Tag: passport pictures

3 reasons to use a travel agent for your next trip

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

In these days of online accessibility, you might think that using a travel agent is outdated. However, there are many benefits of using a travel agent, which are outlined below.

1. Travel agents have access to special deals

Online booking websites boast that they can offer you special prices, but most of them are simply unsold rooms that hotels have discounted at the last minute. Travel agents, however, have access to special deals from destination resorts and hotel chains that offer much bigger savings. These package deals frequently include airfare, hotel, dining, guided tours, car rental, and even discounted passes to nearby attractions.

2. Travel agents are knowledgeable about destinations

When you point your finger at a map and decide to take your whole family on vacation there, you’re taking a risk. You might not know a lot about the destination, including things that have the possibility to ruin your vacation. On the contrary, travel agents are constantly kept informed about destinations, including hidden dangers, little-known tips for getting better accommodations, or where the best beaches are for families with young children. Travel agents pass on that information to their clients who travel, including which countries require passports or special visas.

3. Travel agents can help plan your entire trip

With a DIY vacation, you’re on your own. You book your flight and maybe a rental car online, but then it’s up to you to navigate through the rest of your trip, including arranging for your family’s passports and passport photos. No one is there to personally help you get through the day-to-day activities, or inform you about shuttle schedules, opening and closing times and the best sites to see. You have to do it all yourself, and it isn’t always easy to figure out the best way to see an attraction. For instance, visiting big attractions with long lines such as Disney with kids in tow can be daunting and stressful. A travel agent who specializes in Disney adventures, though, is full of tips and helpful ways to make your family Disney vacation enjoyable and stress-free. They can tell you about all the ways you can reduce waiting time, visit when it’s less crowded and much more. No matter where you’re going on vacation, a travel agent can help plan your whole stay, not just the flight that lands you there.

Using a travel agent is the big secret of people who travel frequently. Whether you have to travel for a living or simply enjoy traveling for pleasure, a travel agent can help you make the most of every trip. To make life even simpler, you can get your passport photos approved in a hurry at Paspic, helping avoid lengthy delays.

3 things to do when your first arrive in a new country

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Your options for things to do between all of the different countries of the world are very diverse, but no matter where it is that you choose to go, there are a few things to always keep mind no matter what country may be on your itinerary.

You can make the most out of any international trip by going down a checklist of a few essential things to do as soon as you touch down on foreign land. The following are some of the best things to make sure that you do as soon as you arrive in a brand new country.

1. Get briefed at the airport desk

Stop number one should be the airport desk, where you can get brought up to speed on more than a few things that you can use to get yourself right into the swing of life there. The airport can give you a map of the city, the name and address of the hotel in the local tongue, the best directions to get to the hotel, and the rates for local transportation.

2. Start asking the locals questions

When you’re in an unfamiliar place surrounded by unfamiliar things, asking people questions to get up to speed can turn unfamiliar into familiar relatively quickly – it might seem obvious written out right here, but it’s an easy thing to overlook.

Even if you’re not necessarily a fluent speaker who can converse on a native level, there may be staff personnel who know enough rudimentary English to help out tourists. To make things easier, you can also make use of convenient apps that translate what you’d like to say into the native language to make a very simple back-and-forth every possible.

3. Hit the ATM

A lot of people have the idea that the first thing that they should do in a new place is hit up the local money changer, but that’s not completely necessary. You don’t have to take the costly and risky route of ordering a hefty amount of the target currency in advance either. Use your debit card at the nearest ATM and you can get a pretty accommodating rate for the local currency without having to drag around a pound of cash on your person at all times.

When you’re looking to travel abroad, regardless of the first steps you’re thinking of taking on arrival, your passport needs to be immaculate. The easiest way to obtain the perfect passport photo is with Paspic: contact us today to help get yourself ready for new adventures overseas.

Photo: airport by zoetnet licensed under Creative commons 2

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?

How to apply for your first passport: a guide for first-time adult applicants

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Applying for your first passport is often an exciting process, as it almost always preludes a big trip! However, the process can also be very arduous and off-putting, even to the point of dissuading some individuals from traveling to places, simply because of the hassle involved in preparation. In order to make the application process as straightforward as possible, we have outlined the process in three easy steps:

1. Assemble all documents that you will need for your application process. They are:

– New Passport Application Form (DS-11), which can be found at https://travel.state.gov

– Proof of US Citizenship (for example, a birth certificate)

– An application fee, which varies depending upon the circumstances of your application process and can be calculated at https://travel.state.gov

– A passport photo, which must follow certain requirements. See our 5 tips for getting the perfect passport photo. You can use Paspic to ensure your passport photo is acceptable, saving you lengthy delays.

– A photocopy of state-issued identification (for example, a driver’s license or state identification card)

2. Visit your local Passport Acceptance Facility:

Post offices, public libraries, and clerks of court throughout the country are authorized to accept passport applications. At https://iafdb.travel.state.gov, you can find the facility nearest to you. Be sure to bring the following documents with you to the Passport Acceptance Facility: application form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, passport fees, and your passport photo.

3. Process your application:

First-time applicants will process their application in person. The routine service will take about a month to process. Expedited service is able to process your application in two to three weeks. Expedited service is not available for US citizens who are applying while abroad.

Although these are the basic steps that you will need to know and take for the application process, there are other rules which vary from circumstance to circumstance. For example, if you had a passport as an infant; if you are applying from outside of the United States; or if you are unable to provide one of the forms of identification required. Check out our blog archive for the answers to many of these questions and more!

Photo: Passport by Tony Webster licensed under Creative commons 2

I’m taking a cruise. Do I need a passport?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Cruising is one of the most popular types of vacations. The price, the convenience, and the hospitality weave together an enjoyable vacation for couples, families, and friends. The variety of onboard entertainment and excursions cater to travelers of all ages. Cruises happen to be great value for a getaway with food and accommodation included. Many cruises branded “all inclusive” are popular with adults who enjoy an open bar. Can you picture it?

Unlike many other all-inclusive vacation packages, cruises offer a rare perk. Last-minute bookings for a cruise tend to be sold at deep discounts. Need another incentive to cruise? Many cruise lines offer three-day cruises for a weekend getaway. The only obstacle between you and your cruise is often a passport.

Passports are sometimes necessary on a cruise. The country’s port of call, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line’s regulations determine if a passport is necessary. For many cruises originating and ending in the same United States port of call, a passport is not necessary (these are known as closed-loop cruises.) However, a passport is recommended for any foreign travel so make sure you don’t forget to renew your passport in time.

Although some cruises do not require a passport, being prepared with a passport is still a safe bet. Having an up-to-date passport photo also means you can use your passport as identification during your travels. If you want to take advantage of a last-minute deal, don’t fear! Expedited passport photos are a cinch with PASPIC.com. A passport photo that does not meet the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs will delay the processing of your passport. With PASPIC, you can upload your passport photos to confirm that they meet the requirements. Confirmation is a quick process!

Don’t let an expired passport postpone a great deal on a last-minute cruise vacation. PASPIC.com is your quick and convenient source for passport photos. Whether you plan your cruise vacation months in advance or it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway trip, be confident that PASPIC will make updating your passport photos a quick and stress-free part of the journey.

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

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

Tips for keeping your passport in good condition

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

It’s more-or-less common sense to keep your passport photos in good condition. A damaged passport photo can cause almost as much, if not as much, strife as a lost or stolen one – after all, your passport is considered to be government property. If it becomes damaged in any way, the passport could become invalidated and wreck your travel plans, as well as lose its status as proof of your citizenship. It could cost you entry into other countries – which creates an obvious hiccup in your plans – or cause any other number of inconvenient and just plain undesirable situations.

To keep your passport safe from damage:

1) Keep it in a designated passport holder

The few dollars you will spend upfront on a passport holder will pay off in dividends. Don’t just cram your passport into your pocket, briefcase, suitcase, or purse; this practically guarantees that the passport will crease, fray, and/or tear. Better yet, get a waterproof holder so that you aren’t worrying about your passport while enjoying the salty sea breezes on a cruise, or splashing about in the waves at the beach!

2) Keep your passport in a secure, dry place

When you aren’t carrying your passport with you, make sure that you’re storing it somewhere safe, such as a dark, cool closet shelf. Keep it out of bathrooms, locker rooms, and other places where moisture and bacteria gather, as these places are just begging for water, and eventually mold, to collect on your passport and destroy it.

3) Keep your passport pictures tucked out of sight

If you must carry your passport with you (optimally it will spend much of its time abroad locked securely in a safe), make sure that it is secured in your backpack, luggage or purse. Don’t carry it sticking out from your back pocket or crammed into the side pocket of a backpack, as that almost guarantees it will fall out or get stolen.

These are just a few precautions to take in order to ensure your passport is kept safe, secure, and in great condition.