Passports and Visas

Passport service assisting travelers in getting a passport, passport renewal, lost passport, new United States passport applications and travel visas in an emergency.

The BIG Question: What is the difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport is an official government document that certifies one's identity and citizenship. The passport serves two purposes: to regain entry to the country of citizenship (i.e. the United States) and is a requirement by many countries to gain entry to the country you are visiting.

A visa is an official government document that temporarily authorizes you to be in the country you are visiting. Many countries require a visa to gain entry. The visa usually is in the form of a stamp IN the passport and is obtained from the country you are visiting.


Securing over 100,000 Passports and Visas since 1992.

Passport Services
Services are offered by PassportsandVisas.com, a nationally recognized US passport and visa service. They have been featured in the Washington Post , New York Times and USA Today and ranked #1 by the US Passport Service Guide in a survey of 40 expediting services. Our team of passport and visa expeditors have been obtaining passports and visas for over 10 years.


Obtain a United States Passport Fast
We work with the US Passport Agency to obtain your US passport application in as little as 24 hours. View instructions on all of our expediting passport services, including passport renewal, new passport applications and to replace a lost passport. There simply isn't a faster way to get your passport.

Online Passport Tools
You can get the status of your passport application online 24/7. You'll receive email updates as your passport application process is expedited - with the final email alerting you that your passport application has been completed. Rest assured - if a problem with your US passport application arises - you'll have the information fast.

Learn more or order your passport online!

Visa Services
Our visa services include securing and expediting travel visas, tourist visas and business visas for individuals in the United States traveling to foreign countries. Learn more or make your order online!

Common Questions and Answers
 
What is a Passport?
A passport is an official government document that certifies one's identity and citizenship and permit's a citizen to travel abroad and the case of a United States passport to enter back into the United States.

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When do I need a Passport?
The answer depends upon which country you planning to visit. A passport is required by many countries upon entry to their country. Also, a document indicating proof of citizenship is always required to re-enter the United States. In some instances (Mexico, Canada, etc.), a valid driver's license and a birth certificate will suffice as the proof of citizenship; however, as indicated many countries require a passport to gain entry to their country and the United States State Department "recommends" a passport as evidence of citizenship in ALL cases.

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What is a Visa?
A visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of a foreign country on a passport that allows the bearer to visit that country (Except Russia, whose visa is a separate document). Visas are obtained from the proper embassy or local the consulates of the country to be visited. "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory. There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.

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When do I need a Visa?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is subject to change almost on a daily basis.

If you are a U.S. Citizen, visit our visa database to view entry requirements.

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we can help you - send us an email detailing :
   Country to visit.
   Reason for visit.
   Length of visit.
   Country which issued your Passport.
   Status of residency in U.S.
   (Are you a U.S. Citizen? If not - which visa do you have?).

We will get back to you as soon as possible with up to date requirements and be glad to assist you in obtaining the visa.

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What is required to obtain a visa?
At minimum, the applicant will need a valid passport to obtain a visa. When the visa is issued, the passport will be stamped indicating the visa was issued and expiration date of the visa. Many countries require there be in excess of 6 months of validity on the passport before granting the visa.

Additional requirements for visas vary greatly depending on the visa required and the region you reside in. Typically, countries have consulates in several cities around the United States. To balance the workload, the country is divided into zones. Unfortunately these zones can mean the requirements for obtaining a visa may vary depending upon where you live in the United States!

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How long does it take to obtain a visa?
The answer varies greatly. If you were to process the visa on your own, the process of mailing the materials and application to your local consulate, the visa processing, and the mailing of your passport back to you typically takes several weeks.

We have knowledge of how to expedite the process and can assist you if you are in a hurry.

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Why should I use your services and not do it myself?
The State Department can take over 6 weeks to process your passport.
Even the government's "expediting service" can take over 4 weeks.
PassportsandVisas.com assists travelers who are traveling within these timeframes and our service is guaranteed!

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Why does the government take so long to process my passport application?
The United States Passport Service, which is part of the State Department processes over seven million passports each year. This number has been increasing at an annual rate of over 10% per annum. There are fifteen national offices around the country which process the seven million passport applications. Sheer volume alone does not allow the Passport Service to process the applications quickly, let alone within a week or so - which many of our customers demand.

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Does a child require a passport ?
Yes. Anyone traveling to a country that requires a passport must have their own passport no matter what age. If your child needs a passport, we can help you.

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I have never had a U.S. passport / My passport was lost or stolen. How do I get a new one? In brief, you'll need to fill out an application, gather documentation and present these items in person to a passport acceptance clerk.

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My child is too young to sign his/her own passport. How do I sign my child's passport? In the space provided for the signature, the mother or father must print the child's name and sign their own name. Then, in parenthesis by the parent's name, write the word (mother) or (father) so we know who signed for the child.

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New Passport Requirements

Important visitor update regarding travel to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda:
Information you might want to pass along to your site visitors.

As of December 31, 2006, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens traveling to or from the United States via air or sea, regardless of destination.

Visit the Passports and Visas Web site for detailed information on travel requirements for countries you're visiting, and for those you pass through en route. This site provides online ordering for passports and visas, including rush replacement of lost or stolen passports, so call their customer support telephone number for assistance.

For more information on travel requirements, contact the U.S. embassies of the countries you're visiting. A complete list of U.S. embassies worldwide can be found at the Department of State Web site.