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Posts Tagged ‘obtaining a passport’

Secrets About A U.S. Passport Name Change

February 15th, 2010 No comments

The process required for obtaining a passport has become more complicated and comprehensive than ever before. This has happened in part because of increased border security measures that have been put in place since the attacks of September 11, 2001. These new regulations are making some people hesitant to apply for a passport or for changes to their passport, but something like a passport name change does not have to be daunting.

Passport name changes and other minor changes can be quite simply made by just filing out the proper forms and, in some cases, paying a small fee. The majority of changes that are made to passports do not require a fee. Passports and changes to passports can be quite inexpensive because generally a fee is only needed for certain changes and expedited service.

One of the most common changes that people have to make to their passport is when it is sent out or printed with the wrong information due to a printing error. This is a simple change that can be made at any time during the valid years of the passport. This is a change that requires no fee be paid and it requires only the DS-5504 form. This form can be picked up at a post office or printed from the website. It can also be returned via mail or turned into a postal employee at the post office.

It is also quite common for people to need a U.S. passport name change for reasons other than printing mistakes. Often an individual will get married or undergo a divorce after the passport is issued and for this reason they will need a name change. This is normally a free service, but for expedited processing a fee of $60 will be added. The DS-5504 form should be used to apply for this change if less than one year has passed since the passport was issued. It is simple to print this form from the passport website or to simply grab one when you next visit the post office.

If it has been more than one year since your passport was issued and you need a name change, there will be a small fee for the service. Expedited service will add $60 to this fee. The DS-82 form will be required for this sort of passport name change. You can fill this form out at the post office and pay the fees there or you can fill out the form and mail it with the fee included.

If additional Visa pages are needed to be added to your passport there is no fee and this change can be made anytime as long as your passport is valid. This is a free change in general, but if this change must be made fast the $60 expedited fee will be added. It does not matter how much time has passed since the passport was issued, but the passport must still be valid.

It costs about $120 to apply for and have a passport issued today. A passport can be processes quickly if the $60 fee for expedited service is paid. Another $60 may be added if the applicant cannot prove citizenship and the government must verify citizenship. These are relatively small fees, but they can add up if many unique services are needed.

Most changes to pass ports are free of charge and can also be processed quickly if needed for a small fee. Although it has become a bit more complicated to acquire a U.S. passport name change, it is still relatively easy to make changes to one.

Cruise Ship Vacation: Preparing for Your Voyage

May 5th, 2009 No comments

Travel arrangements should not be delayed until a week before you go, but instead, you should start preparing as soon as you book and the type of cruise you’re taking is vital to preparation. A lot of cruise ships go over international waters and in addition to that there are many that stop at international ports. Before you can board, you may have to show proper identification and with international cruises, this identification often includes a passport, as well as a driver’s license.

Unfortunately, when it comes to obtaining a passport, that some people wait for the last minute and even though last minute passports can actually be arranged during an emergency but usually it takes a week. You won’t just be given a passport, but instead you need to apply for one and though most that apply for one are given one it’s still wise to think ahead. That way if you made an error on the submission you made you’ll have time to fix the problem before your ship sails.

The passport and license aren’t the only documentation that you should board with. If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you are encouraged to take your health insurance cards. In the event you fall ill on your vacation the insurance cards will help you get the necessary treatment.

In addition to insurance cards it is advised that you take along all of your needed medications, actually, you should think about taking extra medication with you. A number of physicians will write extra prescriptions for their patients that are about to travel on a cruise liner so if medication comes up missing the extra prescriptions can be used until you return home. When requesting additional medication from your physician you should also ask questions about the safety precautions you should take on a ship.

To make sure you can pay for the various onboard and activities on port you will need to take along extra money. Taking a vacation on a cruise ship is just like vacationing anywhere else so you’re advised to avoid carrying a lot of cash. If you absolutely must take cash you are encouraged to split your money and place it in safe locations although almost all cruise ships as well as the popular ports take credit cards cashiers checks, money orders, or traveler’s checks which are good alternatives to carrying cash.

When traveling on a ship you are advised to give a copy of the ship’s itinerary to your friends and family members because that will make it easier for you to be contacted in case of emergency. When you register you may also be required to give the contact information for someone who can be reached in an emergency. Your first instinct might be to give contact information for your spouse children, or a close friend however, if you do that, you should ensure that they’re on dry land and easily accessible.

When you’ve made the preparations mentioned you can begin focusing on alternate preparations like packing your luggage however, take care when packing you should keep the climate of your cruise in mind. Additionally you should be prepared for surprise weather and making the proper preparations to make sure it will be be a fantastic vacation.

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