Security

New European entry authorization requirement (ETIAS) pushed back to mid-2025

UPDATED: November 1, 2023, to reflect new implementation date - mid-2025 Europe is one of the top tourist destinations for American travelers in part because of our history and heritage ties, but also because of the ease of travel. There are no complicated and time-consuming visa requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Europe. However, starting sometime in 2025, things will change just a bit. The start date has been pushed back several times. No exact start date has been set but officials have stated it will go into effect in mid-2025. ETIAS - Travel Authorization Requirement ETIAS, the new ......

By |2024-02-02T13:42:10-07:00November 1st, 2023|

Delayed again – European Union will require new travel authorizations beginning in mid-2025

​Update: November 1, 2023 ETIAS REQUIREMENTS STARTS SOMETIME IN mid-2025 Originally the ETIAS system was planned to start on January 1, 2021. It has been delayed several times and now is slated to start sometime in 2024, but once again delayed until mid-2025 - although no specific date has been set yet.   THE EU IS NOT REQUIRING VISAS FOR U.S. CITIZENS There has been a bit of confusion this week over whether the European Union (EU) is imposing a new visa requirement for United States citizens. Currently, U.S. citizens holding a valid US passport can enter Schengen Zone countries ......

By |2024-02-02T13:42:11-07:00November 1st, 2023|

TSA REAL ID deadline pushed back AGAIN to May 2025

You'll be denied boarding on a plane without a REAL ID or a passport Updated: December 6, 2022 ​The federal requirements to have a “Real ID” compliant driver's license in order to board a plane or enter a federal building that requires an ID has been pushed back still again. The new implementation date is May 7, 2025. The implementation date has been pushed back several times. Most recently in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now it has been delayed by Homeland Security due to problems the state's faced in issuing compliant IDs due to the Covid pandemic.  We ......

By |2024-02-02T13:42:12-07:00October 18th, 2023|

FEDEX launches expedited passport service

With passport applications now taking 18 weeks to complete, more travelers are needing to use passport expediters. For an extra fee, expediters can reduce the wait time from 18 weeks to just days, even overnight. FEDEX & RushMyPassport Partnership FEDEX has teamed up with RushMyPassport to offer a new service which is available at over 2,000 FEDEX offices throughout the United States. While the U.S. State Department offers expedited passport service, it's expedited program delivers you passport in 2 - 3 weeks. The new FEDEX service offers five ranges of delivery dates and prices from next day ......

By |2024-02-02T13:35:08-07:00April 2nd, 2023|

Croatia is the first EU country to open to US tourists

New health requirements ​Croatia has become the first member of the European Union (EU) to open its borders to US citizens. Visitors will be required to bring documentation of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of arrival, proof they have a hotel reservation or accommodations and complete a travel registration document prior to arriving. The travel registration form requires visitors to declare their reason for the trip and provide proof they have hotel or other accommodations. Visa not required for US citizens ​Despite being a member of the EU, Croatia is not part of the visa-free Schengen ......

By |2024-02-02T13:37:10-07:00July 15th, 2020|

Passport Office Is months behind. What you should do!

Send in your new or renewal passport application NOW! The U.S. passport office stopped regular operations in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Since that time, the office continues to accept applications and it will cash your check immediately. However, you application just gets added to the backlog of millions of passport applications sitting and waiting to be processed. If you need a new or renewed passport in the next 6 - 8 months, send in your application immediately. Otherwise you'll be further behind the millions of applications already backed up. The office is advising it plans to ......

By |2024-02-02T13:37:14-07:00June 8th, 2020|

U.S. Passport Office still accepting applications with limits

Contrary to several news articles, the U.S. Passport office is still accepting passport applications by mail. Late last month the Passport Office issued a statement which caused a lot of confusion. In-person & expedited applications limited For now, the Passport Office has limited in person applications and expedited applications to those with a "qualified life-or death emergency" or who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours, new applications and renewals can still be mailed in. Plus, many in-person passport application acceptance offices such as libraries, clerks of courthouses, and some post offices are not accepting applications ......

By |2024-02-02T13:37:18-07:00April 13th, 2020|

These passport problems will ruin your vacation

Many travelers mistakenly believe once they have a valid passport they are good to travel the world. They aren't aware of a variety of foreign requirements and assume if there are any the airline, cruise line or a travel agent will notify them. All too many people learn the hard way that it is their responsibility to learn the rules. Here are the TOP FIVE Reasons Your Passport May Be Rejected 1) Your Passport Expires Too Soon Your Passport Expiration Date May Need 90 or 180 Days Beyond Your Return Date This is one of the most confusing and ......

By |2024-02-02T13:37:21-07:00March 1st, 2020|

Passports – apply earlier & wait longer

While the number of passport applicants is at record levels, staff levels at the State Department's Passport Services office has dropped 14% leading to a 50% increase in the amount of time it now takes to obtain a passport. Passports Taking 50% Longer to be Issued Prior to June 2019, it took roughly four to six weeks from the time you submitted your passport application until you received it. Now the State Department is advising applicants that it will take between six to eight weeks to receive your passport. According to the Washington Post, the Trump administration ......

By |2024-02-02T13:38:13-07:00June 19th, 2019|

How to skip long TSA security and Customs & Immigration lines

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve undoubtedly had the near-universal experience of enduring a TSA security line or an immigration line upon re-entry to your home country. ​What if you could bypass these lines for good? Global Entry - Speed through Immigration You may have heard of Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. You fill out a (fairly lengthy) application, pay $100, and if your application passes the initial phase, you’re invited to an in-person interview/screening at a participating airport. If ......

By |2024-02-02T13:38:49-07:00May 2nd, 2019|
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