Passport Fee Increases: Rush Passport NYC

February 5th, 2012

Do you know how much US citizenship is worth?  While priceless to some, there are some US citizens who would like to renounce their US citizenship.  The cost is $450.

Recently, new consular fees were published in the Federal Register.  One of the fees that went up was the fee for processing the formal renunciation of US citizenship.  Prior to the new fees, there was no cost affiliated with renouncing one’s US citizenship.  Now, the fee is $450.

There is no cost for US citizenship when it comes to people born in the United States.  However to renounce the citizenship, the price is $450.

In addition to the fee increase for renouncing one’s US citizenship, the passport application fee is also going to increase.

The cost of a passport application is increasing from $55 to $70 with an increase of $20 to $40 for a passport security surcharge.

There is also an increase to adding new passport pages.  It used to be free to add more pages to your passport.  Now, the US Department of State will now charge $82.  The cost is supposed to be to offset the time that it takes time to print and affix the additional pages into the passport book, passport endorsement and quality control.

The cost to register the overseas birth of an American child is going up from $65 to $100.

In addition, the cost of getting a document notarized at a US embassy abroad is also set to increase.  In the past, the fee was $30 per page and it will go up to $50 per page.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Spring Break Student Passports: Rush Passport NYC

February 2nd, 2012

get a US passportPassport applications can take anywhere 4-12 weeks to process.  However, if you want to get an expedited passport, the wait time is much shorter.  It is even possible to get a passport on the same day.  At  Rush Passport™ we can get your passport for you in just a few hours. 

If you are a student planning to visit a destination overseas for Spring Break 2012, then now is the time to apply for a US passport.  Don’t forget that trips to Mexico and the Caribbean also require a passport.  In addition, students wishing to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean can also get a passport card.  The passport card is like a high tech drivers’ license which makes it easier to carry than a traditional passport book.  Passport cards offer convenience and are accepted at border crossings in Mexico , Canada and the Caribbean.

To apply for a US passport, be sure to have official proof of birth, download and fill out the passport forms, bring 2 passport photos and passport fees.  If you don’t have passport photos, don’t worry, you can use our on-site passport photo services.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Passport Blog: Record Number of Americans Are Passport Holders : Rush Passport NYC

January 30th, 2012

get a passportThe number of Americans passport holders is growing.  This shouldn’t sound too strange because the US population is also growing.  However, a greater percentage of Americans have their passports than ever before.  More than 33% of Americans, approximately 110 million out of 313 million Americans have passports.  In the year 2000, there were less than 50 million Americans with passports.  In 1989, just 7 million Americans held passports.  In 1989, less than 3 percent of Americans had passports.  Today, less than 25 years later the percentage of Americans with passports has grown more than 30%.  What is the reason for this phenomenon?

For starters, Americans have a very large country in comparison to their European counterparts.  Larger territory means more areas to visit within the country.  This eliminates the need for a passport.  For the most part in the early 1990′s Americans felt that there was plenty to see here in the United States.  In addition, passports were not needed to travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico or Canada back then.

Americans used to be able to cross borders into Mexico and Canada without a passport.  Now with passports required for travel, many Americans have gotten their passports.  Still, two thirds of Americans do not have passports. 

In 2007 the US Department of State set the record with over 18 million passport issued.  Experts agree that the increase in passports is primarily linked to citizens who needed passports for travel to Mexico and Canada.

Business travelers also account for the increase in passport issued in this country.  Companies seeking for new methods to increase revenue look to foreign countries.  This creates a need for employees to get passports for business travel.

If you still haven’t gotten your passport, what are you waiting for?

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Passports Required for Cruises: Rush Passport NYC

January 25th, 2012

passport-renewalAn article at Gadling.com predicts that as a result of the Costa Concordia disaster, the cruise industry is going to make some changes to the way passports are handled.

The changes to expect in the very near future deal mostly with safety.  For starters, cruise travelers will need to participate in a safety drill on all sailings before the ship departs.  In addition, there may be an end to behind the scenes tour or the ship’s navigational bridge.  There is also expected to be an increase in security presence on cruise ships.  There will alos likely be stricter policies in place regarding underage drinking.  Background checks of passengers and psychological profiles of command officers will be more substantial.

There is also speculation regarding passport rules.  Cruise ships may require passports to be required by all passengers.  The travel industry is obviously against this because it may prevent US citizens without passports from traveling on cruise ships.  There is the argument that requiring passports would result in an increased level of security.  Requiring passports of all passengers embarking any ship at any time certainly presents a more secure atmosphere.

If you are planning to take a cruise, passports may soon be required for all passengers and all destinations.  If you already have a passport, then you are in luck.  Those of you who still do not have a US passport, this may be a good time to get one.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Passport NYC: Rush Passport

January 23rd, 2012

passport renewalToday is Monday, Jan. 23,2012.  It is the 5 year anniversary of the 2007 rule requiring US airline passengers to show a passport upon their return from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean.  Previously, travel to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean did not require a passport.

The requirement for all travelers to present a passport in order to enter the US when arriving by plane from all parts of the Western Hemisphere began on January 23, 2007.  This new requirement meant that everyone, including US passport holders, traveling by air to the US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean must present a valid passport in order to the enter the United States.  Actually, there was a temporary accomodation that allowed US citizens to produce proof or a passport application receipt.  This accomodation ended on September 30, 2007 and the full passport requirements went into effect thereafter. 

There is an exemption to the passport requirements for air travelers carrying a Merchant Mariner’s Document or NEXUS Air card. 

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

How to Get a Passport in a Hurry in NYC: Rush Passport

January 21st, 2012

passport nycGetting a Passport in New York City

New York City may just be the busiest city in the world.  The hustle and bustle of New York City can be intoxicating.  There are times that you need to get something quickly and one of those times is when your passport is lost, your passport was stolen or you find yourself in another passport emergency.  Don’t panic!  Rush Passport™ is here to help!

If you would like to obtain a passport for the first time, it’s not a problem at Rush Passport™‘s New York City passport agency located in the heart of Manhattan. Be sure that you have two photographs of yourself.  If not, we provide passport photo services on the premises.

To get a passport you will need proof of U.S. citizenship.  You will need to show a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license.   Passport Acceptance facilities require valid indentification. 

There are times that you will need to apply for a passport and times that you may do so through the mail.  If you are applying for a first time US passport, you will need to appear in person.  If your US passport is expired and you do not have the passport, you will also need to apply in person.  If your previous US passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago you will also need to apply in person.  If your previous US passport was issued when you were under the age of 16 years old, you will need to appear in person.  If your US passport has been lost or stolen, you will also need to apply in person.

US Passport Renewal

You may renew your US passport by mail if you have your current passport and it is not damaged.  You can also apply by mail if you received the passport within the past 15 years.  If you were over the age of 16 years of age when the passport was issued and you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change, you can also apply by mail.  It is important to keep in mind that if your passport has been, altered or damaged, you will not be able to apply by mail.

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Pitbull’s Passport Must Be Full! A Message to Mr. International: Come to Rush Passport NYC for More Passport Pages

January 19th, 2012

New York City’s Times Square was recently the home to one of the world’s most star studded New Year’s Eve Parties!  The crowds of people came out to Times Square to ring in the New Year to the music of Pitbull, Justin Bieber with Santana and others.

Of the hundreds of thousands of people who came out, many used their passports and visas to come to New York City from places all across the globe.

Pitbull made it to New York City after traveling around the world on tour.  According to some of the lyrics below, his passport is full!

Pitbull is one of the hottest music stars of 2011 and into 2012.  Pitbull’s album “Planet Pit” is named for his globe-trotting music tours and many of the tracks in the album pay homage to world travel.  One of the most popular songs off the album is named “International Love” and the lyrics mention trips to US cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Miami and foreign countries such as Romania, Lebanon and Greece.  In the song, Pitbull brags about using his passport to visit “countries and cities that (he) can’t pronounce.”  He also says that in the Domincan Republic (DR) “they looking for visa’s I Ain’t taking credit cards if you know what I mean!”

In the song “Across the World”, Pitbull sings “For just singing a song now my passports full I’m outta pages – new places, new faces, new fans, all ages!”  Pitbull, if your passport is really full, come visit Rush Passport™ and we’ll help you get some new pages so that you can do some more traveling.

Lyrics to “She’s Hotter” boast “what else can you ask for, international playa buddy, just take the passports anytime anyplace anywhere we don’t care.”

A mix-tape by DJ Noodles and Pitbull is actually named “Passport International Takeover The United Nations.”

2011 has been a year of travel for Pitbull and if 2012 is to be another year of traveling the globe, it looks like Pitbull is going to need some more passport pages!

If you need more pages in your passport, a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Make Copies of Your Passport Before Traveling Abroad: Rush Passport NYC

January 17th, 2012

passport nycWhatever happened to the captain going down with the ship?  In light of the Concordia disaster, one of the most disturbing parts is the decision of Captain Francesco Schettino to abandon ship with passengers still aboard.  Another disturbing event is, according to transcripts, his refusal to return to the ship to lead rescue efforts when he was ordered to do so by local port officials.

While under US law, it is not a crime for the captain to abandon ship, it is a maritime tradition that the captain be the last one off a sinking ship.  

Even if you can’t count on the captain of the ship, there are certain things that passengers can do to be prepared.  US citizens who are traveling abroad should register with the US Department of State’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov .  US citizens can also register directly at US embassies or US consulates.  By registering with the State Department, US passport holders can be assisted more quickly in the event of an emergency.

Before boarding a cruise ship, it is important to make copies of  your passport and all of the passports in your traveling party.   

If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

US Passport for Dirk Nowitzki? Rush Passport NYC

January 13th, 2012

US passports are available to US citizens.  Some people have been living in the US for quite some time, but have not become citizens.  Are you interested in becoming a US citizen?  If so, you will be eligible to apply for a US passport.

German basketball star Dirk Nowitzki may decide to apply for US citizenship, thus making him eligible for a US passport. Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA championship in 2011 and he even visited with President Barack Obama at the White House.  However, he is not a US citizen and does not carry a US passport.

Nowitzki has hinted that he may consider applying for US citizenship.  If Nowitzki plans to stay in the States, it probably makes sense for him to apply for citizenship.

President Obama singled out Nowitzki giving him praise for winning the NBA championship.  Nowitzki arrived in the US from “as a skinny kid with a goofy haircut” and has emerged as one of the premier players in the NBA.  Nowitzki handed the president a blue Mavericks jersey with the number 23, a shout out to retired NBA superstar Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, Obama’s favorite team.

Some are skeptical as to whether Nowitzki will apply for US citizenship – especially since he was named German male athlete of the year for 2011.  If Nowitzki decides to become a US citizen, he would not have to give up his German passport.   In 2010, German tennis player Tommy Haas gained duel citizenship and he continues to represent Germany in tennis.

Whether or not Nowitzki will carry a US passport in addition to his German passport remains to be seen.  However, if you are a US citizen and you need a passport, visit Rush Passport™.

If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

How Can I Get a Passport Quickly? Rush Passport

January 9th, 2012

Do you have a passport emergency?  If you need to get a passport immediately, contact Rush Passport™!  If you are considering traveling abroad, but do not have a passport, don’t worry.  At Rush Passport™ you can get a same day passport and be on your flight overseas in no time!  If you would need a US passport, Rush Passport™ can help!  If your passport is expired, your passport is lost, or if you are applying for a first time US passport, Rush Passport™ can make your trips come true.

The passport application process may seem confusing for passport applicants who are applying for a first time passport.  Getting a US passport should be easy as long as you have all of the necessary items and the right passport expediter.

To obtain a US passport, first you must complete the passport application.  The passport application is available at the following website: New US Passport Application

Remember not to sign the passport application until it is submitted in person.

You will also need to have 2 passport photosRush Passport™ can take care of the passport photos for you.  The passport photos need to follow specific guidelines.  Passport photos must feature the subject framed properly with full face, front view, with eyes opened.

An acceptable passport photo must present full head from top of hairline to bottom of chin.  The head must be centered within the passport photo.  Subject needs to be photographed against a plain white or off-white background.  The passport photo should be free of shadows on the face of the subject or in the background.  In order for the passport photo to be accepted, the subject should be encouraged to have a natural expression.  The passport photos will be submitted along with the passport application at the passport agency.

Rush Passport™ , passport expeditors, accepts US passport applications at our NYC passport agency.  It is necessary to have your 2 passport photos, your passport application (unsigned), proof of U.S. citizenship, valid identification, and the accompanying passport fees.

As of January 2012, the US Dept of State is processing passports within a four-six week period.  However, if you need to travel right away, that’s won’t help.  Rush Passport™ has the solution.  At Rush Passport™ we can get your passport in the same day.  Our passport expediting service is the fastest and most reliable method for you to get your US passport if you are in a rush.

If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.