visaservices

I Have A Damaged Passport?

washingtonexp — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:16:57 +0000

During the course of much travel, it is not uncommon to get water stains, marks, and scratches on your passport. It comes with the travel territory. But this is light compared to actual tears and rips to where your passport appears to have been mangled. You’ve had it for years and now it’s encountered serious damage.

A passport is defined as damaged by certain extents to where the passport no longer is legible or recognizable. The US State Travel Agency states if there is significant damage to the book cover, personal data, or photo, you will have to apply for a new passport. The government site also provides a list of damage types as well. These damages below include:

Significant tears
Water damage
Unofficial markings on the data page
Missing visa pages
A hole punch and other injuries

All of the above may require passport renewal and use of Form DS-11. In most cases of normal wear and tear, such as bending and fanning of the pages, your passport is fine. However, if you have any doubt your passport will make it, don’t try to rely upon clearance, because on your travel date, your damaged passport could get rejected.

“They took a look at our passports and said that my passport was mutilated, therefore I wasn’t able to fly”, said Kyle Gosnell in a Fox News report of how his passport was denied clearance due to damage. As a result, instead of being in Belize on vacation, his family was left stranded in Dallas. Make the proper steps and get a replacement passport.

If you have a damaged passport or need a passport replacement in a hurry, there are companies that provide expedited passport services. Companies like Washington Express Visas provides expedited passport processing service with same day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call us at (877) 675-5571 and let us help you with your passport today!

References: 2.21.12, www.kdvr.com/Fox 31 News, Hema Mullur-Denver family stranded after passport denied because of crease; www.travel.state.gov

Japan Tourism Recovery After Tsunami

washingtonexp — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:41:02 +0000

March 11, 2011 marks one year to date when the horrific tsunami and earthquake hit Japan. The devastation took over 15, 000 lives and parts of the growing country demolished. The catastrophe hurt various steady and constant industries, including tourism.

Japan has begun to see some daylight with tourism growth in Tokyo and surrounding areas per a recent Newsday-Associated Press report. Shuichi Kameyama, director of the International Tourism Promotion Division at Japan Tourism Agency, stated tourist numbers in January this year are only 4% lower than January 2011. This is heading in the right direction, as projected tourist recovery would occur in 2012 by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tokyo is one of the major areas for tourism. The three disasters caused a nuclear plant meltdown in Fukushima, about 180 miles from Tokyo. However, signs of recovery is showing in the hotel industry. Malcolm Thompson, general manager of The Peninsula Tokyo hotel, said in the report, “Corporate business is 95 percent back,” he said. “It’s really the high-end leisure traveler from America and Europe. They’re the ones we are not seeing yet. They’re the ones who are still very tentative about Japan. We here know that everything is fine and life is back to normal in most parts of Japan, but that’s not the perception.”

Promotional campaigns are being made by Japan to help tourism recover. Japanese tourism officials will be launching a “Japan: Thank You” campaign to build tourist support. In the US, they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of flowering cherry trees to Washington DC, which draws a million people. In New York there will be marked what will be called “Japan Week”. Digital cherry blossom displays will be held in Times Square and “Dine Out for Japan-Restaurant Week from March 7-11. Donations will given toward the disaster relief.

You can aid tourism recovery in Japan, yet, you will need a visa or passport to get there. Expedited visa and passport services provided by Washington Express Visas can meet all your travel needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 3.9.12, Newsday-Associated Press, Beth J Harpaz-Japan tourism recovering a year after disaster

U.S. Announces Online Application For Passport Cards

washingtonexp — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:49 +0000

As of 2012, reports have found over 110 million of United States citizens possess a passport. This is one-third of the total US population and a record number for the world giant. Due to further attempts to make travel as safe as possible, this record indicates passports are being viewed by many now as a necessity for travel.

The US Department of State continues to help passport holders ability to travel and has announced a pilot program of an online application for passport cards. It will be valid for 10 years. This card can be used to travel from the US into nearby countries such as the Caribbeans, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico. It can not be used for international travel via air, therefore, travelers can turn to companies like Washington Express Visas to meet their standard and expedited passport needs.The requirements for eligibility reported to enter into the pilot passport card program are below:

Must be 16 years of age of older
Valid, 10 year U.S. passport book
At least 12 months of validity remaining on your passport book before expiration
U.S. or Canadian mailing address
E-mail address

There are some other measures taken in the process of identity confirmation. The online application will request information such as your social security number, mother’s maiden name, the emergency contact name and full permanent address on your most recent previous passport application. Also, the online application is secure with encryption technology and e-signature is required.

If the new program is successful, the greatest benefits will be the saving of what everyone desires when it comes to passports−money and time. There will be the elimination of postage costs for mailing and the application is available 24 hours/7days a week online. The pilot is scheduled for a 90-day trial (January 24 to April 22), after which, it will be analyzed for merit to becoming implemented permanently.

Whether a passport card or standard passport, both are valuable and can help you take advantage of most of the traveling we have come to enjoy. Do you need a passport? Washington Express Visas can help you. Washington Express Visas provides expedited passport processing service with same day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call 1-(202)-393-3030 today!

References: www.travel.state.gov/passport

Top Valentine Day Travel Getaways

lisab — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

The new year 2012 has just begun, and already the most romantic holiday right around the corner. Valentine’s Day is a time when many expressions of love are given through memorable gifts and the reddest of roses. However, many individuals desire to go beyond the normal patterns of giving gifts and do some traveling. There is nothing comparable to a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. If you are looking to surprise your spouse or loved one with a getaway for Valentine’s Day, there are some great places to go and see.

One place to travel on Valentine’s Day is Arizona. The state is turning 100 years old on February 14th and there are bound to be celebrations for this momentus occasion. The state is full of attractions, not to mention it’s sunny weather. If you are seeking to travel somewhere warm and stay in the United States, Arizona is the place. Another destination to visit would be Churchill, Manitoba. This year will be the most scenic time for visibility for the Northern Lights in 50 years! It will be a wonderful experience. Mexico, Bermuda, and Colombia are also great getaways for their beautiful beaches and low cost of travel. Last but not least, Paris is the city of love and known all over the world for its’ romantic appeal. With Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday, it’s a perfect travel time to catch some amazing mid-week deals and opportunities to save money.

Enjoying a getaway a great way to make this year a Valentine’s Day to remember. While you are making your plans and deciding on your destination, do not forget to become informed of any visa and/or passport requirements your destination may have. If you do not have the proper travel documents you need, companies likes Washington Express Visas can help you. Washington Express Visas specializes in expedited Visa Services and Passport Processing and Document Authentication.

Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver visa applications, passports, document legalization and translations to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at 1-877-675-5571 today!

References: 1.19.12, www.washingtonpost.com, Robert Reid, A Love Surprise: Perfect Valentine’s Day Getaways You Hadn’t Thought Of

New 2012 Visa Requirements For Tourism In Turkey

washingtonexp — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:43 +0000

Turkey has released there will be new visa requirements for tourists in 2012. Beginning in February, visitors will only be able to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. This will also affect traveling of extended cruisers who will have to exit the country now, opposed to simply renewing in Rhodes. The change appears to be coming right before the main tourist season hits next year.The visa change is definitely informative, considering Turkey takes violating visa regulations very seriously. A violator can be fined upon departure, and the fine amount may be determined the be length of time overstayed. An individual can even be banned from re-entering Turkey if they overstay and are fined. Also if this occurs, a tourist will have to apply for their next visa at the Turkey Embassy or Consulate overseas.

Turkey is one of the highest traveled countries in the world today. Over 23 million people visit Turkey every year. The country is traveled by many for its’ diverse history, culture, and yachting, which is a favorite due to 5200 mile coastline. If you are considering traveling there and need a visa, Washington Express Visas expedited visa and passport services can assist you in obtaining the most current visa needs.

Our professional visa and passport services staff will have one of our specially trained visa agents take your visa and passport processing documents to the appropriate Embassy or agency and get your documents processed properly for less than traditional visa and passport processing services charge. Call us at 877-675-5571 today!

12.7.11, www.noonsite.com; Sue, New Turkish Visa Rules – starting February 2012 – Updated

Traveler Successfully Uses iPad Instead Of Actual Passport

washingtonexp — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:22:04 +0000

MSNBC recently reported a man successfully uses his iPad to cross the border into the United States. Canadian traveler Martin Reisch was thirty minutes to border crossing, realizing he had left his actual passport at home. He decided to make an attempt of displaying to the U.S. Border officer a scanned copy of his passport from his iPad. “I thought I’d at least give it a try,” Reisch said. “He took the iPad into the little border hut. He was in there a good five, six minutes. It seemed like an eternity. When he came back he took a good long pause before wishing me a Merry Christmas.” He also used it tocross the border back home that same day.
There are other stated facts about the incident by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that aided to Mr. Reisch success. No one can cross the U.S. border with merely a scanned image alone. “In this case, the individual had both a driver’s license and birth certificate, which the CBP officer used to determine identity and citizenship in order to admit the traveler into the country,” said spokeswoman for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Jenny Burke. Canada ended the driver’s license only policy to cross the border in 2009.

Scanned passports are not anything unknown for several countries, especially Canada. Scanned passports have been the basis of creating the highly anticipated e-passports. In fact, Passport Canada, the agency that is responsible for canadian passports, is set to introduce e-passports by the end of 2012. Special diplomat pilot e-passport projects already exist and currently there are no difficulties reported.

Indeed, e-passports may be the way of the future. Until then, passports are still needed and there are companies like Washington Express Visas that can meet your needs. We are the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas has 29 years of experience and is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service. Call (202) 393-3030 and let us help you today!

1.4.12, Msnbc.com staff and news service reports-updated, Canadian man uses iPad to enter US; 9.15.11,, Future Travel Experience, Canada set for 2012 ePassport rollout

Top Places For Holiday Travel, Don’t Forget Your Passport

lisab — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:25:10 +0000

The holiday season is consistently the most traveled time during the year. People are traveling to visit loved ones, some of which they haven’t seen since last Christmas. At the same time, this is a great time for many to end their year doing something else we all enjoy– taking a vacation. If you are going on a vacation in December, there are three places that are considered as the top places for holiday travel.

Costa Rica is always a favorite to travel to at the end of the year. The country was named by CNN as the #1 holiday value destination in 2010. The average temperature is 72 degrees and there plenty of activities to enjoy. If price is not an issue, the Conde Nast Traveler’s Magazine recommends St. Bart as the best place to travel in December. As one of France’s islands, the 8-mile long island is full of pristine white sand beaches and is known for having great yacht activities. Celebrities adore this tropical travel spot. Lastly, the Travel Channel Orlando is a top place to travel due to it’s combination of sunny weather, famous theme parks, and winter themes created in the city, such as ice sculptures and snow.

With these top places to travel and more, you can be sure to have great vacation. However, if you are going to be traveling outside of your country, don’t forget you may need a passport. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Expedited Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service. Call us at 1-(202) 393-3030 today.

References: www.travelchannel.com/best-places-to-visit-in-december; www.cntraveller.com/recommended/itineraries/top-10-holiday-destinations/december; www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/02/five.to.go.winter.travel/index.html

Visa and Passports for the Holidays

washingtonexp — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:42:44 +0000

Holiday travel is a great time, but can be an awful time if we don’t pack properly. It can be stressful when we’re trying to make our flight and things just seem to make the packing aspect of your holiday experience difficult. There are recommended ways to pack this time of year to help you travel during the holidays with ease.

First of all, take only basic outfits. Coordinate your shoes, stockings, undergarments, and other accessories you are planning to bring. Roll the clothing up as well. Keep traveling with jewelry to a minimum. Put your socks inside your shoes. Store items such as jewelry, medications, and toiletries in pouches or ziplock bags between your clothing. This makes for space maximization and easy accessibility. If you are taking a short trip, decide you are going to take your dirty laundry home and pack a large plastic bag.

A great way to pack is to get everything you are traveling with into one soft side bag. One that is roughly 9″ + 14″ + 22″ = 45″ total. This size can fit under the airline seat in front of you. It will give you a sigh of relief if any delays or unexpected flight transfer occur due to the holiday travel volume, and all you have carry is one bag to make it to your connecting flight.

Most importantly, if you are traveling outside the country, don’t forgot your passport. Your holiday travel will come to a scretching halt if you leave your passport on the nightstand at home. If you need a passport, companies like Washington Express Visas can assist you. Their expertise in expediting passport and visa services can help meet your immediate travel needs and still enjoy your holidays.

H1-B Work Visas Still Available

washingtonexp — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:19:30 +0000

Recent reports is that H1-B Work Visas are still available in the United States. There is a cap of 49,200 work visas that can be filed each year. The number of filings have steadily increased per month, with last month numbers at 19,100. Currently, the cap is not close to being met with 15,900 visas still not filed in 2011.

The H1-B visa is the most commonly used work visa for newly hired professionals. Most notably in professions such as engineering, IT, scientists, and business. The US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) caps all entries for this visa on April 1st of each year. They continue until that cap is reached. There is no cut-off date or deadlines for filing, it is just the issue of what year your filing with be grouped with. Therefore, if a worker files after April 1st, their H1-B Visa will be grouped with the 2012 cap.

Below is a list from the US Citizen and Immigration Services that shows a history of our yearly available H1-B Visas and when they were capped.

Year:	H1B Cap Numbers	Date H1B Cap Reached
2003	65,000	October 1, 2003
2004	65,000	October 1, 2004
2005	85,000	August 10, 2005
2006	85,000	May 26, 2006
2007	85,000	April 3, 2007
2008	85,000	April 7, 2008
2009	85,000	December 21, 2009
2010	85,000	January 26, 2011
2011	85,000	Present – Currently Open

This year’s openings could possibly be due to less interest in working in the United States with recent employment challenges. Inspite of its’ challenges, The United States is still a viable competitor in the global market and the uncapped filings show there’s opportunity to work in America. Expedited visas service companies are a good resource that have the expertise and up-to-date visa knowledge to make your visa process easy. Companies, such as Washington Express Visas, can assist you receive your H1-B work visa in an expedited manner.

England Has New Student Visa Policy

washingtonexp — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:12:06 +0000

This year the British government has enacted a new student visa policy. The new policy is expected to decrease foreign student immigration by 25%. Per the home secretary, Theresa May, two of the goals of the new policy is to control immigration and protect legitimate students from poor-quality colleges. Universities did campaign against the new government policy.

Under the new student visa policy rules, a student visa will be limited to five years for study toward a bachelor’s degree or beyond. The new policy has created a no limit timeframe for students seeking a degree. There was a three-year limit on students’ study in nondegree courses, which will not change. Also, foreign students are restricted from bringing family members to Britain with them. Britain will only allow graduate students enrolled at universities and government-sponsored students to admit family members into the country with them.

Students entering Britain for degree-level courses will have to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in English and can be refused if they cannot speak English without an interpreter. Also, the Post-Study Work Route gives students two years to remain in Britain and seek jobs after their programs end. This has been eliminated. Only university and public “further education” college students will retain the right to work while pursuing their studies, but all other students will be prohibited from seeking employment. Only graduates with an offer of a skilled job from a sponsoring employer will be allowed to remain in Britain to work once they have finished their studies.

Washington Express can meet your student visa needs. Washington Express Visas specializes in Visa Processing and Authentication. Our expedited service provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver your visa applications for processing and authentication to every Embassy in the Washington, DC area. Call us at 1-202-393-3030 and let Washington Express help with your visa today.

References: http://chronicle.com/section/Home/5