U.S. Passport News Archive

Since our
Expedited Passport Blog
shows only the most recent 15 posts added to the website, we created
this page to list some of the most popular articles that no longer
appear on the blog. While most are related to United States passports,
many others provide important tips for safe and rewarding travel
abroad.
How Changes in Appearance May Affect Your Passport
We live in an age where society puts a premium on youth and
beauty. Many "ordinary" people radically change their looks through
cosmetic surgery to satisfy their inner yearning to look different than
they are. As a new generation enters mid-life and another enters
adulthood, they both resist it with creams, lasers, nips and tucks, and
more. This resistance to looking like who they are and aging gracefully
has produced an unexpected consequence. If you alter your looks
too much, you will need to apply for a new passport with a photo that more closely resembles your new self.
There are certain changes to your appearance that may get you a second
look by a border patrol officer, but will not require you to get a new
passport. One of these changes is your hair; significantly changing the
length or color of your hair is not a problem. The same applies to
facial hair, if your passport shows you with a full beard and you are
now clean shaven, it is not enough to require a new passport. Small
piercings or tattoos will also be acceptable. If you haven't made a
change that significantly redefines your look, you won't need a new
passport.
However, passports allow you to cross international borders,
and each country has a vested interest in you being the person your
passport claims you to be. U.S. passports are typically issued every
ten years after the age of 16, and a lot can change about a person's
appearance in a decade, especially if they are deliberately trying to
alter their looks.
To learn which alterations to your appearance will require you to renew your passport with a new passport photo,
read the entire article.
How to Avoid Passport Delays That Interfere With Your Travel
Fewer words strike terror in the heart of a traveler than,
"Sorry, there's nothing I can do." This is especially true when it
comes to delays in your passport application. Countless people have
collectively lost thousands of dollars in airfare, because their
passports didn't arrive before their departure dates. Yes, it really
does happen, and the Department of State is not nearly as concerned
about your particular situation as you are.
Of the top ten reasons there is a delay in passport processing, some of
them are out of your control, but a good 50% are within your control.
Delays are often the consequence of the applicant failing to understand
or comply with parts of the application process. Every step in the
passport process is essential, specific, and unyielding. If you start
with this premise, you will lessen the chances that your passport will
be one of the many that are delayed.
Applicant errors can be as simple as forgetting to sign the
passport application. You must sign the application in front of a
passport acceptance agent only after taking an oath to the truthfulness
of the application. Sometimes the actual
signing can be overlooked. Your passport application will not be processed without your signature, thus causing a delay.
Submitting passport photos that don't qualify for acceptance is another
avoidable problem that can cause a delay. Because you can take and
submit your own passport photos doesn't mean you should. If you are
unwilling to slog through the mountain of Department of State passport
regulations to find the exact requirements for passport photos (and
there are a lot of them), you should have them taken by a business that
knows the rules for you.
Find out the
other top reasons passport applications are delayed, and what you can do to make sure yours is processed on time.
7 Steps to Getting Your New Passport Travel-Ready
Getting a passport for the first time is enough to make you
giddy. You can now travel visa-free to 174 countries worldwide. Your
passport is a powerful tool that not only allows you to travel the
globe freely, but is evidence of both your identity and your U.S.
citizenship. As such, there are some steps you will want to take right
away to make sure your passport is travel-ready and secure for that
moment you make your first international trip.
The very first thing you'll want to do is to verify that all the
information on the data page of your passport is correct. This is your
identifying information found on page 2 of your passport book. Check to
make sure that your photo, name, country, date of birth, place of
birth, and sex are entered correctly with no misspellings. If you find
an error, immediately fill out Form DS-5504 and return it to be
corrected. There is no charge for correcting mistakes that are the
fault of the Department of State.
Once you have verified that all of the information is correct,
you'll want to add your signature to page 3 of your passport book. This
needs to be done with a pen in black ink, and your signature must match
the name printed on page two of your passport. If you read the
information on page 5, you'll discover that your passport is invalid
without a signature.
These are the first two actions you need to take to get your passport ready for travel. Read the rest of the article for
more valuable tips on readying your passport.
5 Cool Volunteer Vacations
Most people plan a vacation to get a little break from everyday
life and explore new parts of the world, but why not do some
volunteering while you're away? If everyone put in a little effort,
cumulatively people could change the world. There are several options
to choose from across the globe; many organizations encourage travelers
to participate in their conservation efforts. These once in a lifetime
experiences can be geared toward your passion. Whether you want to
preserve nature, immerse yourself in different cultures, or conserve
wildlife there is a volunteer vacation for you.
Have you longed to go to South Africa, Peru, British Virgin Islands,
Australia, or Nicaragua? There are a number of volunteer trips you can
take to these and other areas. These trips typically last four to 10
days with a healthy mix of giving back and enjoying the vacation
destination. In each volunteering package you are directly involved
with the organization's efforts, and typically half of your fee will be
donated to the cause you're working on.
Imagine hanging out on a private Island enjoying a luxury
resort with various water sport activities. The next day you are
working directly with scientists, note taking, catching and tagging
iguanas and other wildlife, and ending the night with cocktails and a
discussion of your day's findings. Are you more interested in
preserving the natural wonders of the world like Machu Picchu? Then
join one of the Conservation Volunteers International Programs where
you can spend ten days exploring the area while doing your part in
maintaining and caring for these natural treasures. Pick a cause that
you're passionate about and make your next vacation one where you give
back to nature, wildlife, or other cultures. Make the world a better
place one trip at a time.
Source: Yahoo Travel
Photo: CC/Dave Bezaire
There's a "Right" Birth Certificate for a Passport Application?
Getting a U.S. passport in a timely fashion can be a challenge. One of
the reasons that it can take a little longer than you think is that you
need to present your birth certificate as proof of identity and U.S.
citizenship. Most people have a copy of their birth certificate laying
around somewhere and think they're okay. What they may not realize is
that the Department of State has made it a policy only to accept long
form birth certificates, and they must be certified copies. So, that
copy you have tucked in the pages of your baby book may not work.
Getting a certified long form birth certificate may take a few
days to a few weeks depending on where you live. Birth certificates are
commonly stored in the Vital Records department of the state in which
you were born. You'll have to apply for a copy of your birth
certificate that is in long form, is signed by the registrar, and has
the registrar's seal. The long form must show your full name, date of
birth and place of birth, and your parents' full names; it must also
show that it was filed with the registrar's office within one year of
your birth.
For an explanation of long form birth certificates, how and where to
obtain them, the three documents that may be used in their place, and
how a registered expeditor can help you obtain both a birth certificate
and a passport much faster,
read the entire article.
Airlines Change Carry-on Rules for Profit
If it's been a while since you've traveled, you may not be aware that
many airlines are following new carry-on size limits. When your bag
doesn't meet the new size requirements, you have to pay a $25
non-compliant bag fee to check it. The new size regulations limit your
carry-on bag to 22 inches in length - including handle and wheels, nine
inches in depth, and 14 inches in width. There is no wiggle room on
these dimensions; if it doesn't fit in the sizer it doesn't go in the
cabin.
Although airlines implementing the changed policies may tell you that
the call for new carry-on size requirements is a directive from the
FAA, this is not correct. If it were a blanket policy across carriers
enforced by the FAA, every airline would have to comply, which is
clearly not the case. Both Southwest and Jet Blue have more generous
carry-on size requirements, so check your airline's baggage policies
before you buy your ticket. Since the new policy doesn't speed up
boarding and there is ample space for previous larger bag sizes, is it
solely a revenue generating policy? United Airlines expects to collect
$700 million over the next four years from checked bag fees and
upselling legroom.
You'll save money and headaches by complying with the new regulations, so it's important to know that not all
carry-ons
sold in retail stores comply with the new standards. For suggestions on
where you can get compliant carry-on bags, and packing tips to help you
get the most from the space,
read the full article.
Flipping Out at Bounce Below
An old disused slate mine located in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales has been
turned into a fantastical playground filled with trampolines. It's
aptly named
Bounce Below, and is the latest addition to the already tourist attracting Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Before
Bounce Below
was created, visitors enjoyed touring this Victorian mine and taking
subterranean rides down what is known as the steepest cable railway in
Great Britain. To get to Bounce Below you'll need to hop on the
Llechwedd mining train and begin your plunge into a cavern double the
size of St Paul's Cathedral in London. Upon arrival, you'll see
elasticated nets stretched across three levels, perfectly intertwining
to create this adult funhouse.
The highest trampoline is 180 feet off the ground; slides are
used to go down to different levels. Multicolored LED lights allow you
to watch other carefree adults reverting back to their childhoods in
this underground playland. Some of these giant kids bounce around while
playing, some entertain with their best acrobatic feats, and others
just lie back and calmly take it all in.
Bounce Below is a combination of thrill seeking adventure and innocent
pleasure that reminds adults of a time when they enjoyed life with
reckless abandon. It is the perfect place for adults to enjoy a
childhood pastime with a little edginess. Once you've had your hour of
fun, take the train back up to the top and see what Zip World Titan is
all about. Check them both out in the
full article.
How to Change Your Passport Name without a Court Order
A United States passport carries a lot of weight both abroad and at
home. Outside of the States, your passport can get you into 174
countries in the world without a visa. At home, your passport can serve
as a primary form of identification and proof of U.S. citizenship. With
all the power a passport wields, establishing your identity when
applying for one is paramount. If your documents that prove your
identity list your name one way, but you go by a different name
informally, you may be able to get a passport in the name you use
without getting a name change court order. Since name change court
orders can cost hundreds of dollars, this is good news.
There are two ways of going about putting the name you
use
on your passport rather than your legal given name. One way to do it is
through a customary name change. In this instance, if you have been
using your present name in all aspects of your life for at least five
years, and can show evidence of that fact, you may qualify for a
customary name change. There are strict stipulations regarding the
kinds of documents you can use as evidence, and the information that
must be contained on the documents. This makes sense given the power of
your passport once you get it.
In order to understand how the customary name change process
works, to find out if you may qualify, and to learn about the other way
you may be able to use your acquired name on your passport,
read on.
Stuck on Honeymoon Destination Ideas? Read this.
Trying to come up with that perfect wedding or honeymoon destination
that satisfies the visions of both partners, offers a balance of
romance and adventure, and yet, isn't
cliche. It is a tough puzzle to
solve. One by one, ideas get scratched off the list - too rugged, too
touristy, too overdone, too far, and on and on. One tiny country comes
up big on benefits; it offers romance, relaxation, adventure, and
unconventionality all rolled into a single honeymoon experience that is
doable and not too far away. So what magical country has it all?
Belize.
Start your honeymoon along 16 miles of sandy beaches on the
southeast coast of Belize where you can lounge under the flutter of
palm fronds and drink fruity adult beverages. Try the insanely
nutritious juice from a freshly cut coconut. Eat conch ceviche or
grilled spiny lobster right on the beach. Take a boat tour down Monkey
River floating among the crocodiles and searching out the mysterious
sounding howler monkeys. Zipline the canopy of Mayflower Bocawina
National Forest. Experience the local restaurant culture of Placencia -
Barefoot Bar, Omar's Creole Grub, the Tipsy Tuna, and more. You'll find
your own balance between relaxation and adventure on the peninsula.
Finish your honeymoon in the mountains of Belize's Cayo District. To
get there by plane, you'll fly over the famous Blue Hole, a scuba
diver's dream location. Once there, you can hike the rainforest in
search of the many amazing waterfalls, go tubing, caving, or take an
equestrian sightseeing tour through the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest
Reserve lowlands. Relax in an off-the-grid eco-friendly luxury resort.
Visit historical ruins in the heart of Maya culture. It's easy to find
your own rhythm in this tropical sanctuary.
Choose the beach location, the jungle location, or both for your Belize
honeymoon destination. To learn how to make it happen and get more
helpful links, read the
original article in Afar Magazine.
Photo Credit: Karen Lee
How to Know If You're a Tourist or a Traveler
Some people are simply born to travel, and they know it. They're the
ones who shun the word tourist in favor of traveler. They're quick to
tell you that they haven't been everywhere, but it's on their list.
They understand what Kahlil Gibran meant when he said, "They deem me
mad because I will not sell my days for gold; and I deem them mad
because they think my days have a price." These are the digital nomads,
the woofers, and the outliers. They don't pursue happiness; rather,
their pursuits bring them happiness.
Travelers will exchange a day at the museum for a public bus ride to an
unfamiliar neighborhood. They strike up conversations with local people
to see what's interesting in the area. They're content to wander,
watch, and "waste" time. There is no must-see destination in their day;
they're seeing everything along the way. Does this sound like you?
Maybe you're a traveler.
Tourists like itineraries, and they're goal oriented. They have
a master list of places to see that they are charging through
determinedly. They are equally dedicated to the sights they wish to
visit and a firm refusal to give up creature comforts. They enjoy a hot
shower and a fluffy bathrobe followed by exotic cuisine while
discussing the day's excursions. If this sounds like you, you're
probably a tourist.
The tourist is always ready to go home at the end of a trip,
while the traveler thinks of home as another stopover on the journey.
Still not sure if you're a tourist or a traveler? Check out
23 Signs You Were Born to Travel by Matt Hershberger.
Visa on Arrival: Is It Worth the Risk?
It's not too early to start planning your winter getaway. As a U.S.
citizen, you have access to over 170 countries in the world visa-free,
leaving a little over 20 countries that require you to have a visa or
to obtain a visa on arrival (VOA). Currently, nine countries are
willing to offer travelers from the United States
visas on arrival.
This means that you don't have to secure your visa before you leave the
States; you can get it when you arrive at your destination. One such
VOA destination is the sun soaked Republic of Seychelles, an
archipelago in the Indian Ocean. If you're looking for a unique winter
vacation, this could be the one for you.
Each of the nine VOA countries have different criteria that you
must meet to qualify for entry. The U.S. traveler to Seychelles needs a
passport that is valid for the duration of your stay. Many countries
insist upon six months validity on your passport, so keep in mind that
even though Seychelles does not require it, the airlines may not let
you board your flight without meeting the six months validity
requirement. Beyond a valid U.S. passport, you will also need to
present proof of onward or return travel, proof of adequate funds, and
proof of accommodation to enter Seychelles. You'll receive your no-fee
30-day visa when your documentation is accepted. The Republic of
Seychelles also allows you to renew your visa for up to 3 months at a
time for a total of 12 months. You could turn that vacation into
something a little more permanent!
There are eight more destinations that offer VOAs to U.S.
travelers. Find out which countries offer them, what each country
requires, and why showing up without a visa in hand could be a risk.
Nine Passport Photo Mistakes to Avoid
You
finally got together the paperwork required to submit your passport
application, you show up to your appointment (that you've waited three
weeks to get) 15 minutes early manila folder in hand; you have your ID
and your debit card, you're good to go. The passport acceptance agent
looks over your documents then slides your photos back across the
counter toward you and tells you they are not acceptable. Disaster.
Don't let this be you. There are
nine common mistakes people make that get their passport photos rejected.
No passport photos, no passport. You can avoid the hassle of having to
make another appointment a few more weeks out by making sure you adhere
to the very particular passport photo requirements, and avoiding those
dreaded nine mistakes.
The first mistake people often make is submitting a passport photo that
is not properly composed. Your photo needs to be clear, you need to be
front-facing, and you must look directly into the camera. There cannot
be any shadows across your face or the background, and your expression
should be neutral. Your image must be centered exactly in the middle of
the frame; if it is off to one side or the other, it will not be
accepted. All the listed criteria must be met to avoid this mistake.
Another common mistake is having an incorrect image size within
the frame and an incorrect depth of field. Within the frame of your
passport photo, your image should show you from the top of your head to
just below your collar bone. If your image is too close, it distorts
your appearance and won't be accepted. If it's too far away, it won't
be accepted either. If there is any distortion to your head size or
your features, your passport photo will be rejected.
There are seven other mistakes that get passport photos rejected; make your life easier by learning them all.
Vacations That Help You Know Yourself
Do
you ever wonder about your roots? So many people do that several
business have sprung up to help you answer that question. People want
to know the heritage of their ancestors, where they lived, how they
lived, what life was like for them, and so much more. It can give an
otherwise lost individual a sense of identity, or it can be an "aha"
moment to others that gives them insights into themselves and their
loved ones. People used to be able to get their answers straight from
the source, like their grandparents who emigrated directly from another
country. For younger generations though, it has become quite a bit
trickier.
Thankfully, in the technology age a little gumption and the
right resources can still get answers into your ancestry. Websites like
familytree.com and
ancestory.com satisfy a new wave of inquisitive minds. Shows like
Who Do You Think You Are?, which aired in 2010 and focused on celebrities, sparked
Roots: Our Journeys Home,
which focuses on everyday people hoping to get answers into their
histories. The problem is that not everyone will get the opportunity to
get answers from a show; for those who cannot, make your next family
vacation one that is devoted to exploring your roots.
There are several details to research when planning a trip
devoted to discovering your heritage, most of which should be started
at home. No one wants to spend their hard earned money vacationing in
libraries or offices seeking answers. You won't even know where to go
until you've laid the groundwork at home first. To get some insights on
how to begin;
your journey starts here.
Photo Credit: CC/Miaow Miaow
Do You Know the Difference between a Passport and a Visa?
When you travel overseas you need to have a passport in order to exit
your country and enter another; sometimes there is also mention of a
travel visa. This tends to confuse many people, because they are unsure
of the
difference between a passport and a travel visa. A passport is a travel document, renewable every ten years, that identifies who you are and what your citizenship is.
A travel visa is a temporary endorsement that is issued by the country
you are visiting; it allows you a specific amount of time in that
country. Immigration from that country may place a sticker or stamp in
your passport that marks the start date of your limited stay, or their
consulate in the U.S. may issue a separate visa document for you to
present to immigration. Not all countries require a travel visa, so it
is important to research your destination before you head out on your
travels. You must also carry a valid passport with at least six months
validity remaining on it in order to qualify for a travel visa. Other
stipulations for obtaining a travel visa may be determined by where you
reside and what type of travel visa you need. U.S. consulates are
spread out across different zones, and what zone you reside in or file
from will determine your stipulations.
If this seems like a complex task, or you just want to ensure
you have understood and followed all the entry requirements for your
destination before you travel, passport expeditor can assist you with
obtaining a travel visa. They walk you through the process, and also
offer expediting services. From start to finish they can complete the
process for you, ensuring you will be ready and prepared by your travel
date. For more information on the process, read on.
How to Take a Vacation That Lasts Six Months
Do
you ever wish you could take a sabbatical from your everyday life and
do something entirely different for a few months? At some point,
everyone has a moment when they fantasize about cashing it in and going
off on an adventure of epic proportions, or stealing away to some
exotic locale to lounge around doing nothing at all. Besides all the
excuses a person can come up with on their own to never let it become a
reality, there's also the little problem of visas. Very few countries
in the world will allow you to stay beyond a maximum of 90 days, many
thwarting your dreams after 60, 30, or even 15 days. The good news is,
if you ever get the gumption to go, there are
six destinations where U.S. citizens can stay for up to six months hassle-free on a tourist visa.
Barbados is one such country, that exotic locale you've been dreaming
about. You can spend 180 days on the island in the Lesser Antilles and
get a full taste of Caribbean culture. Enjoy calypso music while you
swing in your hammock, fruity cocktail in hand. If it's adventure
you're yearning for, surf the Soup Bowl, one of the best waves in the
world.
Maybe a tropical island paradise doesn't do anything for you.
Seek out some real adventure in the Kingdom of Lesotho. Waterfalls
three times as high as Niagara Falls, bearded vultures, dinosaur
footprints, remote mountainous villages, there is plenty for the
adventure traveler to see and do in this tiny country, completely
surrounded by South Africa.
There are four other choices if these two don't rock your
world, two of which aren't that far away. Choose your escape
destination and go back to daydreaming.or start packing your bags.
7 Passport Tips That Make You a Smarter Traveler
If you knew what many frequent travelers, passport expeditors,
and experts in the travel industry know about passports, you would be a
much smarter traveler. As a U.S. citizen, you have one of the most
powerful passports in the world, so it would benefit you to know as
much possible about it. You're probably not going to jump over to the
Department of State passport website and start sifting through the
pages upon pages of technical information to educate yourself, so here
are seven insider secrets gleaned from the website that will make you a
little more passport savvy.
First, if you don't have the required number of blank pages in your
passport to enter a particular country, usually two to four, you may
not be allowed on the plane. This is a big one that blindsides many
ticket-holding passengers at the last minute. In addition, if you don't
have at least
six months validity left on your passport,
you may also be denied boarding. Some countries require either a
minimum number of blank passport pages, or a minimum number of months
the passport remains valid.
Some airlines have a blanket policy where passports must meet these two
criteria for passenger boarding no matter what country they're
traveling to. They're unwilling to incur the costs associated with
passengers being denied entry at their destinations. Countries
frequently change their entry requirements, sometimes based on
reciprocal U.S. entry policies, so this blanket policy some airlines
adopt is in the name of expediency for the airline and the traveler.
Learn the six other passport tips that will make you a better traveler.
Read the original article.
Replace Your Child's Damaged Passport Fast!
The unpleasant part of any travel experience, especially one that you
plan for overseas, is making sure you have everything in order before
you leave. This is especially true when traveling with your children;
one of the biggest hiccups can be when a problem arises with their
passports. Unlike adult passports, children's passports are not
renewable, so when something happens to them you have a mini crisis on
your hands. The most common problem is the passport being damaged in
some way. Damaged passports cannot be used, and due to the
non-renewable policy for children's passports, you'll have to start
their passport process all over again.
While most parents keep their children's passports under their
supervision, let's be honest, kids have a way of getting into things.
Let's assume for argument's sake you happen upon your 5-year-old in the
middle of a work of art that could rival Picasso. As the supportive
parent you are, you look over Junior's shoulder to praise this latest
creation, but upon further inspection discover it is your 14-year-old
son's passport being revamped. Panic starts to set in, because you're
leaving for Greece in less than a week. Try to stay calm; this can be
fixed.
Yes, you will have to start the passport application process
over, but since you are in possession of the damaged passport you can
still get an expedited passport in time for your family vacation. You
will need the services of a registered expeditor and a passport
acceptance agent to make this happen. Read on to see what you need to
do step-by-step to
get a child's passport quickly and get back on track to your Grecian holiday.
3 Ways to Extend Your Stay in Visa-free Countries
If a country demands a
visa for entry, there is little wiggle room for an
extended stay;
when the visa expires, you're out. One exception is visiting visa-free
countries that issue tourist cards at their borders; there are 174
countries in the world that U.S. citizens can travel to in this way.
Perhaps the riskiest option is to simply overstay your visa and
hope for the best. In some countries this is relatively easy if you
stay out of trouble. Within the borders, color copies of the data page
of your passport are widely accepted by police and immigration in the
same way your passport is accepted for proof of identification. Your
data page does not contain information about your date of entry, so
unless you are asked to produce your actual passport (usually because
you're in some kind of trouble already), it may not come up. However,
be prepared to pay hefty fines at the border or airport when you
attempt to leave the country.
In some countries, if you are "out of status" - essentially still in
the country illegally, the consequences are stiff. You can check travel
forums to see what other travelers are saying about a particular
country's immigration enforcement to gauge the risk factors before you
attempt to stay longer. The consequences vary by country for being out
of status, but may include being fined (fines usually must be paid
before exiting the country), deported, prosecuted under the law, or
possibly restricted to a far out date or blacklisted altogether from
returning to the country. This is a pretty risky, not to mention
illegal, option.
If spending time in jail is not a risk you are willing to take,
read on for two far better options than being illegal in someone else's
country.
Insider Tips on Visiting Barcelona
Taking vacations to countries you have never been before can be
exciting and a little scary, that's why many people do extensive
research to see what could possibly be in store for them. One of the
best places to gain insight into other countries is through travel
bloggers' posts on difficulties they encountered and how to avoid them
on your trip. If you are planning to travel to Barcelona there are several tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your vacation while avoiding the most common pitfalls.
If you are planning to see one or all three of the Gaudi sites in
Barcelona, make sure you buy tickets in advance. This will ensure that
you'll be able to get into the places you have been dying to see. Some
popular sites and places only allow a certain number of people in per
day and can be sold out quickly. So, making last minute decisions when
visiting attractions that garner large crowds is a bad idea.
Pre-purchased tickets will not only guarantee that you'll get into the
attraction, but often times you'll also be able to go to the front of
the line.
One of the best parts about traveling to foreign countries is
experiencing their culture, especially their food. When in Barcelona,
make sure to spend some time feasting on their tapas and sangria. This
is a staple in Spain with many Barcelona beachfront restaurants and cafes offering great
selections at even better prices.
Are You Unwittingly Being Electronically Pickpocketed?
In the age of cyber theft, it is becoming increasingly important to
know how to protect yourself against being an unwitting victim of a
cybercrime. According to statistics, of the estimated $100 billion in
global cybercrime costs, 28% are associated with the theft of data
bearing instruments.
Your
e-passport contains an
embedded chip
in the back cover that stores your digitized personal identification
data. In case you aren't sure what that means, it is all the data you
can see on your passport's personal data page (the page with your
photo). In the chip is your digitized photo and chip ID number. When
your passport is scanned at a port of entry, the chip is read by facial
recognition technology, and your personal data pops up.
If you're concerned about threats to the security of your
private information and violations of your right to privacy, you should
be. No security system is foolproof, and for your e-passport
specifically, there are four vulnerabilities you should be aware of.
Cloning, is replacing the chip in your passport with a different one.
If this happens to you, when you approach a border agent, and it is not
your face and information that pops up, there will be problems.
Skimming is wirelessly stealing the information from your passport
without you even being aware of it. Eavesdropping is when your data is
being intercepted while border agents are scanning it. Probably the
creepiest is tracking, where your movements are tracked while you are
carrying your passport.
It may sound like futuristic mumbo-jumbo, but it is very real. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself.
Learn more about why you need a new passport cover.
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