement of Consent.

On the bottom of the Statement of Consent, you will find the Statement of Special Circumstances. This is to be used when the other parent is not available. You will be able to provide an explanation as to why the other parent’s signature is not obtainable.

It is important to note that if only one parent is included on the child’s birth certificate, the signatures of both parents will not be required. Additionally, a parent who has been granted sole custody of the child may submit a copy of the court order with the passport application. So, get those passport photos and get ready to have the time of your life.

Photo: IMG_2532 by mastercharlz licensed under Creative commons 2

Touring ideas for self-planned travel abroad

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

The Internet has made it possible for people to book their own hotels, airfares and cruises. But if you’re trying to plan an actual two-week vacation, making your own travel arrangements can be complicated. This is especially true if you’re visiting a spot where you’ve never been before. As you no doubt know by now, photographs online can be markedly different than actual conditions. Even if you’re really careful, you could wind up in a place that doesn’t meet your expectations. Here are some touring ideas for self-planned travel that won’t leave you disappointed.

Book a tour

If you’re vacationing in a spot that is previously unknown to you, your best bet is to book at least one tour during your stay. Preferably, schedule the tour on the first or second day of your arrival. That way, if you are shown someplace that you’d like to see more of, you’ll have time to explore it on your own.

If you envision a tour as taking place inside a hot bus or atop a trolley while a guide yells at you through a megaphone, think again. Quality tours can be as sophisticated as a leisurely wine tasting tour through the Bordeaux region of France, or as thrilling as a spin around the shores of Key West on a jet ski.

Head aboard a cruise

Another less complicated way to travel in an area you’re unfamiliar with is to take a cruise. Though many cruises spend several days at sea, with most of the entertainment being onboard, there are other cruise options. Weekend and day cruises usually travel up and down coasts, with interesting narration offered by the captain.

River cruises last longer and are more lingering, with a lazy feel about them. On a river cruise, you can expect to travel closer to the shore, at speeds that allow you to truly take in the ambience of the city or town you’re touring. To best take advantage of a meandering river cruise during your vacation, organize your hotel room stay to accommodate the cruise, since you’ll be overnighting on the riverboat for several days.

Both of these options make it easier for you to get a real sense of the place you’re visiting, without the need for you to walk miles each day with a tourist map trying to make sure you see all the sights. Wherever you plan to travel abroad, be sure to confirm several weeks beforehand that you have an updated passport with a valid and accurate passport photo. If you need a new passport, you’ll have plenty of time for it to arrive before your trip abroad. Bon Voyage!

Help! How do I get expedited passport photos?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

A spontaneous trip abroad can become a headache when you aren’t prepared with an up-to-date passport. If it is your first time applying for a passport, the transaction might seem overwhelming. Relax. We are here to help. Obtaining a passport can be a simple process. The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs sets forth the passport application criteria. Requirements include evidence of citizenship, a government-issued photograph identification, the application document, and a passport photo.

The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that you apply for your passport six weeks in advance of your trip. There are a few options that will determine the processing time for your passport. Expedited processing and delivering can take anywhere from eight days to several months. The standard processing is four to five weeks.

Unapproved passport photos can add a significant delay to receiving your passport. The most challenging element for most passport applications tends to be the passport photo. The passport agency has specific criteria regarding acceptable passport pictures. To avoid a delay in processing your passport application, be confident that your passport pictures meet the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs standards.

Acceptable passport photos meet these requirements:

– Passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches
– The size between the top of the head and chin must be 25mm to 35mm (pictures taken too far away or too close up will not meet the requirements)
– Passport photos must be taken within the past six months. The photograph should reflect your current appearance.
– Do not wear accessories on your head or face. No glasses, hats, or headgear is acceptable in a passport photo.
– If glasses are a requirement for medical reasons, your application must include a signed medical note from your doctor
– Headgear is not acceptable, this includes hats, head coverings, headphones and wireless hands-free devices. The only exception to head coverings in passport photos is in the event that they are normally worn for religious purposes and you wear them on a daily basis.
– Your face should show a neutral expression. Do not exaggerate a smile. Be sure that both eyes are open.
– The passport photo must not show shadows on your face
– Wear clothes that you would wear on a normal basis
– The passport picture must be in color

To avoid delays in your passport application, trust Paspic to ensure your passport photos meet the government’s regulations.

Photo: Passport by seantoyer licensed under Creative commons 2