Tag: Child Passport Photo

How to travel safely with young children

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Traveling alone requires self-preservation, but traveling with young children demands more time and attention to detail. Children experience different emotions about places and people. This is particularly true if they have never visited anywhere outside of their normal environment. Depending on where you are traveling, you might want to research the area and gather important data before exposing your children to the new locale.

Research the area’s utility and food services

Some countries have a limited water supply, so you might be wise to carry bottled water wherever you go. Since young children are more susceptible to food-borne illnesses, try to avoid eating raw vegetables, unwashed fruits and unpasteurized dairy products. Bring along wet wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable bags and be sure to incorporate regular hand-washing before and after meals.

When eating at restaurants, bring plastic utensils or request them. Most stainless steel silverware might contain residue contaminants if they have not been properly immersed in extremely hot water.

Get your child immunized

If you are traveling on an airplane, boat or another vehicle, be sure to have your children immunized. Shots should be up to date and your travel card should reflect this information. Children are susceptible to illnesses, viruses, and other childhood diseases if they have not been properly immunized. Some diseases and illnesses can be fatal. However, vaccinations can protect your children from long-term illnesses.

Talk to your children about the dangers of approaching strangers

Teach your children not to talk to or trust strangers. Instill the importance of staying within sight at all times and ensure your children never tell strangers their names, where they live, or where they are headed. Also teach your children to never accept food from strangers, even if they are hungry. Pay attention to your surroundings and never leave your child with strangers. If you need to go to the restroom, take them with you. As a precaution, work out a plan for reunification in the event your children get separated from you. Teach them to call 911 or yell for help if in trouble.

Follow the above tips and your first trip abroad with young ones should go off without a hitch. Of course, if you are leaving the country, make sure you sort out a passport for each child in plenty of time.

How to take the perfect baby passport photo

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Looking to travel with your baby or young child? You’re going to need a passport for them as well as yourself, should you head out of the country. The photo requirements are no different for a baby than that of an adult, which can prove rather strict. However, there are a handful of tips you can use in order to take the perfect baby passport photo.

Go simple with the clothing

This isn’t a specialty baby shoot where you’ll be sharing the photograph with all your friends and relatives. Due to this, you’ll want to avoid any kind of fussy clothing. Your best option is simply a one-piece, or a simple shirt, without a collar. The less you need to iron out and fix during the photos the better. Go for a darker shirt color, such as a dark navy blue, green, or purple. This prevents the shirt from blending into the background.

You don’t need to prop

When taking a baby passport photo, you don’t need to prop your child up. This is a major misconception. Naturally, extremely young children are unable to support their own weight, so you may find it better to completely avoid propping up a child against a chair. Instead, you can take a white sheet, place it on the floor and lay your baby down on top of it. This may be more comfortable for your child as well. You can make eye contact with them, smile and wave. This should be enough to hold their attention in order to capture the passport photos.

You know your child best and what they are more likely to cooperate with. Do what works best for you and your baby.

Keep the face straight

One of the main benefits of going with the sheet on the floor passport photo approach is it helps keep your baby’s face straight. Their face may not be tilted, otherwise the photograph will be rejected. Plus, the entire face must be visible in the picture, their eyes must be open and, ideally, their mouth shut (although there is some leeway with newborns and infants).

If you need more help with getting that perfect baby passport photo, contact Paspic today!

Obtaining a child’s passport when you’re a single parent

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

As a single parent, you work very hard to provide your child with everything he or she needs. You have been cutting expenses and saving for the trip of a lifetime. You have already had passport photos taken, but when you get the application for your child’s passport, you learn that it asks for both parents’ signatures.

In many cases, it is just not possible to get both parents to sign. However, this does not mean that you will never be able to travel abroad with your children. These rules were put in place to protect against international abductions. You can rest easy because there are ways to get around such rules when it is not possible to get the signature of the other parent.

The government’s rules on passports for children

On July 2, 2001, it became a requirement for the signatures of both parents to be included on the passport application of any child under 14. Before 2007, children were permitted to enter certain countries without a passport of their own. However, on January 23, 2007, passports became a requirement for traveling between the United States and a number of countries, such as Canada, Bermuda, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Options for single parents

Single parents who are not able to obtain the signature of the other parent have a few options to take into consideration. In the event that the absent parent does not object to the child’s passport application, he or she can simply provide a signed and notarized Statement of Consent.

On the bottom of the Statement of Consent, you will find the Statement of Special Circumstances. This is to be used when the other parent is not available. You will be able to provide an explanation as to why the other parent’s signature is not obtainable.

It is important to note that if only one parent is included on the child’s birth certificate, the signatures of both parents will not be required. Additionally, a parent who has been granted sole custody of the child may submit a copy of the court order with the passport application. So, get those passport photos and get ready to have the time of your life.

Photo: IMG_2532 by mastercharlz licensed under Creative commons 2

5 frequently asked questions about child passports and child passport photos

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

While the passport process isn’t all that complicated, it can feel quite daunting when you need to get one in a hurry for a child or infant. To make sure the process is as painless as possible, we’ve put together a list of five of the most frequently asked questions from parents looking to obtain passports for their children.

1. Does my child need a passport?

Any child, even a newborn infant, needs to have a passport if they are traveling between nations. This includes all the normal paperwork involved.

2. How long does a child passport last?

Your child passport will last five years, even if your child ages significantly and doesn’t really look like their passport photo anymore. While you’re not required to update the photos until renewal time, many opt to do so to avoid problems caused by a conflict between the photos and the older child’s features.

3. Can I be in the photo?

No one else can be in a passport photo, even one for a newborn. This includes visible limbs propping a baby up.

4. Does my child’s passport need a signature?

Yes, but it doesn’t have to be your child’s if they’re too young to sign for themselves. Instead, print the child’s name, sign your own, and place in parentheses your relationship (mother or father).

5. What do I need to know about my child’s passport photo?

All the usual rules of passports apply to child passport photos, even those which can be much more difficult to adhere to when dealing with infants and other young children. For example, expressions which excessively distort the face, hats and other coverings, pacifiers and bottles, and similar items can all disqualify a photo’s validity.

As you can see, the process is mostly painless aside from the issue of acceptable photographs. To give yourself the best opportunity for photos, we recommend taking your own photos with a suitable camera, and submitting them through an online passport photo service. This lets you get photos without the stresses or cost of a photo booth, and vet them before submission.

Photo: FAQ by Skley licensed under Creative commons 2

Tips for keeping your passport in good condition

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

It’s more-or-less common sense to keep your passport photos in good condition. A damaged passport photo can cause almost as much, if not as much, strife as a lost or stolen one – after all, your passport is considered to be government property. If it becomes damaged in any way, the passport could become invalidated and wreck your travel plans, as well as lose its status as proof of your citizenship. It could cost you entry into other countries – which creates an obvious hiccup in your plans – or cause any other number of inconvenient and just plain undesirable situations.

To keep your passport safe from damage:

1) Keep it in a designated passport holder

The few dollars you will spend upfront on a passport holder will pay off in dividends. Don’t just cram your passport into your pocket, briefcase, suitcase, or purse; this practically guarantees that the passport will crease, fray, and/or tear. Better yet, get a waterproof holder so that you aren’t worrying about your passport while enjoying the salty sea breezes on a cruise, or splashing about in the waves at the beach!

2) Keep your passport in a secure, dry place

When you aren’t carrying your passport with you, make sure that you’re storing it somewhere safe, such as a dark, cool closet shelf. Keep it out of bathrooms, locker rooms, and other places where moisture and bacteria gather, as these places are just begging for water, and eventually mold, to collect on your passport and destroy it.

3) Keep your passport pictures tucked out of sight

If you must carry your passport with you (optimally it will spend much of its time abroad locked securely in a safe), make sure that it is secured in your backpack, luggage or purse. Don’t carry it sticking out from your back pocket or crammed into the side pocket of a backpack, as that almost guarantees it will fall out or get stolen.

These are just a few precautions to take in order to ensure your passport is kept safe, secure, and in great condition.

How to obtain a passport for a child born abroad

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Traveling is easier than ever before and it is not uncommon for US citizens to be born abroad. Fortunately, US embassies and consulates make obtaining a birth certificate and passport for a child born abroad very easy. There are only three steps for obtaining your child’s passport and birth certificate if the baby was born abroad.

1) Parents must obtain form FS-240 from the embassy or US consulate. The FS-240 form is called a “Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA)” and if accepted, it documents that the child born abroad is a US citizen. To obtain a CRBA, the US citizen parent or parents of the child must simply present their passport at the embassy and request the CRBA.

2) At the same time parents complete the CRBA, the parents can apply for the child’s passport. The application requires the parents fill out Form DS-1350, “Certification of Report of Birth”. In addition to filling out the application and paying a fee, two baby passport photos are required. The child passport photos must meet passport photo specifications.

For adults — people 18 years of age or older — born abroad to US citizens, applying for a birth certificate and a passport requires a “Certificate of Citizenship to document acquisition pursuant to 8 USC 1452.”

When applying for a birth certificate for a child born abroad, there are a few things to remember:

• The US embassy or consulate will only provide one certified birth certificate. If the birth certificate is lost or stolen, the parents of the child must apply for a replacement. However, parents may request several copies of the birth certificate, though the birth certificates will not be certified.

• There are several US territories that do not require a CRBA: Swains Island; Puerto Rico; American Samoa; the US Virgin Islands; Guam; the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands after January 8, 1978 (8PM EST); The Panama Canal Zone before October 1, 1979; and the Philippines before July 4, 1946. People born in these territories are considered US citizens.

3 circumstances where you will need to renew your passport

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Many people don’t often think about renewing their passports. After all, your passport is valid for a period of 10 years if you were aged 16 or older when it was issued. However, there are reasons you may need to renew your passport sooner rather than later.

1. If your passport is expired or expiring soon

The issue date of your passport is located on the data page at the front of the booklet. The U.S. Department of State recommends renewing your passport at least six months before it expires. Some countries will not permit you to enter if your passport will expire within six months and especially if it will expire while you are present in the country. If your passport has already expired, you can still renew it instead of applying for a new one if you meet certain requirements. Simply apply with form DS-82 through the mail.

2. If your passport is badly damaged

It’s expected that passports will experience some wear and tear over several years of use, and bended corners or frayed pages are not considered sufficient enough damage to require a new passport. However, if your passport is damaged to the point where it is difficult or impossible to decipher identifying information, you will need a new one. Significant damage may include water damage, large tears, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages, holes, or other obstructions. To replace a damaged passport, you will need to apply in person and present the damaged passport, a statement explaining the damage, and form DS-11.

3. If your name has changed

Whether you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court proceedings, you will need to update your passport accordingly. If your passport was issued within the last year, you’re in luck. You simply need to submit form DS-5504 through the mail with your passport, your original or certified name change document, and a valid passport photo. If your passport was issued over a year ago, you must submit form DS-82 through the mail with all required documents, as well as pay all applicable fees.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Keep your passport up to date!

Top 5 reasons passport photos are rejected

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Do you know the primary reason why passport applications get held up? It’s because of unacceptable passport photos. In 2015 alone, the U.S. State Department received over 200,000 unacceptable passport photos. Make sure your passport application is processed smoothly and your trip goes ahead as planned by submitting an acceptable passport picture. Just be sure to avoid the top reasons passport photos are rejected:

Lighting

Bad lighting can instantly ruin a photo. Whether the image is too bright, too dark, or affected by shadows, a photo with unacceptable lighting will be unacceptable to the State Department. Remember, the goal is to reflect your true skin tone and facial features without any shadows.

Recency

You may have taken the perfect headshot one year ago, but it won’t be eligible for your passport application now. Recency matters, as physical features can change over time. Your passport photo needs to have been taken within six months of submission.

Image size

Your passport photo must measure 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51mm) in size. Any photos submitted that are too big or too small will not be accepted and will delay your passport application process.

Distance

The distance between you and the camera is an important factor for your passport picture. A selfie simply won’t cut it. Passport photos require the size of your head to be between 1 and 1-3/8 inches (25 – 35mm) within a 2 X 2 inch frame. use the State Department’s smart photo tool to crop your photo to meet distance guidelines.

Image and paper quality

Blurry, grainy, and pixilated photos will not be accepted. The photo must be clear in order to properly identify you. Make sure you use a high-quality camera and size the image appropriately. Also, you cannot print your passport photo on regular printer paper. You must use matte or glossy photo-quality paper.

If you are able to avoid the common reasons passport photos are rejected, and all of your other application materials are in line, your passport application should be processed quickly and smoothly. Soon you should have no problem obtaining a picture perfect passport.

Passport safety tips when traveling

Published on in photography, travel by Paspic

Most people only remember to check their passport when they have an upcoming trip. If it is close to the expiry date, you ought to take current passport pictures and make an application for renewal. While your passport is safe at home, what steps should you take to secure your passport when traveling?

Passport safety tips when traveling

Make some copies

Although you will use the original passport, there is no harm in making copies and carrying one or two with you. In the unfortunate event that you lose your passport in transit, you can use the copy to prove that you have a valid passport. The copy may not have an original passport photo, but it is enough to provide identification before you can consult the nearest US embassy.

Keep it with you or locked up

Many travelers assume that, since they are staying in an expensive hotel, there are minimal chances of losing their valuables. You should not make such an assumption. It is better to have the passport on you or securely locked when you have to leave your hotel room.

Protect it

Taking good care of your passport does not just entail keeping it safe. You ought to take great care to ensure that you protect it from the elements. The best way of protecting your passport is by keeping it in a weather-proof pocket to prevent water damage. Moisture is likely to destroy your passport photo, making it harder to identify you.

Learn about your rights

While visiting a foreign country, you need to know where you are required to provide your passport and where you do not have to present it. If you know your rights, you will avoid falling for the tricks of scammers that want your details to rob you. Apart from the airport and when booking into the hotel, few other places will insist on the production of your passport.

If you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport in a foreign country, the first step is to report the loss at the local police station. You should then ask for directions to the nearest embassy or consulate to seek further assistance.

Photo: My Passport by bryansblog 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