Tag: Avail the best Passport Photo

Why you should consider a cruise for your next vacation

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

The world is an amazing place, filled with incredible destinations. This is wonderful in the sense that there are so many places to go. At the same time, having that many options can be overwhelming. Should you see the mountains? What about a beach vacation? Should you go out of the country? Yes? Can you go to more than one country? This avalanche of options is just one reason why a cruise is the perfect way to travel. What are some others?

1. There’s a cruise for every mood

Do you want to lounge on soft sand every day, only taking breaks from the sun worship to cool off in the clear, blue sea? The Caribbean sounds like the best bet for you. Would you rather be in a new city or perhaps even a new country every day? The Mediterranean is calling your name. Are you the type to do something more off the beaten path? Maybe a Baltic and Scandinavian cruise is more your speed.

2. A cruise ship is a city in itself

What other vacation could you take that would allow you to visit foreign countries by day but sing in a piano bar with new friends or dance until you drop at night? If you feel like Italian food one night and then seafood the next, you’ve got options. There are ships with everything from water slides to movie theaters to comedy clubs. It’s the ultimate vacation buffet.

3. Child-friendly

If you have children, you know that a vacation is often not actually a vacation for the parents. With a child-friendly cruise, everybody is happy. The kids can go to the childcare and immerse themselves in themed activities and games while you take that time to yourself you so desperately need. What about the days you want to make lasting family memories? Shore excursions like snorkeling are sure to be a hit.

Are you sold on the cruise now? Perfect. All you have to do is book your trip, get a decent passport photo taken, and pack! And if you’re eager to book a last-minute cruise and want to verify your passport photos to prevent delays, Paspic are here for you.

Photo: Our cruise ship by ukanda licensed under Creative commons 2

Travel mistakes to avoid making this year

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

To those perpetually infected by wanderlust, there’s no “why” when it comes to travel, only “when” and “where”. No matter where you’re headed off to next, it’s essential to make sure that your passion for using your passport doesn’t leave you stranded.

In just one crucial moment of carelessness, many a savvy globetrotter has wound up wondering how they managed to make it home. Before you pack your bags, make a point of keeping these big travel mistakes in mind and out of your life.

Keeping your credit card company in the dark

One of the biggest lapses of judgement that can be made before embarking on any international escapade is the failure to give your credit card company notice in advance. If your credit card company suddenly sees foreign charges getting registered on your account with no idea of your location, you’re liable to wind up getting your account frozen at a very inconvenient or downright embarrassing moment. Do your best to spare yourself and the credit card company the headache by letting them know what country you’re headed off too before the overseas purchases start.

Sandwiching flight times too closely together

Planning the particulars of any big trip can get hectic, but no matter what, make sure to leave an ample cushion of time between your flights whenever possible. Even the most organized travel plans can fall apart like a deck of cards when you miss a flight that’s scheduled to take off just minutes after your first one lands. Make sure that each transfer gives you time to inhale and exhale before settling on any plane ticket purchases.

Skipping out on airport currency

No matter where you’re going, getting local currency should be your first priority upon landing. You could very well get local currency from a public ATM, but getting your local currency from the airport will generally be more affordable due to a slightly lower exchange rate. As a rule of thumb, you’ll be best off getting enough local currency to cover possible emergencies, but never any amount so large you can’t afford to lose it.

Not getting your passport photo approved

Of all the unexpected things that can put a speed bump in traveling plans, one that can trip up even the best-prepared traveler is a simple passport photo disapproval. You certainly don’t want to go through the trouble of working out every fine detail of your flight itinerary, only get grounded due to a simple photo. We specialize in helping travelers like you get their passport photos approved the right way. If you’d like to streamline the process of getting your photo approved, contact us today!

Photo: Credit Card by 401(K) 2013 licensed under Creative commons 2

Travel safety tips for solo travelers

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Have you got the travel bug for trekking off into the world on your own? There’s nothing quite so exhilarating as packing your bags and flying solo, going wherever the wind takes you. However, be warned. There are special safety precautions that even seasoned travelers should take when traveling alone.

Protect your passport

When you got your passport photo taken, it’s not likely you were picturing having your passport stolen while abroad. However, every day, travelers in foreign countries get their passports stolen, leaving them stranded far away from home.

To protect yourself, always keep your passport safe. Consider investing in a passport case with RFID blocking, which will keep savvy criminals from electronically pickpocketing your passport information. Not only that, but your passport will feel a little heavier in your pocket, giving you extra warning if someone tries to lift it.

Maintain sobriety

Part of traveling is enjoying the delectable food and drinks available in far flung places. But if you overindulge, you leave yourself particularly susceptible to cunning criminals who may try to take advantage of your lessened awareness after drinking more than your fair share. By all means, sample the goodness that foreign places have to offer, but as a solo traveler, it’s even more important to maintain your sobriety so you can get back to your hotel safely.

One tip to try is to have a glass of water in between each beer or cocktail. This will reduce the amount of liquid that you’re able to comfortably consume.

Keep in contact with friends and family

It’s fun to take off without telling anyone where you’re going. But if you’re traveling alone, this isn’t a safe option. Confide in at least one person so that if you run into trouble, you’ll have someone who can quickly get to you or lend you a helping hand. Add a layer of protection by giving that person a photocopy of your passport photo. If need be, this will help authorities locate you in a foreign country.

These travel safety tips for solo travelers will help to make your journeys even more enjoyable. You’ll be able to relax, knowing your passport is always safe and sound.

Photo: Travel by Moyan_Brenn licensed under Creative commons 2

I lost my passport traveling! What do I do?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

There is no worse feeling while traveling abroad than discovering your passport isn’t where you left it. If you don’t find it after digging through all your portable belongings, there is a good chance it is either lost or stolen. Now, this is a good time to remind you to always have a photocopy of your passport stuffed safely away in another area of your luggage. With that said, here are the steps you need to follow should you no longer have your passport.

Contact the Embassy

First, you need to contact the U.S. embassy in the country you are in. You may need to put some travel on hold as exiting the country you’re in is likely not a possibility. When you contact the embassy, you need to tell them your passport is lost or stolen. While talking with the consular, you need to inform them if you were directly involved in a crime (is there a police report?) or if the passport is simply misplaced. You’ll also need to tell them when you’re planning on exiting the country. This is important as the embassy can issue either a full passport or an emergency passport.

Take a new passport photo

You’ll need to head out to the embassy. Thankfully, this is easier to do in most countries as there is a U.S. embassy in most large cities. Take passport photos before going. You’ll be able to find passport photo locations at most photo or travel centers. Again, it is a good idea to have backup passport photos with you while traveling internationally.

Complete the documentation

When you visit the embassy, you’ll need to fill out a statement regarding what happened to your previous passport. You’ll also need to fill out an application for a new passport. During this application, you need the passport photos, a form of ID (your driver’s license works), travel itinerary (your return plane ticket works) and evidence you are a U.S. citizen. This is where having the photocopy of the passport or birth certificate helps. In a pinch, your driver’s license may suffice.

Pay and wait

You’ll need to the $140 fee for a new passport. You’ll also need to wait a few days for the new passport to be issued. The emergency passport will be issued in 24 hours, but that only lets you get into the U.S. If you can, wait the few days for the new passport.

Passports for internationally adopted children

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Over the years, US families have had the interest of adopting children from different countries around the world. It is a good way to help families to grow, but because of child trafficking that has hit the world, there are legal procedures that must be followed for a child passport to be issued. Obtaining passports, citizenship, and visas are some of the things the new parents should ensure the adopted child has. So as the child can be eligible for a passport, some criteria should be followed because the children were not born in the United States.

Obtaining citizenship

So that the child can be issued with a passport, citizenship must be proofed for the child who is adopted. There are countries which participate in Hague convention, and if a child is adopted from such countries then obtaining citizenship can be easy. The admission of the children in the country is under IH-4 visa or IH-3 visa, whereby IH-4 visa is for children adopted in the U.S while IH-3 visa is for those that are adopted in their country. As long as they have the visa, it is lawful.

The process of application

If the child is from a country not involved in the Hague Convention, there are some forms which should be filled so that they can be granted the visas. Once the documentation is through, for them to obtain a passport, it is the same process as for an American child. Some of the relevant documents include certificate of citizenship of the child; a certificate of adoption; photographs of the parents; passport photo; and consent from both parents. Initially, the application must be submitted manually by those concerned, since there is legislation that does not allow children who are under the age of 16 years to renew their passport through mailing.

A DS-11 form must also be filled, and the submission should be through a legal and approved passport office. Though one may feel that obtaining a passport for children who have been adopted internationally is a complicated process, it is not. All you need is to be thorough with the course of getting citizenship, and you follow suits just like the other citizens. The process can be hastened by working with a passport office.

Passports for intercountry adoptees

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

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

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

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

3) If the child’s adoption is finalized.

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

Unrecognized adoption

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

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

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

Congrats on getting married, now go update your passport!

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

The color scheme was perfect, everyone loved the food, and even the bridesmaids liked their dresses! All in all, your wedding was pretty much everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Now all you have to do is grab your luggage, head to the airport and get to your tropical hideaway for the best week of your life – the honeymoon. Now since your driver’s license and other forms of ID are still in your maiden name, your passport that still identifies you under your maiden name will be just fine for the honeymoon, but every international foray you embark on after that, you’ve got some work to do.

First of all, any time you have legally gone through a name change for reasons like marriage, divorce, or a court ordered name change, you have to go through the process of getting a new passport. Depending on how long it has been since your existing passport was issued, the cost to do so will vary. If your existing passport is less than a year old, you’re in luck: no passport processing fees are required. If it’s been more than a year, you might be eligible to use Form DS-82.

What is Form DS-82?

The ‘DS’ in Form DS-82 stands for Department of State, the government department that oversees United States citizen international travel and overall diplomacy. Not everyone is eligible to use Form DS-82, the form can only be used if the following criteria can be met:

• You are able to produce your most recent passport
• You were 16 years of age or older when you were issued your most recent passport
• Your most recent passport is less than 15 years old
• Your most recent passport was not physically damaged
• You use the same name as the name on your most recent passport, OR you have changed your legal name by marriage or court order, AND can produce proper original documentation to support the name change

If you are not eligible to use Form DS-82, the process of obtaining a new passport is much more tedious. The first step is to submit Form DS-11 in person at an applicable U.S. Passport facility. In addition to Form DS-11, you must provide:

• Evidence of United States citizenship
• An certified or original name change document
• Valid identification document
• A color passport photo

Who ever knew that getting married was so much work?!

Tips for dressing for a passport photo

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

It can be tempting to look your best for your passport photo – after all, these photos will likely follow you for years to come, so it makes sense that you’d want to look as stylish as possible! However, it’s important to ensure that your pursuit of style does not get in the way of the photo itself.

Here are some tips to make the most out of your passport pictures while still keeping things easy and practical. Follow these and you will be on your way in no time, passport in hand.

1. If possible, leave the glasses off

The lenses of your glasses can cover your eyes, cast shadows over your face, or catch a glare from the camera lens. To make sure that your face is not obscured when your passport photos are taken, leave the glasses off.

2. Don’t wear distracting prints

You’ll want to wear clothing that you wear on a daily basis – something that looks like “you”. However, try to keep the prints and colors of your clothing as low key as possible, so they do not distract from the most important part of the picture – your face!

3. On the other hand, avoid wearing white

If you’re getting your passport photo professionally done, chances are that you will be standing in front of a white or off-white background. You don’t want to blend into the background, so make sure you wear something colorful (but not TOO colorful, as you can see above!).

4. Avoid hats and other head coverings

Hats, scarves, helmets, earmuffs, and other head coverings should not be worn when taking your passport photo. Not only can they be bulky and distracting, but they can also cast a shadow over your face and make your features difficult to see.

5. Don’t wear jewelry

Jewelry – particularly necklaces and earrings – can catch the glare of a camera lens and ruin your passport photo. As pretty as they may be, leave your accessories at home – or save them to wear on your trip after your passport has been approved!

Photo: Glasses by jeffbr13 licensed under Creative commons 2

Did you know about these passport rules?

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Since they are the main form of identification governing international travel, it shouldn’t be surprising that passports come with all sorts of rules that may seem complicated at first. Whether you’re a first time traveler or a seasoned veteran who has been to many different countries, it may be a good idea to review this list of little-known passport facts.

• Your passport is actually the property of the government that issued it (just read the fine print inside the document to see for yourself). This means that it must be surrendered upon request of an authorized member of the US government.

• Your passport photo needs to be taken within six months of your passport application. This is to make sure your general appearance is the same as what is on the document itself.

• Some countries require traveler’s passports to fall outside a certain range of its expiration date, usually three or six months. This is to help prevent unsuspecting tourists get stranded in a foreign country with an expired passport.

• Passport photos should be taken in plain clothes, rather than a uniform, and many countries will not accept passports that are taken while in uniform.

• Don’t let your passport get too damaged, since this can render it invalid. Your photo and all information needs to be clearly visible or you will need to get a new passport issued. This may be especially important for those travelers who love adventure.

• In some cases, you will need a certain number of remaining pages left in your passport to enter a country. Or, if you are planning on travelling to several countries in succession, it might be a good idea to renew your passport just to get some extra space. If your passport can’t be stamped anymore, it can no longer be used.

• In some countries, you may present a valid visa in an expired passport, as long as you’re able to show a current passport alongside of it. Make sure to do your research first and find out if this applies in your case.

Photo: Passport by seantoyer licensed under Creative commons 2

4 surprising facts about passports

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

When you’re applying for a new passport, you may only be thinking about a couple of things: do I look good in my passport photo? Is my child’s baby passport photo still valid? But there are a few things that may not even cross your mind when it comes to passports and passport pictures. Here are four of the most surprising facts we found about passports.

1: Germany and Sweden have the most powerful passports

According to the Passport Index, they each have a visa-free score of 158. America is in a five way tie for 4th place, meaning that if you hold an American passport, you have access to 155 countries without a visa. According to these same rankings, the least powerful passport belongs to Afghanistan.

2: Your passport is electronic

If you received a new passport after August of 2007, that means you are the recipient of a new and improved e-passport, which comes embedded with a special chip that’s designed to deter hackers and identity thieves.

3: Passports used to accommodate even the busiest jet setters

Don’t have enough room in your standard issue 28-page passport for all the countries you’ve visited? Before 2015, you could actually request a longer, 52-page passport when you were renewing, at no additional cost. Or you could add pages to your current passport up to a total of 76 pages! These days, you can no longer add pages – but to make up for it, all US passports are now issued with 52 pages instead of 28.

4: That patriotic art took 6 years to make

Have you ever noticed the artwork on the inside pages of your passport? If you have one of the newer versions issued since 2007, every page is decorated with the most American of designs, from Mount Rushmore to bald eagles and more. And this patriotic makeover didn’t come easily – a committee of six important people spent six whole years developing the page designs, which were all part of an overall theme entitled “American Icon.” So next time you open a page to get stamped, take a second to appreciate how much effort went into making that page a reality.

Photo: Passport by seantoyer licensed under Creative commons 2