Posts Tagged ‘Visa’
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.
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Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Saturday, January 21st, 2012
Getting 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.
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Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Services | 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.
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Posted in Latest Passport News, Passport Ponderings | Comments Off
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
Whatever 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.
Tags: captain francesco schettino, concordia cruise ship, concordia disaster, copy of passports, italy visa, passport, passport card, passport nyc, passports, rush passport, US Dept of State, Visa
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
An article in the USA today states that “For most foreigners, taking a last-minute business or leisure trip to New York, Los Angeles, Miami or other U.S. travel hubs would be nearly impossible. The average wait time for a visa interview in Rio de Janeiro, for example, was 87 days, according to the State Department.”
In a perfect world, visa interview wait times should not be more than a week, travelers would not overstay their visas and terrorists would not apply for visas. However, this not being a perfect world, the US must do its best to balance the importance of visa applications and national security.
Most visitors to the United States enter through the country’s Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program allows travelers from 36 countries to temporarily visit the United States without a visa. Currently, Argentina, Brazil, Poland and Taiwan are not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Many feel that these nations should be added because their residents are not likely to illegally overstay their visas and decide to stay in the United States indefinitely.
It is also tough for tourists from countries like India, China, Mexico to use their passports to travel to the US because they must obtain nonimmigrant visas. The nonimmigrant visa process is lengthy and expensive.
Passport holders who live far away from their country’s visa processing centers must visit the interview location without knowing whether or not their visas will be approved. A proposed solution to the visa interview process is videoconferencing. However, the US Department of State is not willing to explore this option due to safety and technological concerns.
Prior to 9/11, in-person visa application interviews were not required. Visas could be approved by consular officials based solely on responses entered into the visa application. Visa applicants must go through more intense screenings that include fingerprint checks and facial recognition screening of passport photographs.
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.
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Posted in Latest Passport News, Visa | Comments Off
Monday, January 2nd, 2012
Customs officers in the United States check passports of non-resident visitors everyday at airports all over the country. Passport holders from countries all over the world visit the United States and spend money on food, hotels, clothing and souvenirs. Visitors use their passports to visit New York City, Las Vegas, Disney World and a host of other destinations.
While the tourist industry in the United States is doing well, many believe that it could be doing better. Passport holders abroad must sometimes wait months to find out whether or not their tourist visa applications will be approved. This inconvenience may cause travelers who wish to come to the United States to use their passports to travel to other destinations instead.
It was not always the case that foreign visitors had to wait so long to get a tourist visa to visit the US. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks foreign visitors certainly have a tougher time getting a temporary visa. A campaign is in motion that may sway Congress into giving the US Department of State’s tourist visa application process an overhaul.
The proposed amendments to the US passport and visa process are expected to increase the number of visitors to the United States. However, while tourism may see a boost, these changes must not compromise the nation’s security. It is not an easy task for the State Department to increase passport visa services while maintaining tight security.
When it comes to visa services in the United States, security is the top priority. The visa system must enforce the immigration laws of the United States. Some are opposed to increasing the number of visitors because they feel that more visas would mean that the nation would be placed at greater risk.
The risk of freely handing out visas doesn’t only mean that there is more potential for terrorism, it also means that people may enter the country with temporary visas and never return to their countries of origin. While the US Department of State would like people who enter the US with visas to go home when their visas expire, many people want to come and live here.
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.
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Saturday, May 7th, 2011
Are you a student thinking about getting a passport to study abroad? If so, you are not alone. 70% of US citizens don’t have a passport. However, lately college students have been getting passports in larger numbers. Most college students who get passports are doing so for a study abroad program or to travel to destinations around the world during spring break and other vacation times.
Just in case you didn’t know, you need a passport to go almost anywhere outside of the United States – even Mexico and Canada. Study abroad programs give students a way to learn about another culture while getting college credit. The first step to any study abroad program is getting a passport. Once students get a passport, they can decide what the destination will be.
Well, not exactly. A passport doesn’t get you automatic entry to all countries around the world. Cuba for example only lets a very small number of US citizens visit – even with a passport. But did you know that most African countries require American visitors to have a visa? Some African countries allow US citizens to get visas upon arrival, while some do not such as Cameroon, and the Cape Verde islands. US passport holders can apply for a visa in the airport upon arriving in Madagascar.
China, India and Pakistan are also among the countries that require US passport holders to have visas. In Europe, US citizens with passports must get visas to travel to Russia in advance and can get a visa for Turkey upon arrival. Brazil is another country that requires US passport holders to apply in advance for a visa.
How to Apply for a Passport:
Getting a passport sounds easy, but sometimes can be complicated. Those wishing to get a passport must fill out the passport application form. They also must take 2 passport photos. Passport applicants must be able to prove that they are US citizens. Passport applicants must also pay the passport application fee and submit the passport application.
If you need a US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos 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
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Want to travel abroad? Getting a passport may not be enough. Did you know that US citizens need something more than a passport to travel to Brazil, China and India? All of these countries not only require a US passport, but they also require American travelers to get a visa before visiting.
Most US citizens are not even aware of what a visa is. Many US citizens think that all they need is a passport. However, many US citizens have experienced a rude awakening upon landing in Brazil and being sent back to the US without even being able to leave the airport.
A visa is a travel document that is required by some nations in addition to a US passport. Visas are also needed for travel from the US to Vietnam, Cambodia, Nigeria, Russia and Australia.
Can you imagine all of the preparation that goes into a trip abroad only to find out once you have arrived that you are not allowed to enter the country because you don’t have a visa? Then think about how you would feel if you were sent right back to the United States immediately after getting off the plane.
Some visas can take several weeks to process. Other countries offer passport holders immediate approval. Some countries even let US passport holders apply for visas upons arrival.
This does not mean that every country requires US passport holders to have a visa. In actuality for most countries a US passport by itself is just fine.
The main reason that some countries require visas and some do not is generally due to money. Wealthier countries tend to require travelers from poorer nations to get a visa. Another reason that some countries require visas is due to politics. Brazil requires a visa from US passport holders as retaliation for the US requirement for Brazilian’s to get a visa to travel to America.
It is best to apply for a visa one month prior to your trip, but unfortunately that is not always possible. If you need a visa for travel and your trip is less than a month away, it is a good idea to contact Rush Passport™, Official Passport and Visa Expeditors Registered with the US Dept of State and Foreign Consulates.
If you need a visa, US passport card or other passport services such as an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book or passport photos 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
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Sunday, December 19th, 2010
In recent passport news, it was reported that Taiwan wished to be considered eligible for visa-free entry to the United States. That would mean that Taiwan citizens with valid passports would be able to travel to the US without need for a visa. This new passport policy would go into effect in 2011. Taiwan is anxious to get this passport initiative into effect and passport officials have been putting all of the components together so that this passport resolution is passed. As part of the visa-waiver program requirements, Taiwan will agree to exchange information on stolen or counterfeit passports, on terrorists and will collaborate to fighting global crime.
Taiwan must satisfy the conditions mentioned above before the US would consider them for the visa-waiver program (VWP). Taiwan passport officials claim that there is a need for a visa-waiver program with the US due to the extensive flow of passport holders between Taiwan and the US. Taiwan was recently granted visa-free privileges in parts of Europe. Issues with granting Taiwan visa-free privileges include visa refusal rates, cases of overstay in the US and a passport application and issuance procedure that requires potential travelers to apply for passports and visas in person.
Taiwan is putting in place new procedures that will require visa applicants to complete their passport applications in person. This new passport application practice is scheduled to begin March 1, 2011. Taiwanese passport officials recently met with the US Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC to discuss this new passport proposal. Currently 96 countries / regions across the globe grant Taiwanese passport holders visa exemptions.
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.
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Posted in Latest Passport News | No Comments »
Friday, November 19th, 2010
Recent passport problems at passport offices are just another reason to come to Rush Passport™ for all of your passport needs. Let Rush Passport™, official US Passport expeditors, handle everything. Who needs the stress of waiting on long lines at the passport office only to find out that you failed to fill out the paperwork properly, your passport photos are not within the regulations or your identification is not acceptable? Going to the passport office in person can be confusing, annoying and even dangerous!
Recently a “suspicious white powder” was found on a package in the mail room at the National Passport/Visa Center in New Hampshire. A passport agency employee alerted authorities after finding the substance in the mailroom of the passport agency.
Everyone in the building at the time including passport agency staff and hopeful passport applicants were all evacuated. It was later determined that the substance was not an actual threat.
Then in an unrelated incident in Tucson, Arizona a security guard was shot while leaving the US passport office. It is unclear as to why the shooters chose to shoot the security guard or if there was any significance to the fact that the shooting occurred outside of the US passport office. Witnesses say that two people in a late model Chevy Suburban opened fire on the 53 year old security guard as he left the U.S. passport office. Thankfully, the guard, Russel Buchanan of Huachuca City was not seriously injured.
Getting a passport should not be a dangerous or stressful experience. Rush Passport™ has an experienced and knowledgeable passport agency staff that is ready to assist you with all of your passport needs from passport photos to new passports and everything in between.
If you are a US citizen and you would like to know how to get a US Passport or US Passport Card or if you would like to know about how to renew your US Passport or US Passport Card, 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.
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