A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors

If you want to order one of the new a passport cards, get a passport application — it’s called a DS 11 and follow the instructions. On the new applications that will be available by February 1, 2008, you will find an option for applying for a passport card which you will select to order a passport card. Alternatively, you can order the traditional passport book with the same application.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

By Jack Blacksmith

Let’s face it: it takes a lot of work to plan for a wedding. But, deciding where to go on your honeymoon once the knot has been tied is all about fun and fantasy. Your first holiday together as a married couple should be a delightful fulfillment of your dreams, a chance to enjoy the company of the person who means the most to you. This might just be the most romantic vacation you will ever experience, so consider these international locations when choosing the perfect spot.

1. There is no limit of beautiful destinations to choose from when planning a honeymoon. One of the most popular, however, remains Hawaii. Sought out by honeymooners the world over, the Hawaiian Islands offer the excitement of discovery: there is always an variety of beautiful views and fun experiences to keep you on your toes. Just sitting on a beach and watching the sunset with the love of your life might be worth a trip to the Hawaiian Islands. But if you were looking for something to fill the other twenty-three hours of the day, you could golf on some of the most beautiful courses on earth. Whatever you are looking for from your honeymoon, you can find in Hawaii.

2. Tour the coast of southern Europe. The Mediterranean region offers both beauty and culture to the couple looking for a variety of experiences. Travel to Italy, where you can enjoy the sand by the sea and the beautiful mountain scenery of the Alps. Visit Rome and Vatican City, where you can take in ancient ruins and Baroque statues on one guided tour. In northern Italy, you will find the vibrant cultural centers of Venice and Milan. Stop off in the Florence and visit some of the most renowned museums in the world.

3. When looking for the perfect tropical destination, you cannot beat Tahiti. This Polynesian island might just be the closest thing to paradise on earth. There are pristine beaches to explore, of course, but also the rustic town of Papeete which has plenty of shops and eateries to appeal to tourists. Take a cruise tour of the surrounding islands, or even go below the water and visit the coral reefs.

4. Another tropical option is Anguilla, a tiny island near the British Virgin Islands. Anguilla is the place for couples who just want to relax and bask in the glorious sunshine. Besides the perfect beaches that you would expect from an island in the Caribbean, you can also expect to find hospitable lodgings and restaurants. This island is just the place to enjoy that perfectly romantic sunset.

5. The islands of Fiji combine pristine beaches with spectacular mountain views. Located in the South Pacific, it is one of the most beautiful locations you could find. Fiji even allows you to book a private island for a day! Spend a the day alone the person you love best, running down the beach, swimming, eating a delightful lunch and finally, relaxing on the beach as the sun sets. What could be better?

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Planning a trip overseas? You’ll need a passport. Click here to order your passport.

About The Author:

Jack Blacksmith publishes first and foremost for Alicante Spain

The new passport card has information encoded electronically in the card to speed processing of citizens coming back into the U.S. The card has been criticized by some for the fact that the data in the card could be hacked into because the data can be picked up from more than a few inches away. The critics say the data could compromise the holder’s personal information.

We have never agreed with this criticism because the only data on the card is a unique number of the holder that has nothing to do with their identity. Instead the number is only good for use on the database of the U.S. Customs officials. When put into Customs computer database, the number will identify the holder, so he or she can be correctly and immediately identified and allowed to enter the U.S.

So even if someone did successfully hack into the card and get the passport card number of the holder, it would only be helpful if they also had hacked into the Customs database, and that is as close to impossible as the government can guarantee. We respect the integrity of the databases of the U.S. government, so we do not think the passport card is a personal security risk.

Read an interesting editorial on this subject by the Buffalo News whose readers are heavily impacted by this card because they are only a few miles from the Canadian border.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

Passport Update on new Passport Rules From A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors

January 4, 2008

FIRST: New regulations go into effect on January 31st that require all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship. Prior to that date, persons can continue to prove citizenship verbally.

Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. We recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.

SECOND: The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.

1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be “passport cards.” State will continue to issue “passport books” which up until now we have known as a “passport.”
2. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.
3. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
4. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver’s license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver’s license.
5. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books – 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.
6. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.
7. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.
8. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information – a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.
9. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.
10. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:
    • Adults: Total $45 — $20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee
    • Children under 16: Total $35 — $10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee
11. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a “passport book” means a person who has a “passport”) and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.
12. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver’s licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.

We’ll keep you posted.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

The State Department will soon begin issuing passport cards equipped with electronic data chips to U.S. citizens who travel frequently between the United States and Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.

The $45 card will be optional and cannot be used for air travel. The chip will contain a unique identifying number linked to information in a secure government database but not to names, Social Security numbers or other personal information. It will also come with a protective sleeve to guard against hackers trying to skim data wirelessly.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

Remember that effective January 31, 2008, when returning to the U.S. from any destination, you must present proof of citizenship. A passport is the best proof because it also identifies you and it can be scanned and you can quickly move through the border.

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Planning a trip? Is your passport up to date? Click here to order a Passport.

By Kimberly Carlson

If you’re like most couples or families, taking a cruise for your vacation always sounds like a great idea. On the other hand, there are some many different cruises to choose from that it can sometimes seem easier to just take a road trip to the nearest campground or amusement park.

The key to making sense of all the cruises out there is to narrow it down to the ones that you might like. To do that, all you need to do is decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and what cruise line to use. After that, you’ll be left with a few great options and you can’t lose.

Where to Go

The short answer is anywhere. Most people think of the Caribbean when they think of cruises, but there are so many more options to choose from. There are great trips that sail around Alaska. There are other trips that sail in the Mediterranean. Still more go to South America, but just because there are a lot of options doesn’t mean they’re all right for you and your family.

The best way to narrow down your options is to decide what types of things you want to do while the ship is in port. Most boats will be pretty similar while you’re on the boat but will change drastically when you get off. If you want a lot of outdoor adventures while you’re in port, look at the Alaskan cruises. There will likely be lots of things you wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else. If history is more your thing, look at the Mediterranean cruises. They usually make stops in Italy, Spain, and France. Try to tailor your current interests towards making your cruise as enjoyable as possible.

When to Go

Again, the short answer is anytime. Cruises are offered by various cruise lines year-around. However, there’s more to think about. When will it be most relaxing? When can you afford to make your cruise everything it can be? Basically, when will it be most enjoyable? Popular times to take a cruise include during winter vacation, spring vacation, or the summer. On the other hand, you can get great deals on cruises during other off-peak times, like the fall.

What Cruise Line to Go On

Finally, you just need to decide which cruise line you want to use. Some might not travel to the location you want to go, so that will be the first step in narrowing down your choices. Others might cater to families, couples, or singles. If you’re taking a family on a cruise, you should definitely avoid using a cruise line that attracts singles. Some might offer amenities that you definitely want to take advantage of, others might offer amenities that you really don’t want to pay for. Once you’ve established where to go, when to go, and what cruise line to go on, the decision won’t be too difficult to make.

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Planning a cruise? You might need a visa. Click here to find out visa requirements for various countries.

About The Author:

Kimberly Carlson is an avid traveller and prefers to do all her own research and bookings on line. She has learned the ins and out on cruise holiday pricing and options. You can find more of her interesting articles at Cruise and Tours Online.

By Kimberly Carlson

If you’re like most couples or families, taking a cruise for your vacation always sounds like a great idea. On the other hand, there are some many different cruises to choose from that it can sometimes seem easier to just take a road trip to the nearest campground or amusement park.

The key to making sense of all the cruises out there is to narrow it down to the ones that you might like. To do that, all you need to do is decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and what cruise line to use. After that, you’ll be left with a few great options and you can’t lose.

Where to Go

The short answer is anywhere. Most people think of the Caribbean when they think of cruises, but there are so many more options to choose from. There are great trips that sail around Alaska. There are other trips that sail in the Mediterranean. Still more go to South America, but just because there are a lot of options doesn’t mean they’re all right for you and your family.

The best way to narrow down your options is to decide what types of things you want to do while the ship is in port. Most boats will be pretty similar while you’re on the boat but will change drastically when you get off. If you want a lot of outdoor adventures while you’re in port, look at the Alaskan cruises. There will likely be lots of things you wouldn’t be able to experience anywhere else. If history is more your thing, look at the Mediterranean cruises. They usually make stops in Italy, Spain, and France. Try to tailor your current interests towards making your cruise as enjoyable as possible.

When to Go

Again, the short answer is anytime. Cruises are offered by various cruise lines year-around. However, there’s more to think about. When will it be most relaxing? When can you afford to make your cruise everything it can be? Basically, when will it be most enjoyable? Popular times to take a cruise include during winter vacation, spring vacation, or the summer. On the other hand, you can get great deals on cruises during other off-peak times, like the fall.

What Cruise Line to Go On

Finally, you just need to decide which cruise line you want to use. Some might not travel to the location you want to go, so that will be the first step in narrowing down your choices. Others might cater to families, couples, or singles. If you’re taking a family on a cruise, you should definitely avoid using a cruise line that attracts singles. Some might offer amenities that you definitely want to take advantage of, others might offer amenities that you really don’t want to pay for. Once you’ve established where to go, when to go, and what cruise line to go on, the decision won’t be too difficult to make.

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Planning a cruise? You might need a visa. Click here to find out visa requirements for various countries.

About The Author:

Kimberly Carlson is an avid traveller and prefers to do all her own research and bookings on line. She has learned the ins and out on cruise holiday pricing and options. You can find more of her interesting articles at Cruise and Tours Online.

We received a call from a client who was at a U.S. airport to fly to Mexico on United Airlines who was not allowed on the flight because he did not have his passport. The United agent at the counter said that their computer system was informing them that all passengers must have a passport.

We discussed this with the Passport Agency and were told they had heard of similar problems, especially with United. Our contact said that the management of all major U.S. airlines have been informed of the new rules. He said that some of the confusion at the airport may be a result of the State Department announcement that the new exception rule (that permits travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda with only a birth certificate and proof the traveler has applied for a passport) applies only to re-entry into the U.S. for specific countries from that region — see list below.

The new rule does not change the entry requirements FROM the U.S. TO these or any other Caribbean countries. You can obtain country-specific entry requirements information from here, or you can check with the airline on which you are traveling.

The list of countries from which you can return to the U.S. with a government-issued photo id and proof that you have applied for a passport includes:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Jamaica (except for business travel)
Montserrat
Netherlands Antilles
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Turks and Caicos

You can obtain proof that you have applied for a passport from here. You must have that specific proof. It is the only acceptable proof.

The Passport Agency admits there have been problems, and we know there have been hundreds of thousands of problems. So, don’t assume anything. Remember that even though you may have applied, your application may not show up in the government’s system for typicallyl up to 20 days — and in some cases it has been as long as 3 months.

If your application is not in the system, call Passport Customer Service at 877.487.2778 and ask them to retrieve the necessary information 6:00 a.m. to midnight EST, Monday to Friday and limited weekend hours.

The volume of calls into the Service are still too heavy for the number of people answering the calls. So you expect to have difficulty getting through. It can take as long as an hour to get someone on the phone.

So check the requirements for the country to which you are traveling to make sure you have the necessary travel documents to enter and leave that country.