S ON HOW TO SECURE YOUR PASSPORT AND EVADE TRAVEL HEADACHES
As predicted years ago, 2018 is going to see through an increase in demand for passport application and renewal. This year will experience all-time demand peak in the history of the USA. This is as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of 2007, which stipulate the possession of a passport for an individual traveling to the USA via land or sea including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The initiative was implemented after the 9/11 attacks that questioned the security safeguard in place for travelers.
Before the new laws came into being in 2007, the only document required to re-enter from Mexico, Caribbean, and Canada or other neighboring countries, was a valid USA driving license. I recall during my traveling trips on spring break to Cancun, there was no passport or verified documentation required, I would only use my driver’s license.
In 2007, when the law came to full enactment it led to the rise of the number of passports issued by the US Department of State by about 18 million. This was an all-time record break, although it is due to be broken a decade later since the passports issued are due for renewal this year.
The State Department outlines that there were more than 20million passport applications in 2017, combined with the renewals in this year, will translate the number of passports issued to more than 21million. The passport renewals and application will spill over to this year and 2019, recording the highest number in the history of America.
Additionally, in an effort to safeguard security, this year will also see through the implementation of Real ID Act, phase four by the USA Department of Homeland Security. The Real ID Act stipulates specific standards in the identification issuance and prohibits federal agencies from accepting identification cards and driver’s license from states that fail to meet the minimum standards of the act. This applies in access to commercial aircraft regulated by the federal government, nuclear power plants, and federal facilities. Therefore, by October 2020, everyone flying must have a Real ID that is compliant with the set standards.
From January 22 this year, travelers from ID non-compliant states have hit roadblocks where they were required to provide a passport or an alternative identification.
The 3-day government shutdown helped me realize two aspects; there is high demand for passport renewal and that most people wait until rush hour. During this period, I received numerous request through my Facebook feed to help in the renewal process.
It is human nature to wait until last minute in order to renew passport. I was a victim last year, where I was prompted to expedite the process through a company. The company I used was founded by Adam Boalt, an entrepreneur who later on sold it. Besides my respect for him, Boalt is my neighbor; my condo is across the street to his Miami office.
He is a renowned entrepreneur, who recently launched a new company- govWorks. The company aims at facilitating the public services provision from the federal and Foreign Governments. It has established a platform that simplifies the process of U.S passports, travel visas, and related travel documentation. This is done through secure storing and dissemination of information.
Their offices are located at Brickell City Centre it is near the Mexican food restaurant and the Apple store. Hence, you can visit their offices while enjoying what the neighborhood has to offer including a shopping center and restaurants.
I am privileged to have talked to Boalt, during govWorks launching where he expressed his excitement, especially with the timing. He indicated that his company brand will be able to solve the challenges the industry is facing at the moment. Moreover, wrong timing leads to missing of opportunities and venture hence, the company has a great opportunity to utilize.
The conversation drew five vital tips that can help an individual avoid the hustle in passport application and renewal. They include;
1. Ensure your children possess passports
The real ID is a wakeup call for parents to acquire passports for their children especially those in those non-compliant states. They should take an advantage of the extension of the enforcement to 10th October 2018. For instance, my sister’s family live in a non-compliant state, if the state fails to comply with the standards before the due date, she will have to acquire US passport for the whole family plus the children.
Did you know that children’s passport has a shorter shelf life? “Most people don’t know that the child’s passport expires after 5years and they are required to have a passport to travel internationally” Boalt explained.
2. Renew your passport earlier- don’t wait until last minute
Many are the time's people wait until the last minute in order to apply and renew their passport, I am a living proof. Despite my knowledge that I had to renew my passport before my trip, I waited till it was too late and I had to get it expedited. You never know what might happen to escape the inevitable renew or apply some months before its’ valid date.
Boalt expressed that the US passports have a validity of ten years, but many countries do not accept a passport with less than 6months validity remaining. He stated that an individual should strive to renew their passport at least 9months to the expiry date. There is no need to wait for last minute rush which will prompt you to have it expedited like I did.
3. If you are a regular international traveler, be sure to acquire extra pages
Boalt suggested, “if you travel internationally frequently, it might be helpful to apply for a 52-page book rather than 28-page passport”. Many people are not aware that it is an option, I had no idea about it, and I wish I did.
The 52-page, each page accommodates four stamps that equate to two countries; for entering and exiting. Therefore the more the pages will come in handy for the constant travelers since it will accommodate more.
4. Before you make travel arrangements find out whether you need a travel visa
A lot of people fail to inquire on the necessary credentials required for travel hence, they end up being turned away from their flights, simply because they had no idea that they needed to have a travel visa.
Boalt’s company realized the gap that existed and developed an easier technique to handle the travel visa process. He illustrated” We established an online platform where people can acquire visa requirements for various nations within a short period of time”. Therefore, whenever you are traveling be well-prepared since you could get confused with the requirements.
5. Consider the option of having two passports
You may wonder why one would need an extra passport, personally, I had no clue it was possible to possess two. As it turns out an individual is allowed to have two valid passports, for instance, Paul Manafort, former campaign manager for President Donald Trump possessed three valid US passports.
Boalt advises the frequent travelers to consider acquiring the second passport since some countries reject passports that contain stamps from certain countries. It is also vital for those who may need to apply for vast travel visas at ago.