Author: Paspic

For many holiday destinations, you’ll need more than just a valid passport to travel. Nothing can add to your pre-holiday stress like the prospect of filling out lengthy visa forms and wondering whether you’ve left it too late to apply.

Every country has a different tourist visa process and knowing how it works will ensure you and your family are well prepared when you book. Take a look at our guide below for some of the more popular tourist locations:

China

Whether to explore the Great Wall, indulge in some Shanghai shopping, or to enjoy some of the world’s best food, China is an increasingly popular destination for UK travellers.

When applying for a tourist visa, you’ll need to present a valid passport with at least six months left before it expires, as well as an extra passport photo and a visa form to the Chinese Embassy.

Although there is a fast track option, it will cost you more, so leave at least five working days to be on the safe side.

India

India is a longtime favourite holiday spot for British travellers seeking sunshine and adventure. The good news is, the visa process is pretty straightforward.

You can apply online for a tourist visa (called an eTV) up to four days before you travel. You’ll need to scan the first page of your passport and upload a passport photograph to the online form. It costs around £39, plus a small admin fee for a 30-day visa.

Cuba

In recent years, Cuba has experienced a boom in tourism, with many people drawn to the Caribbean climate, scenic architecture and old-fashioned way of life.

In order to travel there, you need to purchase a tourist card through the embassy, or online, via a visa company. It costs around £74 for a standard visa entry and you’ll need to have a valid passport, evidence of travel insurance, and your flight and accommodation details. This is another one we recommend doing well in advance, as processing can take up to 10 working days.

Russia

If you’re heading to Russia on holiday, you can print off an application form for a 30 day visa. Once you’ve filled in all the details of your trip and attached a recent passport photo to the form, you can drop it into the nearest office in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, along with your passport. You will also be asked to give a fingerprint and pay a standard £38.40 fee in order to receive your visa.

Processing time is a minimum of five working days, so once again, leave plenty of time before you go.

Having enough passport photos to hand is a great way to ensure you’re prepared for any visa applications in the future. Order online at Paspic today.

Sometimes the worst can happen while you’re enjoying yourself on holiday, so you should always be equipped for things that could go wrong. One of the main fears for holidaymakers and anyone travelling abroad is losing their passport. Another problem a lot of people inadvertently encounter is taking a passport with them that expires or having their passport damaged while overseas. Here are some top tips to take away with you to avoid unnecessary stress:

Contact the local police

If you have had your passport stolen, you must get in touch with the country’s local police in order to let them know the details of the incident. Your report will usually be recorded as part of their protocol, so make sure that you note down any details or references the police give you as you may need them when you go to file for a new temporary passport.

Apply for an emergency travel document

The only way to travel back to your home country if you have lost your passport or it has expired or been damaged overseas is to obtain an emergency travel document. In short, this passport allows you to leave the country you have visited and go back home. It is only valid for that specific journey and must be destroyed by a British embassy once you are back on home soil.

Visit the embassy or consulate

To start the application, make an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate. They will inform you on the process as well as give you information on countries that don’t accept this emergency travel document. If you have connecting flights, always let them know about these as it could be in a country that issues emergency travel document restrictions.

Be prepared

Before you jet off on holiday, always expect the unexpected and be prepared for any mishaps. Take the following things with you to ensure that, if you do have to apply for a new passport, the process will be as smooth-running as possible:

• A recent photograph of yourself – a passport photo would be advantageous
• Proof of your travel schedule – flight confirmations, itineraries, etc.
• Photocopies of your photo page in your passport
• A police report if your passport was stolen

Losing your passport abroad may seem like a nightmare, but with the right information it can be a lot easier to resolve than you thought.

The UK Home Office may just have sounded the death knell for passport photo booths across Britain after it announced it will now accept passport photographs that have been taken on smartphones and tablet devices for passport renewals made online.

Owners of photo booths will no doubt be concerned that the decision will result in a significant loss of business. Indeed, The Imaging Alliance, which works on behalf of UK photography professionals, has already voiced concerns about the long-term viability of the 6,000-plus photo booths located across the country.

The purpose behind the ruling is to make it simpler for British passport holders to renew their passports. Those applying to the UK Home Office for a British passport for the first time or those wishing to replace a stolen or lost passport must still obtain countersigned physical images.

The Home Office confirmed to passport holders that smiling faces will not be tolerated and nor will ‘selfie’ style shots, as reiterated by a Home Office spokesperson: “A ‘selfie’ photograph is [still] not allowed in a passport application. Customer guidance clearly says that ‘selfies’ are not permitted and that the photo needs to be taken from a distance of approximately 1.5m.”

For those who’d prefer to sit in the comfort of their own home and take their passport renewal photos using their own mobile device, it’s still very important that you don’t waste time sending off your renewal with an invalid picture; especially if you’ve left it to the last minute to renew your passport ahead of an exciting family holiday.

That’s where Paspic.com comes in.

We’re the online solution for validating, printing and delivering your UK passport photographs when you need it most. For ultimate peace of mind, simply send us your intended passport renewal photo and our experienced team will do all the legwork to reassure you that it meets the important regulations stipulated by the Home Office. Once you’re happy and we’re happy, we’ll deliver you four professional UK passport prints free within just two working days. We can’t say fairer than that!

We all know that sometimes when you need to be ‘serious’, you can descend into a fit of giggles, and if someone else is taking your photo you can get a little distracted or camera shy. This, however, isn’t the desired face required for a passport photo – you need to be serious (for a moment), and so here are some simple tips on how you can keep a straight face when taking your passport photo.

1) Breath deep

Breathing really helps your focus, so before you go to take your passport photo, compose yourself and take a few deep breaths. This should allow you to calm down.

2) Clench your teeth

This helps prevent you from laughing, which is what we want to avoid, so keep your mouth firmly closed.

3) Don’t think about the situation

Distract your mind with something that will make you feel serious, so it reflects on your face; for example, the time someone really annoyed you, or you got offended by a comment. Distract so you don’t react!

4) Think maths

If you are struggling to think of a negative situation to distract your mind, give yourself the hardest maths sum or calculation to work out, as this will keep you focused.

5) Clench your fists

This doesn’t have to be overly aggressive, but clenching your fists can help make you feel more focused and serious so you get the perfect passport photo for your travels.

6) Light bite

Bite down (lightly) on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks – this can help focus your face and mind so that you don’t relax and laugh.

If you take these simple but effective tips on board, then getting the perfect passport photo shouldn’t last more than a few minutes, and then you can laugh and giggle to your heart’s desire. Remember that if your passport photo isn’t perfect, your passport cannot be approved, so don’t waste time and ensure you become one of the 99.5% of customers who have their passport photo approved on its first submission with paspic.com!

It’s being predicted that record-breaking numbers of British citizens will be choosing to holiday in the UK in 2017. This is said to be the result of the pound plummeting in value and Brexit. For many people whose passports are set to expire this year, there is sure to be a temptation not to renew it immediately. However, this does come with its downsides. There are actually many reasons why you should start the process of getting a new passport – here are just four that you should really give some thought to:

1. The weather

The weather is more unpredictable than ever in this country, so you really can’t rely on the small chance that there could be a sun-soaked summer on the horizon. Instead, the only way that you can guarantee some rays is by heading abroad.

2. Unplanned travel

Always remember that it’s not just the weather that pulls people abroad. Instead, you could be asked to head overseas for commitments such as work or weddings. You surely don’t want to be unprepared if these were to be sprung upon you with very little notice.

3. Your passport photo

You will need a fresh photo whenever you get a new passport. The rules are very clear that you will need one even if your appearance hasn’t changed since your last one. Since the image can stay with you for a decade, you’ll want to give the picture-taking process plenty of thought to make sure that you end up with one that is not just suitable, but also one that you like.

4. Unexpected delays

The process for getting a new passport can actually vary in length. In some circumstances, there can be severe delays if your passport photo or countersignatory doesn’t fit the strict guidelines. On the other hand, if you are on the ball, you won’t find yourself trying to complete the process against a tight deadline.

Don’t wait

Always be sure to keep an eye on your passport’s expiration date. Once it passes, there are many benefits to getting a head start and renewing your passport within a comfortable timeframe.

According to the passport authorities, around 20% of online passport applications are rejected as the applicant has their eyes shut on photographs. A recent case hit the headlines when an Asian heritage man had his application rejected nine times as the software used to automatically measure and reject such criteria decreed that his eyes were shut, even though they weren’t.

Although shocking, this example illustrates the fine line between what is acceptable to the algorithms that measure images, and what you feel makes a good passport photograph.

It can be hugely frustrating to go through the process of applying for a passport only to be rejected due to an oversight – particularly as some of the criteria may seem arbitrary to us mere mortals. It can also cause a lengthy delay which may impact your holiday plans.

Surprisingly, people still make the mistake of thinking they can submit a snap that is not even regulation size or shape, or ones scanned from other places.

Many photographs are rejected due to the natural human reaction to a camera – a smile. This is considered a facial distortion, and it is important to keep a “straight face” for the shot you use.

Other photographs are rejected as the subject has left their glasses on, has what is considered excessive makeup or is adorned with jewellery. They may also be wearing something that casts a shadow over their face or even gives the impression they are naked due to bare shoulders. One of the most common mistakes too is hairstyle: hair has to be back off your face, so that elaborate “do” will have to wait for your holiday.

The background has to be completely plain cream, white or pale grey – and well lit. Another common cause of passport photograph rejection is if there are “alien” objects in the background (shadows or other distractions) or that the image is overexposed and too bright, making detail hard to read.

All of this can make you feel uncomfortable and stiff when getting your photograph done, but you do need to relax and look as natural as possible. The image will be rejected if you are not sat naturally, looking straight at the camera.

If in doubt, use Paspic to approve your passport photo in advance and go into your application process with “your eyes wide open”.

The passport process isn’t anywhere near as simple as snapping a photo and sending it off to be authorised. Instead, there are important forms to fill in before you can even think about leaving the country. One of the biggest obstacles you may face is finding a countersignatory. If you’re unsure if you require a countersignatory and who can be one for you, here’s what you need to know.

What is a countersignatory?

A countersignatory is someone who will sign one of your passport photos and your supporting application to vouch that it is actually you on the picture.

Do you need one?

You won’t always need a supporting signature when completing your application. For instance, if you’re simply renewing your passport and your appearance hasn’t changed, you should be fine without a countersignatory. However, you will need one if you’re applying for your first passport, if you’ve lost or damaged your old one, or if your appearance has changed significantly since you last submitted a passport photo.

Who can act as a countersignatory?

You must make sure that the person you ask you to sign your passport photo fits all the necessary criterion. Firstly, they must live in the UK and be in possession of a British or Irish passport. They must also have known you for more than two years and be able to identify you. You can’t be related to the countersignatory by birth, be in a relationship with them or live at the same address. Perhaps the biggest hurdle for many is that their countersignatory must work in a recognised profession and must be ‘a person of good standing in their community’.

What is classed as a ‘recognised profession’?

The official passport guidelines offer a list of recognised professions. This includes – but is not limited to – journalists, dentists, accountants, barristers, police officers and teachers.

Follow the guidelines carefully

Your passport application will be rejected if your countersignatory is unsuitable. If this happens, this could result in you having to take alternative passport photos if you don’t have spare copies. Follow the guidelines carefully and you should be able to avoid any delay.

It’s officially the social media generation. This means you are probably used to taking pictures – sometimes a dozen or more – with the intention of posting the results to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. On these platforms, it’s become OK to be vain. However, there is still no room for vanity when it comes to the passport process. Therefore, you should be prepared to follow the guidelines exactly or risk major delays. If you are prone to the odd spell of narcissism, it’s time to put your ego to one side. Here are four ways you can do this.

Avoid the latest fashion trends

It doesn’t matter if you think you suit hats or that you look fabulous in sunglasses. If you wear anything that is deemed unacceptable on your passport photo you’ll be forced to take it again before you can even think about jetting off on holiday.

Don’t try to impress

There’s no reason why your friends or relatives should have to see your passport photo. Therefore, if you go above and beyond it’ll only be for the benefit of strangers at the airport. If you feel the need to get dressed up to the nines, that’s fine. But don’t try posing at an angle or smiling because your picture won’t be accepted.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re not sure if your passport photo is suitable, then swallow your pride and ask for help. If you think you haven’t met the required guidelines, it is better to know before you send the picture off to be processed with your passport.

Don’t give out too many pictures

In the event that you do take a fabulous picture, don’t go around giving it out. Not only will you need two copies for the official passport application, it’s advisable that you keep a few spare incase they are needed for any further documents down the line.

Good luck

The guidelines are clear when it comes to what is and what isn’t acceptable for your passport photo. Once you’ve follow them to a T, you should find your passport will be processed in a speedy fashion.

It’s not uncommon for parents to dread sorting their child’s passport photo. After all, the process can be frustrating and time-consuming for everyone involved. Luckily, there are a few tricks that can help things run a little more smoothly for those looking to get a passport photo for their youngster. Here are four bits of advice that should help you out.

Check the guidelines

The official guidelines do realise that it can be hard for parents to get a decent passport picture for their child if they’re five or under. If you familiarise yourself with the rules, you’ll find that your child doesn’t need to have a neutral expression on their face, nor do they have to look straight into the camera. Meanwhile, there are even less rules surrounding babies.

Practice at home

Even with the lax rules, it’s best not to put your child on the spot. Therefore, it’s certainly worth putting in some practice at home. Try using the camera on your phone to make sure that your child is prepared for their picture. With any luck, this should also ease your child’s concern about how easy it is to take a passport photo.

Explain the importance

In some cases, you would be well-served to explain the importance of a passport photo to your child. Obviously you don’t want to go into too much detail about citizenship and borders. Instead, you could just simply tell your child that the picture will mean that they can get on the plane and enjoy a fantastic holiday. Hopefully this should act as an incentive for them to sit still and take the process seriously.

Offer a reward

The true reward will likely be a sun-soaked getaway where your child can frolic on the beach. But before then, you could always tell your offspring that they’ll receive a treat if they can sit nice and still for their passport photo.

Good luck!

These tricks should have you on your way to ensuring your child’s passport photo is suitable. In turn, this should mean their passport can be processed faster and with minimal delay.