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Rules for Passports and Middle Names – What to know for Travel Reservations and Security Regulations

Suppose that your passport has your full birth name, but you book a flight (or someone did on your behalf) without using your middle name – is this a problem? Can you just use the first initial instead? Airlines Rules for Exact Matched Names In general, airlines specifically state that you have to book your airline ticket in the exact manner such that it matches your passport exactly or government issued ID. Post 9-11, the Department of Homeland Security developed ‘Secure Flight’, and necessitates passengers or possibly their agents to provide the full details of their name, gender, and date of birth when they book their flight. This makes[…]

Passport Expediting Slots – What they are and how they affect you

Slots are granted by the Department of State at the regional passport office level to companies that register as a hand carry courier at one those offices. There are no application fees but there is a long wait list to be approved. These authorized arrangements allow third party private companies a set number of passport submissions (slots) per day or per week. Most of the regional passport agencies issue less of the same-day slots than of the standard expediting slots. Each of the passport agency offices has a different number of registered passport hand-carry couriers that they work with and each passport agency decides how many and of what[…]

When Does a Child Need a Passport?

Confusion about passport requirements for children is quite a common occurrence, I will try to briefly explain when a child needs a passport and when they don’t. The specifics for obtaining child passports with and without the consent of the other parent, I will save for another time. Regulations and required documentation for travel outside the United States have been constantly reviewed and revised since 2001. Those planning such a trip are well advised to have the most up to date information and should begin the process of securing needed documents as early in the process as possible. In many cases, there are different requirements for adults and children[…]

US Passport Books and US Passport Cards – The Differences

First issued during the late 1700s, passports issued by the United States have become some of the most respected and coveted travel documents. Standardized in the World War II area, US passports constantly undergo changes in design and security to maintain their integrity. US Passport Procedure and UsageRegular passport books are valid for ten years, and can be applied for a numerous passport acceptance agent locations upon presentation of the required documents and payment of a fee. They are good for international air, sea, and ground travel worldwide. While many countries allow US visitors to enter and stay in country for various amounts of time on the strength of[…]

What to do when you lose your passport overseas

Losing your passport can be a terrible and frightening experience for anyone who travels internationally. However, there are American Consulates and Embassies that can help you obtain travel documentation. Following each of the key points below will help you to get your passport replaced, keep your identity intact and make sure that you are not stranded in a foreign country. Contact an American Consulate or Embassy Quickly You cannot discover that your passport is lost/stolen/destroyed and wait to visit the consulate. Contact the closest consulate or embassy ASAP, they will instruct you on what to do next. It will most likely involve paying the consulate or embassy a visit[…]

Interesting Passport Stamps from Around the World

Why don’t more countries use their passport stamps to promote tourism? People like to share their passports with friends and family? In the United States our passports typically last for 10 years (5 years for children, and 1 year for some with questionable paperwork), that means a country’s stamp could potentially be seen for many years after a visitor has been there. This seems like a simple way for tourism boards to brand their country. When friends ask me where I’ve been, I will often whip out the tattered old passport and show them all the stamps! Countries should really embed something in them to associate with their country[…]

Category: Passports