Archive for the ‘Passport Ponderings’ Category
Monday, January 30th, 2012
The 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.
Tags: bermuda passport, Canada passport, caribbean passport, do I need a passport to travel to Bermuda, expedited passport, mexico passport, passport, passport agency, passport blog, passport card, passport nyc, passport office, passports, passports nyc, rush passport, should I get a passport, US passport
Posted in Passport Ponderings, Passport Services | Comments Off
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
An 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.
Tags: are passports required for cruises, concordia, costa concordia, cruise ship passport, do I need a passport for a cruise, passport, passport cruise ship, passport ny, passport nyc, passport photos, passport regulations, passport rules, passports, Visa
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Thursday, 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.
Tags: armando perez, armando pitbull perez, dj noodles, Domincan Republic, expedited passport, Greece visa, how to get more passport pages, justin bieber, Lebanon visa, Los Angeles, Miami, miami passport, need more passport pages, New York City, NYC Passport, passport, passport agency nyc, passport full, passports, pitbull, Romania visa, rush passport, times square, Visa
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Friday, 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.
Tags: Barak Obama, child passport, dirk nowitzki, dirk nowitzki passport, dirk nowitzki visa, emergency passport, german passport, german visa, lost passport, passport, passport ny, passport photo, rush passport, US citizen, US passport, white house
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Monday, 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 photos. Rush 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.
Tags: emergency passport, first-time passport, NY Passport, passport, passport renewal, renew passport, rush passport, same day passport, US passport
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings, Passport Services | Comments Off
Thursday, January 5th, 2012
Passport photos should not be underestimated. Since the passport is a very important document and is good for 10 years, don’t just roll out of bed and have your passport photo taken. Trust me, having to look at that same blah photo for 10 years of traveling may put a damper on your trip for a moment each time that you are asked to whip out your passport. Before today, I didn’t give much thought to the way people looked in their
passport photos. That was until I met Alma Schneider. Alma is founder of
Take Back the Kitchen, LLC.
Alma Schneider's Passport Photos
Alma had an upcoming trip overseas and needed to replace her expired passport. She arrived at Rush Passport with her expired passport in hand and she was upset. She wasn’t as upset about the expired passport as she was about her passport photo. The photo was taken 14 years ago and she was upset because she looked good in the passport photo. Most people would be upset about a passport photo that looked bad, but the reason why Alma was upset was because she didn’t think that she would be able to recapture the youthfulness she exhibited 14 years earlier.
Alma set out to
get a passport photo taken that she could proudly present for the next 10 years.
If you want a passport photo that will last the next 10 years, come to Rush Passport’s NYC
passport office. We will do our best to make you look your best! After all, the passport is good for 10 years, why shouldn’t the passport photo make you feel good too?
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.
Tags: expedited passport, manhattan passport, NYC Passport, nyc passport office, passport, passport new york, passport photo, passport photos, passport renewal, passport services nyc, passports, rush passport, US passport
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
In addition to finding out how many stamps Jay-Z has in his passport, I’d like to know how many passports he actually has. In the 2011 song “Otis” by Jay-Z and Kanye West, Jay-Z says “I’ve got 5 passports, I’m never going to jail”. My guess is that this is an exaggeration. Whether this an exaggeration or not, getting a passport is not only important, but it is in fashion these days as well. Hip-Hop entrepreneur Jay-Z, aka Shawn Carter has a passport and he’s not afraid to use it as evidenced in his rhyme “You ain’t gotta enough stamps in your passport to f*ck with Young H-O.” – Jay-Z “30 Something”
One of Jay-Z’s many nicknames is “International Hov”. In order to actually fit the nickname, he should get lots of use out of his US passport. Jay-Z is involved in the music industry, has a clothing line and is also part owner of a professional basketball team – the Nets.
The majority owner of the Nets is from Russia. I wonder if Jay-Z has gotten his passport stamped on a trip to Russia. If not, maybe its time that his passport has been used to check out Moscow.
Another spot that Jay-Z may want to use his passport to visit is China. As an NBA owner, he may have some luck looking for the next Yao Ming in the far east. China is not the only country for which Jay-Z will need to get a visa for his passport.
With a baby on the way for wife, Beyonce, it may be the perfect time to do some international traveling before the baby arrives. So, Jay-Z, here’s some advice, break out that passport and go get some more stamps soon!
If you need 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.
Tags: how to get a passport, jay-z passport, NY Passport, passport, passport card, passport stamps, passports, rush passport
Posted in Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Monday, December 12th, 2011
How do you get a US passport in New York? Passport applicants who wish to get a passport for the first time need to appear in person. In order to get a passport, passport applicants must satisfy all of the passport requirements. First time passport applicants need to produce original or certified copies of their birth certificates. A previous US passport is also acceptable. When it comes to children 15 years of age or younger who wish to get a US passport, an original or certified birth certificate that indicates the full names of both parents must be submitted.
What are the requirements for US passport renewal? Passport renewal is easier than applying for a first time passport. Passport renewal applicants need to submit the expired passport. Passport applicants from ages 16 to 18 years of age may appear with only one parent. If the passport applicant has a valid, permanent driver’s license, then parental consent is unnecessary. Children ages 15 and under need to have both parents in attendance at the time that the passport application is completed. If only one parent is available, proof that indicates that the applying parent has consent to apply for the passport must be submitted.
What are the acceptable forms of identification when applying for a US passport? Examples of proper identification to get a valid US passport include driver’s license, government employee identification card or previous US passport that is less than 15 years old. All passport applicants need to have a social security number. If the passport applicant does not have valid identification, then an identifying witness who has known the passport applicant for at least two years must accompany the applicant.
What are the rules regarding passport photos? Passport applicants need to bring two identical photographs measuring 2” by 2”. The background must be light, with a full frontal face shot and matte finish.
What fees are involved in getting a passport? Passport fees for adults are currently $110 for adults. This does not include the fees for expedited passports. Passport fees are $80 for children age 15 and younger (passport expediting fees not included). Checks or US postal money orders are the only acceptable forms of payment to the US Department of State.
If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, 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, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.
Tags: expedited passport, how to get a passport in ny, New York Passport, NY Passport, NYC Passport, passport, passport agency ny, passport application, passport card, passport expediters, passport expeditors, passport office ny, passports, rush passport, US passport, where do I get a passport in ny
Posted in Passport Ponderings, Passport Services | Comments Off
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
In a recent Forbes magazine article, Singapore’s Changi International Airport was named the “world’s best airport.” Do you think it’s time to dust that passport off and travel to Singapore? If you’re not convinced that its time to grab your passport and hop on the next flight out of JFK, maybe once you hear about the rooftop hot tub, movie theater or tropical butterfly garden, you may just change your mind.
It’s not just the frills that makes this airport tops, but the airport’s best feature may just be its high level security, customs, and immigration.
If you’re still not convinced that you should get your passport ready for travel, you may be after you find out about the amusement park slide, variety of shopping or soothing airport music.
There is an overall feeling of politeness as the customs agent is described as taking a traveler’s passport and offering him candy. The security check point officer was described as being polite as he apologized for the inconvenience of asking the traveler to remove his coat and then placed it delicately into the scanning tray.
Once you show your passport, you should expect quick moving lines. There are employees on hand to ask travelers for comments about the airport experience and one such employee is quoted in the article as referring to the fact that “…the airport is the first and last taste people have of our country, and we want it to be a pleasant one.”
In general, the experience at JFK airport is nothing like this and the thought of having to go through customs with your passport can be compared to a visit to the dentist’s office.
From the perspective of tourism, Singapore gets it. It seems that US airports can learn a thing or two about want people to enjoy coming back to America and spend more money on American tourism.
The author feels that when it comes to improving the NYC airport experience, it seems that a good place to start would be with some simple smiles and common courtesy.
So, if you still don’t have your passport, what are you waiting for?
If you need 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.
Tags: emergency passport, expedited passport, Forbes magazine, jfk passport, manhattan passport, NY Passport, NYC Passport, passport, passport agency, passport book, passport card, passport expediters, passport expeditors, passport holder, passport new york city, passport photos, Passport Services, passports, rush passport, US passport
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
Do you have a US passport? A US passport can be used to verify identication. It is also needed to travel outside of the country – unless you have a US passport card and you are staying close to home to a destination such as Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. While passports have plenty of clout around the world, there’s one organization that won’t accept a man’s passport. That organization is the Guinness World Records and the person is Fauja Singh, from Ilford, east London.
After completing the Toronto marathon, Mr. Singh asked to be recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to run a marathon. However, Guinness says that it cannot ratify the record because Mr Singh cannot produce a birth certificate from 1911. According to his trainer, Harmander Singh, birth certificates did not exist in India at that time.
Mr. Singh’s British passport, displays his date of birth as being April 1, 1911. In addition he has provided Guinness with a letter from the Queen of England congratulating him on on his 100th birthday. However, neither the passport or the congratulatory letter from the Queen are considered sufficient proof for Guinness.
In addition to the passport and the Queen’s letter, another letter from the Indian government stating that no birth records were kept in 1911 still doesn’t suffice. Even a statement from a former neighbor verifying Singh’s age could not put Singh over the top.
While Guinness World Records has not ratified this record, Mr Singh is listed as a record holder by the World Masters Athletics organization. Apparently, his UK passport was accepted as a proof-of-age document.
If you are planning to run in the New York City marathon coming up on November 6, 2011 your passport will be sufficient proof of identity, but if you plan to break any Guinness World Records, be sure to have your birth certificate handy.
If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, 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.
Tags: get a passport, passport, passport ny, passports, rush passport
Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
