passport

Taking Passport Pictures

Do you want to save money by taking passport pictures for your family or organization?  If you also need photos for visas, work permits, bank accounts, staff ids, applications, or other documents, the cost can add up quickly.  You can save money by taking your own pictures, if you follow the specifications laid down by the US Department of State.  The goal is to produce a 2 inch x 2 inch picture of the applicant’s face against a white background without shadows or distortions.

7 Steps to Successful Photos (from travel.state.gov)

Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
Center head within frame (see Figure 2 below)
Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo
Photograph subject against a plain white or off-whitebackground
Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background
Encourage subject to have a natural expression

Some helpful links:

See the Department of State Website for more information

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Passport

On 01 June 2009, the second portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take effect.  This means that US citizens traveling to Bermuda, Canada, or Mexico by land or sea will need identification documents that prove their identity and citizenship.  A special clause refers to religious youth groups from the US and Canada, and allows border crossing with only a copy of the birth certificate.

Read the official regulation from the US Department of Homeland Security

How to Get a Second US Passport

Second US PassportWhy would you want a second US passport?  Most people do not need a second passport.  However, those who travel very frequently may find that their passports are always in the mail to a consulate or embassy to obtain a visa and this impedes their ability to travel.  Other travelers may find that certain countries will not permit the entrance of travellers whose passports show that they have visited another country with which they do not have good relationships.  This is the case between some Arab states and Israel and has been the case between some African states.  The solution is to apply for a second US passport.  This is the exception to the rule, so some additional information is required.  Please complete the following steps.  These applications may also be made by mail if you are in the US.

To apply for a second valid passport, you will need to make an appointment at the US Embassy and submit the following documents in person:

  1. The DS-82 application form;
  2. Submit your currently valid passport;
  3. A written request from your company or organization (on letterhead, signed by someone else) explaining why a second valid passport is needed;
  4. An affidavit signed in the presence of the Consular Officer attesting to the use of the second passport;
  5. Two photographs (5cm x 5cm on a white background)
  6. Pay the appropriate fee.

If you already have a second passport and want to renew it, please submit the following documents in person:

  1. The DS-82 application form;
  2. Submit your current second valid passport;
  3. A written request from your company or organization (on letterhead, signed by someone else) explaining why a second passport is still needed;
  4. An affidavit signed in the presence of the Consular Officer attesting to the use of the second passport;
  5. Two photographs (5cm x 5cm on a white background);
  6. Pay the appropriate fee.

This information was taken from the website of the US Consulate General in Amsterdam.

More Information:

Lost Passport

What would you do if your US passport is lost or stolen?  If overseas, you would contact the nearest US Embassy.  You will often need a police report.  If in the US, your need to report it lost or stolen and then apply for a replacement passport.  You may call 877.487.2778 or 202.501.4444 for assistance.  It is a good practice to carry a copy of your passport (and driver’s license)  with you while traveling.  You could also scan your passport and email a copy to yourself so that you can access it while traveling.