With recent tragic global events I feel I need to be prepared when it comes to international business travel but I can’t be fearful. Life has to continue and I feel I can’t let fear get in my way. I travel a great deal and I have learned to be alert, prepared and conscious of my surroundings. The best advice I can give anyone that doesn’t travel as much is to be prepared and know the area you are visiting.

In reference to visa & passport preparedness these are some of my suggestions & tips.

Passport checklist:

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  • Passport pages are not issued any longer by the US Department of State thus a US passport must be renewed.
  • Photos for passports must have a white background.
  • If taking a photo with glasses for a passport there cannot be a glare.
  • Minors under 16 cannot renew a passport a new issue has to be issued.
  • Passport for minors under 16 years of age are only valid for five years.
  • Second US passport valid for four year issued by the US State department for use when multiple travel dates require it or if the traveler has an Israeli stamp in their passport and traveling to countries that will not recognize that stamp.
  • The original 10 year passport must be submitted to obtain the 2nd US passport.
  • To change a name on a US passport the original legal documents such as the marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal court issued name change must be submitted.
  • Every passport application goes through security so if the applicant owes back taxes or child support the passport application can be denied until the amount is paid.
  • If the applicant has a felony conviction the passport application can be denied.
  • Most countries require six months validity on a US passport after the completion of their trip in that country.
  • Travelers should carry a copy or take a photo of the informational page of their US passport to have on hand in case the passport is lost or stolen and has to be replaced at an US Embassy or Consulate abroad. This will facilitate the replacement passport.
  • US travelers should sign up for the US STEP program in case of an emergency abroad the US Government will contact their emergency contact in the US and keep track of them in a foreign country.

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VISA checklist:

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  • South Africa does not require a visa for US passport holders but they require the passport to have a set of facing blank visa pages.
  • To in order to obtain a visa for China, India or Brazil the respective visa sections require two blank visa pages.
  • If the traveler has a valid visa for China, India or Brazil in an expired US passport they can travel with the expired passport containing the valid visa and the new US passport.
  • Certain countries have Electronic Visas such as Australia, Turkey, Kenya, Sri Lanka and India.
  • (India-30 day- single entry by air at certain airports only) this means these electronic visas must be issued in advance. The traveler should carry an e-mail conformation with them.
  • Most countries require six months validity on a US passport before a visa is issued.
  • Travel Visas in the US are issued to US passport holders, US visa holders and US permanent residents. All others must obtain a travel visa in their country of residence.
  • Visas for Brazil, India and China are issued based on area of residence in the US.
  • Travelers should be aware of the latest US travel advisories issues by the US Department of State for certain countries & regions.
  • Certain countries such as Iran or Saudi require visa authorizations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country.
  • Visa processing times can differ from country to country and applications can be rejected if the traveler has acted negatively towards that country in writing, verbally or on social media.
  • Even when the visa is issued a traveler can be denied entry to that country for various reasons.
  • The traveler should always have local contact numbers for the US Embassy or Consulate in the country they are visiting in case of any emergencies abroad.
  • Even when the visa is issued a traveler can be denied entry to that country for various reasons.

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Wishing everyone safe travels! Please contact me and my team at info@traveldocs.com if you have any questions.