Advice On Getting Passports Fast
Here are some tips on getting passports fast. First and foremost, it is always best to plan ahead whenever possible, especially when the need arises for sudden international travel. To reduce last minute delays, it can never hurt to have a valid passport at the ready. This is important especially when one’s travel itinerary might require visiting countries where entry is difficult to obtain. Also, every consulate has their own process of granting visas.
Also, passport application or renewal processes can vary depending on the citizenship status of the applicant and for first time applicants. Typically, first time applicants have to apply at a regional immigration office in person with valid identification, application forms, photos, and fees. This can be time consuming, therefore one should obtain a passport when they have the time to dedicate to the process. In addition, parents should note that newborn babies and infants also need a valid passport for international travel.
Aside from a valid passport, destination countries can mandate a visa before visitation or passage is granted. Neighboring countries are usually not as strict. Distant countries, however, depending on the political standings, have different visa requirements. For learning the visa requirements, one can visit the country’s local consulate or embassy. Also, the Internet usually has a lot of information including the forms and other application requirements.
Passport renewals are simpler to handle. Here, one can receive their passport as soon as a few days or within a week depending on how much he or she is willing to spend. The normal process can take up to four to six weeks. In most cases, the applicant simply has to fill out a form and mail that, along with the pass port and other documentation and fees, to a processing center. There are third party providers that can help expedite this process. For visa applications, however, the process is still contingent upon the policies of the particular sovereignty. Most embassies are fairly timely in issuing visas.
One important tip is to always have a few recent passport size photos at the ready. The photo should display the full unencumbered face on a light background. This can save a lot of time, money, and aggravation when in a rush. As it is, the documentation and forms that need to be submitted can be time consuming and might require additional copies. Technology, however, has helped make this process much simpler than it used to be.
Forms and documentation can be a hassle but there is no avoiding them. Most of the forms are available online or through the mail. Often times, one can simply go to the local consulate and obtain the necessary paper work. Most of these forms describe the process and what to expect with regards to timing and fees.
Fees can vary greatly depending on the type of passport facilitation one requires. For any expedited service, there is always a surcharge above and beyond the requisite fees charged by the consulate or governing body. Furthermore, there are certain consulates that direct applicants to close or nearby photo and copy shops in order to complete the necessary paperwork. These are generally not expensive, however, depending on the urgency of travel and level of traffic, the process can become quite daunting.
Obtaining US passports fast can be expensive and /or exhausting depending on how quickly one needs the U.S. passport and the embassy or consulate granting visitation. Additionally, this is also contingent upon the destination, port of origin, and travel circumstances. Some special instances, such as that of seeking asylum, might require representation and it might be wise to attain professional legal help.
Crossing the Border – How To – Nicaragua a Costa Rica
Crossing the border (frontera) from one country to another in Central America is relatively easy except going into Costa Rica. From Guatemala to Costa Rica you can pretty much drive the PanAmericana Highway all the way without going through long border crossings.
Costa Rica wanted to add to the uniqueness of their country not convenience.They assumed that if you are planning to travel by road into Costa Rica you needed another adventure.
This can take anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours +…
When crossing, driving your vehicle becomes a little more complicated. Thinking about taking abother person’s vehicle… It would be a lot better, if at all possible you did not do that.
The list below is more helpful for those who drive their vehicle. Not driving then just delete those parts or items pertaining to vehicles.
Items required:
- a couple of pens – in case one gives up on you
- valid passport with current stamps
- valid exit visa stamp if you are a resident of Nicaragua but not a citizen
- valid exit documentation for your Nicaraguan vehicle should you be driving. This can take at least a half a day to 2 days depending on your luck with the local officials. This is obtained from the local Policia in the town where your vehicle is registered.
- valid vehicle registration card – circulation
- proof of insurance for your vehicle
- cedula – should you be a resident
- valid drivers licence.
- 3 photocopies of your passport (main page), vehicle registration, insurance certificate, exit visa for your vehicle, cedula, (include front and back side of all documents that have printing or stamps)
- patience – generally more then usual – simply because you do not know what kind of adventure you are going to run into.
- a spare batch of patience just waiting for the real fun adventures you may have.
- a high dose of positive attitude and humor
- plenty of small denomination bills – Cordobas or dollars (US) on the Nicaraguan side and Calones or dollars (US) on the Costa Rica side. Knowing how to deal with the coyotes will get you a better exchange rate then at the bank. You would have to know the exchange rates in that case.
It usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. it can take longer if the traffic at the boarder is heavier than the usual. For each country there is approximately an equal time.
Leaving Nicaragua:
First charge. The cost for 4 people crossing the boarder with a vehicle is 80 Cordobas (about .00). Tax for the local town. Depending on the quantity of people in the vehicle.
When you have paid for the entrance into the boarder you must go to the offices where you obtain a free customs form. Where you see all of the buses lined up in the center – That is where the building is located. In order to register where you are from, where you have been and where you are going….
It is necessary for you passport to be out and ready to fill the proper information out. (Generally most of the times the forms arebilingual both in English and Spanish)
As soon as you have the forms completed you must stand in line…
…Did i say patience?
When the Migration officials stamp your passport and send you on your merry way. Non-resident’s cost . The prices can changed at any time.
IF you are traveling with your own vehicle you must also go to another office on the Nicaragua side.
Once you are on the Nicaraguan side, you will obtain an inspection paper from the local inspector then if you are lucky and the Policia are close by you should have them sign off on the inspection. l.
With the vehicle inspection form signed off by both the
- inspector and
- Policia
you then get to stand in line to have the migration officer check for
- properly signed vehicle inspection,
- the proper registration,
- insurance,
- exit papers for your vehicle, and
- driver’s license.
By the time they certify then you go to the next line to wait and have the Policia check for the proper registration, insurance, exit papers for your vehicle, and driver’s license.
To be able to proceed to the next stop- the migration exit post, everything has to be approved beforehand for you to received a vehicle exit ticket.
At the exit, you can hand in your exit ticket to the official and proceed to the fumigation office. The cost will be 60 Cordobas (approx). $4.00) and this for the spraying of your vehicle to disinfect it before going into Costa Rica.
Later, you drive to the Costa Rica boarder buildings and …
Join us for the rest of the adventure of crossing the border…Literally, it has saved hours to other motorists! 