Home / How much is a child’s passport?

How much is a child’s passport?

What do you think a passport would cost for your child? Adults usually get travel documents valid for ten years; a renewal for a passport book costs $110, while a passport card is only $30. While you might assume a passport book or card for a child would be significantly less, there are certain fees and other considerations.

According to the US Department of State, what is a child? Anyone under the age of 16 only qualifies to receive a passport book or card valid for five years. Because children are typically under the care of one or two legal guardians, getting a passport application processed for the first time can mean bringing in a slew of documents from both parent and child.

 

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How much is a child’s passport, start to finish

A child’s first-time passport or a renewal is $80. However, all applications must usually be made in person, which requires a $35 Execution Fee from the regional passport office. In addition, all applicants are required to bring in a recent passport-size photo to be submitted with proof of citizenship.

What other costs are there for a child’s passport application?

If the child has two parents, both must authorize the US Department of State to issue the child’s passport by having all three appear in person at a regional passport office for both first-time applications and renewals. However, if only one is able to do so, they will have to fill out Form DS-3053 and get it notarized (additional fee) prior to their appointment at a regional passport agency.

If neither parent is available to appear under certain circumstances – not including imprisonment, mental incompetence, etc. – DS-3053 may also be used. Both parents must fill out the form in front of a notary public with their IDs and authorize a passport agency like Travel Visa Pro to apply on behalf of their child. If one parent is unable to sign this form due to being out of the country or otherwise unavailable, proof of his or her absence must be provided along with the other forms.

How much does it cost to expedite a child’s passport?

The aforementioned conditions apply to all children’s passport applications, meaning an $80 processing fee, $35 execution fee, cost of passport photos, cost of a notary, if applicable, and the cost of expediting the application. The standard processing fee for children’s passports can’t be used for mail-in applications, but anyone applying in person has the option of adding $60 to their total for expedited service: a few days’ processing time.

Application process for child’s passports

Unlike with adult passports, which are valid for ten years and require less paperwork for a renewal, child first-time passport applications essentially require the same number of forms, photos, and documents for renewals as they do the first time. Both parents need to be present with the child at a regional passport agency or fill out Form DS-3053 with a notary.

From start to finish: gather your child’s proof of US citizenship (usually a birth certificate); take a passport photo; bring in a check or money order to cover the fees; if both parents are unable to appear in person, contact the nearest Travel Visa Pro. The travel experts there will help you prepare Form DS-3053 along with application Form DS-11 to get your child her first passport.

In addition to this, proof of the relationship with the parents, and the parents’ original photo IDs must be provided. Photos of the child showing a clear age progression are necessary for renewals. After the age of 16, children can apply for a passport themselves using Form DS-11.

If you have any concerns about the costs or application process for your child’s passport, don’t leave things to chance. Visit the nearest Travel Visa Pro to consult with the experts and see which option is best for you and your child.

Do you have any questions about the costs of children’s passports? Let us know in the comments.

Home / Can you get back from Mexico without a passport?

Can you get back from Mexico without a passport?

One of the most common reasons US citizens need a passport in a hurry is a replacement; someone needs to travel internationally (or from a state whose IDs aren’t yet compliant with the Real ID Act) and noticed their passport was expired, prompting a mad dash to the nearest regional passport agency. Fortunately, there are certain ways US citizens can travel internationally without carrying a passport book or card.

America’s neighbors, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands, do not necessarily require one to carry a passport book or card. If you’re planning on traveling by land or sea, usually a passport card will suffice, though it’s recommended to have a book in the event of an emergency flight. For some closed-loop cruises, i.e. originating in and returning to the US on the same trip, a state-issued driver’s license can be enough.

 

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Can you enter Mexico without a passport?

The short answer is yes. While it’s always a good idea to have an up to date passport book with at least six months’ validity and some blank pages when you travel, crossing the border into Mexico isn’t the headache that some countries requiring air travel and an expensive visa are.

As stated, a passport card is sufficient to enter Mexico by land through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California. A passport book is required for any entry by air. However, certain coastal areas including Cozumel are popular spots for cruise ships to dock, and US citizens may legally enter Mexico as part of a scheduled closed-loop trip without a passport. If you are planning on a cruise that does not both originate and end in US territory, then a passport card is needed to visit Mexico.

Can you leave Mexico without a passport?

The short answer is no. The only time you are allowed to leave Mexico without a passport book or card is on a closed-loop cruise. All airlines require that you have a passport book present to be inspected at check-in, immigration, and possibly at the gate. All land border crossings require a passport card or book on both the Mexican side and US side.

Can you return to the US without a passport?

This is actually a very common question among those prone to losing items during their travels, and raises the issue of the value of US citizenship. That is, if you’re a US citizen and you lose your passport abroad, you should still be allowed to return to the US, since it’s your country, right?

Technically, yes. Any US citizen can present themselves at a US border crossing without a passport and should be granted entry (after thorough checks and questioning). However, this rarely happens because in order to get to a US immigration checkpoint, one must pass through the exit point of a foreign nation; you may be able to enter the US without a passport, but you can’t pass through the Mexican side of the border, nor will you be allowed to board a flight. The main “beneficiaries” of this arrangement are Americans who lose their passports in airports or forget them on airplanes and are deported.

If I lose my passport in Mexico, what can I do?

Generally, the best option if you find your passport has been lost or stolen abroad is to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. Fortunately, as Mexico is a close neighbor, there are a number of consulates scattered across the country in addition to the embassy in Mexico City.

Visiting an embassy or consulate will allow you to report your old passport lost or stolen (bring a police report if you know your documents have been stolen), and be issued a replacement. Standard passport book replacements can take a few weeks in some cases to be processed, as they are usually intended for US citizens living in the country.

However, visitors just looking for paperwork to get them home or finish their trip can be issued a limited-validity passport (aka “emergency passport”). These are generally only used to return to the US in an emergency, but may also be accepted at other immigration checkpoints.

Do you have any questions about traveling to Mexico without a passport?

Home / Where is my passport?

Where is my passport?

The most important document for your travels at home and abroad isn’t your state-issued driver’s license or even a birth certificate – no photo on that, anyway; it’s your passport book or card, the only form of identification recognized outside the US for entry to embassies and consulates, checking into hotels, flying domestically when your DL isn’t up to date with the Real ID Act, and, of course, for passing through immigration in any country where US citizens are allowed to travel. That’s all well and good, but have you misplaced your passport, or forgotten some of your hiding places? Here are some tips for keeping your passport safe at home and on the go.

 

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Your US passport should be with you at all times

Some countries like Japan require that all international visitors keep their ID on them at all times, or risk fines and imprisonment. While Japan may not be an area in which travelers are particularly concerned with pickpocketing and safety, this may be an issue in others. Do you have a waterproof security belt to hold your passport, or a passport case with an RFID blocker? Keeping your passport physically and electronically safe is a must for every traveler.

When you’re abroad

Though you may not always feel comfortable carrying your passport with you at all times when you’re out and about in a foreign country – due to weather, security, or otherwise – what can you do about keeping it safe at your hotel or rental?

The good news is most hotels in the mid to upper range carry in-room safes for this purpose, accessible only by a security code you provide. In addition, the front desk may be authorized to store your passport book or card (as well as other valuables) in the main safe.

When you’re abroad

What about a hiding place, or concerns about housekeepers with sticky fingers and thieves? Nothing is 100% concern in any country, but ensuring your hotel room door is locked and your passport kept out of plain view can reduce the chances anyone will walk away with it.

Storing your passport at home

Your home should be your refuge, and you can hope that anything within its walls will be kept safe for as long as you live there. Even if this is the case, some places are better than others for storing a passport.

Because your US passport book contains sensitive electronics, keeping it in a room with fluctuating humidity and temperature like the kitchen or garage isn’t advisable. Rather, choose a place that’s cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight: the top of a closet, inside a waterproof and fireproof safe, a desk drawer you rarely open.

Still can’t find your passport?

Keep looking. Check the outer pockets of the rollaway luggage or bags you used on your last trip. You might need to replace your passport soon anyway, but that’s no reason to let a perfectly good document go to waste.

However, if it turns out you have lost your passport or suspect it may have been stolen, there is a procedure to follow. Call the US Department of State at (877) 487-2778 or submit a Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Book and/or Card (https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds64.pdf). Once you do either of these and happen to find your old passport, it can no longer be used.

Second, drop on by or call your nearest Travel Visa Pro for assistance in expediting a replacement passport. Not only can TVP reissue passports in as little as eight hours in some cases, but we can do everything you need on site: taking a passport photo, fill out your application, and consult with you regarding the paperwork you need and the timeline for your next international trip.

Where do you store your passport? Have you checked on it lately?

Home / Passport Application Locations

Passport Application Locations

There are many locations across the United States and abroad to send in your passport application. While travelers who are renewing passports may do so by mail to the nearest US embassy or directly to the US Department of State in Washington DC, those applying for the first time need to do so in person at a regional passport office if not using a third-party agency.

Some travelers may be within driving distance of these offices, but this isn’t a guarantee of service. Depending on the time of year, your regional passport office may be backlogged with passport applications or closed due to unforeseen circumstances; not too long ago the Miami was closed due to weather damage, as was Houston’s. When that isn’t the case, applicants must still take the time to set up an appointment online or over the phone and remember to bring in their passport, a check or money order for the fees, and proof of immediate travel.

 

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Passport Application Locations in the United States

There are 24 regional passport offices in the United States capable of handling applications for child’s passports, adult passports, and renewals in addition to the main office in Washington DC and the San Juan Passport Agency in Puerto Rico. Residents of any state can use their services for a passport application even if the office isn’t in their home state; for example, someone residing in South Carolina can travel to the Atlanta office.

1. Arkansas Passport Center – Hot Springs, AR
2. Atlanta Passport Agency – Atlanta, GA
3. Boston Passport Agency – Boston, MA
4. Buffalo Passport Agency – Buffalo, NY
5. Chicago Passport Agency – Chicago, IL
6. Colorado Passport Agency – Aurora, CO
7. Connecticut Passport Agency – Stamford, CT
8. Dallas Passport Agency – Dallas, TX
9. Detroit Passport Agency – Detroit, MI
10. El Paso Passport Agency – El Paso, TX
11. Honolulu Passport Agency – Honolulu, HI
12. Houston Passport Agency – Houston, TX
13. Los Angeles Passport Agency – Los Angeles, CA
14. Miami Passport Agency – Miami, FL
15. Minneapolis Passport Agency – Minneapolis, MN
16. National Passport Center – Portsmouth, NH
17. New Orleans Passport Center – New Orleans, LA
18. New York Passport Agency – New York, NY
19. Philadelphia Passport Agency – Philadelphia, PA
20. San Diego Passport Agency – San Diego, CA
21. San Francisco Passport Agency – San Francisco, CA
22. Seattle Passport Agency – Seattle, WA
23. Vermont Passport Agency – St. Albans, VT
24. Western Passport Center – Tucson, AZ

Services at Passport Application Locations

The main reason travelers choose to visit one of these locations may be out of necessity. Children’s passport applications and renewals can only be processed in person at one of these locations, as can adult first-time passport applications. Even so, there is a $35 execution fee on top of the application fee for the “convenience” of the location.

Services at Passport Application Locations

Another reason may be time. It’s possible to get a passport renewal within a few business days through one of these locations if you’re exceptionally lucky; you would have to set up an appointment with the passport renewal office the day prior – more than likely, earlier than that – and request an expedited passport application on arrival. However, depending on the backlog at the office, the agent will estimate the processing time and if they can accept expedited processing. In other words, you’ll find out what you can get on arrival, but if you can’t, it may be too late to make other arrangements.

For this reason, Travel Visa Pro offers same-day passport service in nine cities across the US, and can process first-time and child’s passport applications without the need for you to appear in person. Rather than leaving things up to chance with the government, TVP’s trained travel staff can guarantee an 8-hour return on passport applications with a morning appointment. Even if you’re not based in one of the cities with Travel Visa Pro offices, we still offer expedited services for those traveling within 1-2 business days and needing a replacement passport immediately through our numerous pick up and drop off locations.

Home / Passport Acceptance Facility Near Me

Passport Acceptance Facility Near Me

If you’re applying for a passport for the first time or seeking expedited processing, you’ll generally need to do so in person through an official regional passport agency run by the US Department of State or a trusted company like Travel Visa Pro. Luckily, there are many of both types of locations in major cities across the country.

While travelers may be within driving distance of a regional passport agency, this isn’t a guarantee you’ll be able to get your passport on time. Any regional passport office may be backlogged with passport applications or closed due to unforeseen circumstances. Applicants must take the time to set up an appointment online and remember to bring in their passport, payment, and proof of immediate travel in addition to all required paperwork.

 

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Where are passport renewal offices in the US?

As of this writing, there are 24 regional passport offices in the United States capable of handling first-time passport applications, expedited renewals, and passports for children (both first-time documents and renewals require in-person applications). The main offices of the Department of State at the Washington Passport Agency in Washington DC and one at the San Juan Passport Agency in Puerto Rico are also available to US citizens.

  1. Arkansas Passport Center – Hot Springs, AR
  2. Atlanta Passport Agency – Atlanta, GA
  3. Boston Passport Agency – Boston, MA
  4. Buffalo Passport Agency – Buffalo, NY
  5. Chicago Passport Agency – Chicago, IL
  6. Colorado Passport Agency – Aurora, CO
  7. Connecticut Passport Agency – Stamford, CT
  8. Dallas Passport Agency – Dallas, TX
  9. Detroit Passport Agency – Detroit, MI
  10. El Paso Passport Agency – El Paso, TX
  11. Honolulu Passport Agency – Honolulu, HI
  12. Houston Passport Agency – Houston, TX
  13. Los Angeles Passport Agency – Los Angeles, CA
  14. Miami Passport Agency – Miami, FL
  15. Minneapolis Passport Agency – Minneapolis, MN
  16. National Passport Center – Portsmouth, NH
  17. New Orleans Passport Center – New Orleans, LA
  18. New York Passport Agency – New York, NY
  19. Philadelphia Passport Agency – Philadelphia, PA
  20. San Diego Passport Agency – San Diego, CA
  21. San Francisco Passport Agency – San Francisco, CA
  22. Seattle Passport Agency – Seattle, WA
  23. Vermont Passport Agency – St. Albans, VT
  24. Western Passport Center – Tucson, AZ

Where are Travel Visa Pro offices in the US?

Travel Visa Pro operates staffed offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and Philadelphia in addition to two locations in Ottawa and London. Though these staffed offices can handle any passport or visa inquiries you may have, pick up and drop off locations are also available in most major and minor cities across the country. See the full list here (https://www.travelvisapro.com/contacts).

Where are Travel Visa Pro offices in the US

What services are available at passport acceptance facilities?

Regional passport agencies like the 24 mentioned above are open for US citizens seeking first-time passports, renewals on existing passports, expedited processing, and passports for children. Though it is possible to get a passport application or renewal returned within the same business day if you’re lucky – you would have to set up an appointment with the passport renewal office the day prior, pay for expedited processing, and hope they could accommodate you – realistically, an appointment with a staffed TVP office can guarantee processing of your passport in as little as eight hours.

Saving travelers a commute to a regional passport agency is the reason Travel Visa Pro offers passport services in nine cities across the US in addition to the dozens of pick up and drop off locations. Rather than leaving things up to chance with the government, our trained travel staff can guarantee an 8-hour return on passport renewals and first-time applications. Even if you’re not based in one of these cities and so unable to appear in person, we still offer expedited services for those traveling within 1-2 business days and needing a replacement passport immediately.

How close are you to the nearest passport acceptance facility?

Home / Japan Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Japan Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Americans visiting Japan for the first or even the 27th time may find a few surprises waiting for them at immigration. Like the US, Japan requires all foreign visitors to scan in their fingerprints and stand for a photograph. However, the requirements for a tourist visa to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto are reasonable and affordable.

 

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Do I need to apply for a visa to Japan in advance?

The only time US citizens need to apply for a Japanese visa in advance of their visit at a consulate or embassy is if they intend to work in the country or do business. The visa requirements vary depending on the type of work, but applicants commonly send their university degree, licenses or certifications, resume, photos, passport copies, and an application directly to their Japanese employer months in advance, who will submit it locally to immigration and receive a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

This CoE will be returned to you in the US, where you will present it in person along with a fee, visa application, photo, and passport valid for at least six months to a Japanese consulate or embassy. A passport and visa agency like Travel Visa Pro can do this on your behalf if you don’t live close to one or are unable to visit during normal business hours. In addition, because many work visas in Japan are issued for only one year, it’s a good idea to renew your passport prior to applying for a CoE and visa – a passport renewal at a US embassy or consulate in Japan is certainly possible, but will also require a second trip to an immigration office to transfer your old visa to the new passport. Travel Visa Pro staff can discuss the best options with you to determine if you should renew your passport prior to leaving the US.

What about Japanese visas on arrival?

US citizens qualify for a tourist visa on arrival in Japan for up to 90 days. There is no fee. The only requirements are to provide a passport valid for the duration of your stay and proof of departure, but the latter is not always checked.

What about Japanese visas on arrival

Using your US passport in Japan

While it should come as no surprise you will need to present your passport as identification at hotels or while using the Japan Rail Pass, there are some local laws of which US citizens should be aware. Though not always enforced, everyone in Japan who is not a Japanese citizen is required to have identification on them at all times. This means a valid passport for tourists and a zairyu card for residents.

Police in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are fairly understanding when it comes to foreign tourists not having their passports at all times, but they do have the authority to detain and arrest them for doing so… runners in the Tokyo Marathon take note.

What if I want to stay in Tokyo longer than three months?

Assuming you’re doing so on a tourist visa, many visitors choose to make a visa run by spending a day or two in China or South Korea before returning to Japan. Both countries are accessible by land or sea, and allow US citizens to come to Japan on a “fresh” three-month visa.

In recent years, Japanese immigration has been cracking down on this practice to prevent those working illegally from returning. However, unless your passport shows a clear pattern of visa runs, you should be able to extend your stay in Japan.

What can I do once I’m in Japan?

You name it. Anthony Bourdain declared Tokyo as his favorite city. Temples and shrines are abundant. Robots dance among the bright lights of Shinjuku. Hot springs provide relief after a long travel day. Don’t forget about the cherry blossoms – April is the busiest time to visit.

Are you planning a trip to Japan? What are your plans?

Home / Vaccinations Information For Traveling To Brazil

Vaccinations Information For Traveling To Brazil

When traveling to a new country, it is absolutely crucial that you be sure to chat with your primary care physician about getting the necessary vaccinations before takeoff. In some countries, certain vaccinations are absolutely crucial and you could be taking a serious risk if you ignore the recommended doses. In Brazil, it is highly recommended that you get a number of different vaccines as a means of protecting yourself and your loved ones during your stay. You should always do research when traveling anywhere, even when it’s somewhere you’ve been before. Certain risks can pop up or increase over time, and it’s vitally important to be an informed traveler! Some viruses cannot be prevented by vaccines, however. Keep in mind that pregnant women should never travel to Brazil due to severe risks, and those planning or those at risk of pregnancy should be mindful of their timing when scheduling trips to Brazil. Zika is a virus that travelers risk catching during their stay, and it can cause extremely serious birth defects.

 

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Planning to visit Brazil? Then you will need a visa to Brazil!

 

Routine vaccinations should always be up-to-date, so be sure to check with your doctor before asking about any other recommended vaccines. Routine vaccinations include the measles-mumps-rubella shot (MMR), annual flu shot, chickenpox vaccine (varicella), polio vaccine, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine. If these vaccinations are up-to-date, you’ll want to start asking about the other recommended doses.

Most travelers are going to want to receive their Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. Both Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be spread through contaminated food and beverages, and you never know when you could be consuming something toxic. This is especially important if you’re an adventurous eater or will be staying in smaller, more rural parts of Brazil.

It’s also recommended to some travelers that they receive vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Rabies, Malaria, and Yellow Fever. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact as well as contaminated needles or blood products. This means getting any body modifications, having medical procedures done, or having sex with a new partner during your trip can put you at risk. Rabies, while not a major risk to most explorers, can be found in Brazilian mammals, including domestic pets like cats and dogs. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or work with animals in any way, a Rabies vaccine is recommended. It’s also recommended that you have your children get vaccinated, as they’re more likely to play with animals. Malaria, while not spread by land animals, is spread by mosquitoes, and you should always do your best to avoid getting bug bites. Prescription medication might be wise to take before, during, and after your trip to prevent infection – especially if you plan to sleep outside or spend a lot of time outdoors. As for Yellow Fever, it is highly recommended that any travelers over nine months of age receive a vaccination, as the disease is a large risk in some parts of Brazil.

Ideally, you should pay a visit to your doctor to receive these vaccinations four to six weeks before leaving for your trip. You should also be sure to collect any medications you might be needing and make sure you have enough for the duration of your stay. In addition to taking these precautions, you should be mindful of the food and drinks you consume during your trip, avoid getting close to animals, avoid sharing bodily fluids, keep your exposure to germs to a minimum, take antimalarial medications, avoid any cosmetic or surgical equipment that isn’t sterile, and prevent bug bites as best you can. Your behaviors are a huge part of whether or not you have a greater risk of infection, so be aware of your behaviors throughout your time in Brazil to keep yourself as healthy as possible.

When consuming food and beverages, be mindful of how well certain foods are cooked and whether or not your drinks were sealed tight. Food should always be served hot and cooked thoroughly. If you’re going to consume fruits and veggies, you’ll want to wash and peel them yourself – don’t consume them unwashed or unpeeled. Pasteurized dairy products should also be okay to consume, but not unpasteurized. It’s unwise to trust street vendors. Avoid eating any raw, soft, and undercooked eggs, fish, and meat – especially wild game, or “bushmeat.” As far as drinks go, water should always be sealed and/or disinfected – never drink tap or well water or drinks made with tap or well water. Make sure ice cubes have been made with disinfected or sealed bottled water. Carbonated drinks, hot coffee and tea, carbonated drinks, and pasteurized milk should be fine.

To avoid infectious encounters with critters, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as hats. Air-conditioned and screened rooms will reduce your risk to mosquito exposure. If your room is exposed to the outside, use a bed net. Use insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing whenever possible, but never directly expose your skin to permethrin. Be sure to check your body and clothes for ticks after spending time outside! If you do find that you’ve been bitten, avoid scratching or picking at your wounds and take advantage of hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion – they’ll reduce the itchiness. If you come across any animals during your trip, do your best to avoid them. Be especially careful not to let them lick any open wounds or get saliva on your face. If you’re traveling with a pet, keep them away from other animals.

It’s extra important to use common sense while traveling. Always wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, and don’t go out when you’re sick. Be sure to take note of any local medical centers in all areas you’ll be staying in so that you have a contact readily available if there’s an emergency. You should carry a card that details your blood type, any chronic conditions, allergies, and prescribed medications. You’ll also want to verify with a Brazilian embassy whether or not your prescription medications are all legal in Brazil.

If you follow these steps and take the appropriate measures, you should have no problem enjoying your exotic trip to one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Have fun, be safe, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

Home / How much does a passport cost at the post office?

How much does a passport cost at the post office?

If you’re getting your US passport for the first time, you may have noticed signs at your neighborhood post office advertising that they accept passport applications, with some even taking passport photos on site. When it comes time to fly, it never pays to leave everything until the last minute. Just as the difference between booking a flight the day prior to departure and a few months before can be significant, so too can putting off applying for your passport, even when there’s a post office around the corner that can accept your application.

If you know you’ll be flying internationally in the near or distant future, taking the time to make sure all your travel documents are in order before stopping by a regional passport center, Travel Visa Pro, or USPS office can be a massive money saver. Here are some of the costs associated with passport applications through the post office.

 

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How much does it cost to apply for a passport?

Passport applications accepted through the post office are no different than those you could do from your home through the mail, save two differences: some locations can take passport photos, and first-time applicants are permitted to apply by mail, provided a USPS employee verify their ID and witness them sign Form DS-11.

Regional passport agencies typically charge a $35 execution fee for first-time passport applicants and those seeking renewals to apply in person. The post office is no different, but they refer to this as a “post office acceptance fee”. Two passport-sized photos are available through the post office (at certain locations) for $15.

passport cost

As for applications themselves and fees to the US Department of State, the fees are the same whether you apply on your own or through the post office: $110 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card. Expediting any application costs $60 extra, but USPS locations offer overnight delivery (NOT 24-hour processing time, but from the time the US State Department returns an application) for $15.89.

What if I need my passport earlier than that?

Although overnight delivery envelopes are available, as is expedited processing, passport applicants submitted through the post office are still going through the mail, one of the slowest ways to receive a new or renewed document. If you’re desperate to have your application processed as fast as a few days, the team of travel experts at Travel Visa Pro can do this with our Emergency Service. This guarantees that if your application is in the hands of one of our travel professionals with an appointment at the beginning of the business day, you will receive a passport renewal or your first-time passport as fast as a few days.

Even if there’s not that much of a rush, entrusting your passport application through the postal service with track numbers does not necessarily speed up the process. What might take 2-3 weeks to process in January can reach 6-7 weeks in June. Travel Visa Pro can process passports at any time of year urgently. You can find the prices of the services here. $299 in three to five business days with our Urgent Passport Service. Rush Passport Service guarantees your application will be processed within 6-10 business days for $199. Standard Passport processing services cost $149 to deliver your book within 10-15 business days, and $99 with TVP’s Budget Passport service for 15-20 days.

Don’t wait until the last minute when it comes time to get a new passport or renew your old one, and be aware that processing any application by mail is bound to take longer than setting up an appointment with a regional passport agency or TVP. When you need passport and visa assistance in a hurry, Travel Visa Pro is ready to help get your documents in order.

Did we answer all your questions about the costs of passports at the post office? Leave any questions in the comments below!

Home / France Visa Requirements for US Citizens

France Visa Requirements for US Citizens

France has been a popular tourist destination for Americans for decades. In the summertime especially, US citizens present their passports at immigration at Charles de Gaulle Airport and explore the history of Paris: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the remains of the Bastille. There’s also something incredibly romantic about the city during the winter. With so many tourists coming over at all times of the year, what are the visa requirements for US citizens visiting France?

 

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France visas on arrival

As a member of the European Area, France is under the Schengen Area for visas; US citizens qualify for a tourist visa on arrival for up to 90 days, and may move freely between the other 22 member states without additional visa stamps. There is no fee. The only requirements are to provide a passport valid for at least three months later than the last allowable date of your stay – i.e. six months from arrival – and proof of departure in some cases.

Do I need to apply for a visa to France in advance?

The only time US citizens need to apply for a French visa in advance of their visit at a consulate or embassy is if they intend to work in the country or do business. There are short-term work permits for France available for those who need to stay 90 days or less. However, long-term work visas are available to US citizens who can present a contract from a French employer. These are sent to the French Ministry of Labour, who sends it to immigration, who then sends it to your nearest France embassy or consulate for processing.

Travel Visa Pro staff can assist you with a French work visa if you’re unable to visit the consulate in person or need to apply for a passport prior to your trip. Simply call one of our offices to discuss the best options for your travels.

Using your US passport in France

While it should come as no surprise you will need to present your passport as identification at hotels in France and while making reservations for train tickets and domestic air travel, please be aware that your passport is the only form of identification recognized outside the US. Although not everyone is comfortable carrying this document with them at all times – especially during hot weather – doing so can be an added sense of security if you need to enter the nearest embassy or speak to the police. If you do happen to lose your passport abroad, contact the closest US embassy or consulate about an emergency replacement.

France Visa Requirements

What if I want to stay in the EU longer than three months?

Technically, US citizens visiting France are only allowed to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means that it is possible to travel to a nearby country outside the Schengen Area –like the Czech Republic – for three months and then return to France, but often this isn’t practical. Most visitors to the EU staying longer than 90 days are advised to get a work visa. Nevertheless, there have been few if any signs immigration around France or the EU has been cracking down on visa runs between Schengen and non-Schengen areas to prevent those working illegally from returning.

What can I do once I’m in France?

Holiday in the south. Visit the Palace of Versailles. Take the Eurostar over to London. France is a common entryway to Europe for US citizens traveling from the East Coast. With no required visa applications in advance and an immigration policy convenient for Americans (as of now), it’s no wonder it draws in the tourists.

Are you planning a trip to France? What are your plans?

Home / Australia visa requirements for US citizens

Australia visa requirements for US citizens

As we enter the hottest month of the year in the northern hemisphere, Australia and everyone else down south is deep in winter. It’s still difficult for many Americans to imagine a Christmas celebration on the beach, but this is just one of the eccentric sights you’ll see traveling to Australia. Others are more noteworthy and grabbing: diving the Great Barrier Reef, surfing the Gold Coast, hiking around Uluru. What are the visa requirements for US citizens visiting Australia?

 

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Visiting Australia as a Tourist

No physical visa stamps are required in a passport book for US citizens visiting Australia. However, all visitors must fill out an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) online prior to entry. The form is relatively easy to navigate, asking that you fill out information from your passport and travel itinerary. As long as your travel plans to Australia are for 90 days or less, any US citizen can use an ETA for 20 AUD.

Working Holiday in Australia

Americans under the age of 31 qualify for a one-time one-year Working Holiday Visa to Australia. As always, applicants must have a passport valid for at least the duration of the visa (preferably over that time), and proof of ongoing travel (though this can be waived if you provide a bank or credit card statement showing you have sufficient funds to purchase a ticket).

Unlike many work visas that require a visit to a consulate in advance of your arrival, WHVs can be obtained online and presented to immigration on arrival in Australia with the proper application form. However, there are a few other requirements, including a 420 AUD fee for the visa and providing evidence you have at least 5000 AUD available in the form of a bank account statement or credit line.

Australia visa requirements

Other Visa Requirements for Australia

There are a variety of visas available to US citizens seeking to travel to Australia: business, education, work, and permanent residency. For most of these in addition to the working holiday visa, Americans are required to undergo a medical examination prior to entry, usually to test for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Getting your US passport ready for Australia

A ten-year passport book valid for at least the duration of your stay in Australia is required for entry and would be appropriate for work, tourist, and business travel. If you’re planning on traveling to Australia but haven’t applied for a passport yet, be sure to locate the nearest Travel Visa Pro in your area. With a morning appointment, our staff can process emergency passport applications in as little as eight hours. Even residents of smaller cities can enjoy TVP services through our numerous pick up and drop off locations. Please give us a call, and we’ll work with you to get you safely to Australia.

Are you ready to travel to Australia? Do you have any questions?