Tag: perfect passport photo

Why glasses are forbidden in passport photos

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Because of a policy change that took effect on November 1, 2016, applicants are now required to remove their glasses for passport photos when applying for or renewing passports. According to the US Department of State, they have had to reject over 200,000 passport applications because of the quality of the pictures submitted with them. The problems ranged from pictures taken from too far away or in dimly lit environments; however, the main reason for the rejections were glasses.

About the previous policy

Previously, there was a prohibition on the wearing of sunglasses or any other type of glasses with tinted lenses. This was because these glasses made it difficult to see the applicant’s eyes. In addition, any glare on the lenses of the applicant’s glasses would have to be dealt with before the photo was submitted. Glare is one of the main reasons for the change to the policy on glasses.

Glasses and biometric passports

Along with the issue of glare, another important reason for the prohibition on glasses in passport photos is the use of biometric data. This data includes measurements of your face in your passport photo. If you are wearing glasses in your photo, this makes it difficult to get accurate biometric data.

Current passport photos with glasses on

If you are wearing glasses in your current passport photo, this will not be a problem. You will not have to worry about it until you renew your passport. When that happens, you will be required to submit a passport photo with your glasses off.

How this change can help you

This change in the policy allows you to be more easily identifiable in your picture. The results that you should expect include faster processing of passport applications. Another benefit is that it should take less time to move through US ports of entry.

There are rare exceptions to the prohibition on glasses. These include cases where a person must wear their glasses in their photo due to a medical necessity. In these cases, glasses can be worn if the individual has a doctor’s note. It is important to note that the US is not the first country to forbid glasses. Both France and the United Kingdom have a similar ban.

Photo: Glasses by 0xMatheus licensed under Creative commons 2

3 reasons people choose online passport photo services over booths

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

If you’ve been looking into obtaining photos for your passport or the passports of family members, you’re no doubt already quite familiar with the idea of a passport-friendly photo booth. Despite the convenience of such installations, savvy travelers are increasingly leaning upon the benefits of online passport photo services, which allow for self-taken pictures to be assessed and adjusted to meet all relevant standards. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. Tricky photos

Some photos are simply too finicky to take reliably in a photo booth in a public area. This is especially true if you’re trying to take photos with special considerations for faith, a medical condition, or if you’re taking photos of children or babies. As a child isn’t allowed to have anyone else in the photo, can’t be making too much of an expression, needs to be lined up properly, and can’t have a pacifier, toy, or anything else in place, this is one of the leading reasons for people to prefer online passport photo services. For all of these cases, it’s far easier to take the photo at home, when a good opportunity arises.

2. Reliability

If you take a photo at a booth and submit it, you won’t know of any problems until you receive your rejection. By using a photo service to adjust and submit your photos, you get an extra level of reliability. That means it’s far less likely you’ll find yourself needing to cancel a holiday trip or a cruise due to a surprise passport failure. For many people, this extra safety check is all the reason they need.

3. Convenience

Of course, you don’t need to have any serious reasons to take passport photos at home and use an online service; if it sounds more convenient, that’s because it is. Don’t think an online service is a tool only for emergencies. Plenty of people choose to skip the booth simply because they don’t want to go through the hassle of having to find one. It’s that simple.

If you want to ensure your passport pictures make the grade, then why not use Paspic like lots of other savvy travelers?

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.

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

How to prop your baby up for a passport photo

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Your baby’s passport photo has the same kinds of requirements as a regular adult passport photo. One of those requirements is that only your baby is permitted to be in the photo. You can’t be in the passport photo holding your baby in your arms or even have your hands in the photo. This becomes a tricky requirement for babies who are not yet able to hold themselves in a sitting position, especially when the passport photo place only has a high stool for them to sit on. Here are some tips for propping your baby up for their passport photo.

1. Use cushioning

Lay cushions or pillows on the floor around the chair or stool to make the environment safer for your baby. If you lose balance there will be a soft place. The cushioning will also help you as you have to sit or kneel as you hold your baby.

2. Understand the photo perimeters

Ask the passport photographer to show or tell you exactly where the bottom photo border will be. This will let you know precisely where you can hold your baby without having your hands show up in the passport photo.

3. Bring a support ring

If your baby will be seated on a wide enough stool, you may be able to use a baby support ring, commonly known as a Bobby pillow. This will help position your baby on the stool.

4. Kneel down to hold your baby

For the actual photograph, kneel down behind your baby and tuck your head down when the photographer states he’s ready to take the photo. Ask him to make sure the top of your head is not seen behind your baby.

5. Position your hands

Place one hand firmly on your baby’s back to support their upright position. Keep one or two fingers behind your baby’s head to help with support there. Place the other hand around the lower part of your baby’s waist to prevent your baby from leaning forward.

Propping your baby up for the passport photo is a little awkward, but it only lasts for a few minutes. The important thing is now your baby will be free to travel with you and your spouse.

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.

Passports for intercountry adoptees

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

In the past, acquiring citizenship — a pre-requisite for a passport — for a child adopted abroad was both time consuming and expensive. However, acquiring U.S. citizenship for you child became much easier following the The Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Any child adopted overseas acquires U.S. citizenship automatically if the circumstances of the adoption fulfill one of three requirements:

1) If the child is in the “legal and physical custody” of a U.S. citizen, the child is eligible for citizenship.

2) If the child is admitted to the United States as an “immigrant for lawful permanent residence”.

3) If the child’s adoption is finalized.

It is important to be aware, before a child’s U.S. parent(s) can apply for citizenship and a passport, the child’s adoption must be recognized by the United States Department of State. The U.S. does not necessarily recognize the legality of an adoption that occurs in another country. Hence, just because another country recognizes the adoption does not mean the child is automatically eligible for a U.S. passport to travel of his or her country of birth.

Unrecognized adoption

If the United States Department does not recognize the adoption of a child, the U.S. parents can still apply for citizenship by filing either a IH-4 or IR-4 visa application. These applications require a fee as well as passport photos. The child passport photos must meet U.S. Department of State standards.

Adult children of U.S. citizens who have never applied for citizenship themselves can do so by applying for citizenship through naturalization. This requires the filing of an N-400 form. Particularly if a child’s parents were married at the time the child was born, the adult child of a U.S. Citizen(s) has a very good chance of being recognized as a naturalized citizen and may be eligible for a U.S. Passport.

Upon being recognized as a naturalized U.S. Citizen, both a child or an adult are eligible for a U.S. Passport. All that is required is the completion of a DS-11 Form accompanied by the child’s adoption papers or U.S. Child Born Abroad Birth Certificate, a fee, and two passport photos that meet Department of State Standards.