International travel is not only fun, but it is also an enriching aspect of life for people of all ages. Besides gathering together all of the travel plans, luggage and other necessities you will need for the trip, travelers should always make sure they have completed all of the important international travel documents. There are over 9,000 designated passport acceptance facilities around the country; however, local residents will be pleased to discover that there are several Houston passport and visa service locations right in our own community.
Why do international travelers need a passport?
A passport is recognized around the world as a vital travel document. It verifies the identification and nation of origin of the bearer and is required to leave and enter most foreign nations. The only way to obtain a passport is to apply for one through the U.S. Department of State, which can be done at a visa and passport provider site. Once approved, the State Department must then grant, issue or verify the paperwork.
What is the process of obtaining a passport?
These documents obviously require vigorous verification of the applicant’s identity. You will need to visit a Houston passport service, taking two photographs of yourself, proof of United States’ citizenship and a valid form of photo I.D., such as a driver’s license. Renewing a passport is less arduous; it only entails submitting your most recent passport to the State Department through the mail (as long as it was issued in the last 15 years, you were at least 16 years old at the time of issuance, you have the same name or can legally document your name change). Remember, even infants travelling abroad will need to have international travel documents such as a passport.
What is a Passport Card?
Beginning in February 2008, you can begin visiting a visa service for the new “Passport Card”, which is designed to facilitate faster travel on land between the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. It is not accepted for air travel, but it is more convenient than a passport book when you are crossing land borders. It contains a radio-frequency identity chip that expedites identification; and this Passport Card is quickly becoming one of the most convenient types of international identification documents.
What is a Visa?
A visa is necessary when foreign travelers wish to spend a longer duration of time in another country. If you desire a visa, you must contact the consulate of the country of your choice and specify if it is a work or student visa; some countries only issue a small quantity of these visas every year, which means it is often first-come, first-served. A Houston passport and visa service can usually help connect you to the consulate you need to speak to.
Sam’s Passport and Visa Service can help you complete all of the required international travel documents for your next trip. Whether you need to find out how to expedite your application, contact an appropriate consulate or simply begin the process for a Passport Card, we are experts at helping you get on your way. Call us at 713.784.5588 and let us do the rest.
Q. What is a visa? And why do I need one.
A. A visa is a stamp that is affixed to a blank visa page in your passport that is required by foreign countries before you are able to enter their territory.
Q. Do I need to send you my passport in order to receive a visa?
A. Yes, your passport must be submitted with the required paperwork and photos in order to obtain a visa for traveling outside the USA. For visa service in Houston, you can drop off your passport at our agency.
U.S. Citizens who are traveling outside the United States by Air, Land and Sea will now be required to carry a U.S. Passport for entry and exit from the United States, please read the information at these two links, Travel.State.Gov and GetYouHome.gov
Each applicant must submit a fully completed Passport/Visa Request Form for all services. This form is necessary in order to begin and complete all transactions.
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