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PASSPORT UPDATES

 

What is REAL ID?

In 2005 Congress passed the REAL ID Act which enforces a minimum security standard for states when issuing licenses. The REAL ID Act was developed to create safer travel by working to eliminate the incidence of falsified identification. 

Due to a deadline extension to October 2020 (originally January 2018) every passenger has a big more time to present a REAL ID compliant driver's license or ID card or alternate acceptable form of identification for air travel. If your state is not compliant with the REAL ID program your state issued driver's license or ID will NOT be accepted after the current October 2020 deadline. Those traveling with a valid passport (which is recommended) will not be affected by this issue. Travelers can remain up-to-date on REAL ID rules and regulations by visiting the TSA or Department of Homeland Security websites regularly.

For more information on REAL ID please visit the Department of Homeland Security's website at: www.dhs.gov/real-id

Passport Fee Increased in 2018

On January 31, 2018, the Department of State published a final rule that will increase the passport execution fee from $25 to $35, effective on April 2, 2018. The fee increase does not apply to individuals who renew their passport through the mail using the DS-82 form. But it does apply to applicants using the DS-11 form, which is the form used by:

First time applicants over 16
Children under 16
People who reapply after reporting their passport as lost or stolen

According to the Department of State, the final rule is a result of two studies conducted by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and the U.S. Postal Service, which determined that the $25 execution fee was not enough to cover the cost of processing a passport. For passport books, the price will go up from $135 to $145 for adults and from $105 to $115 for individuals 16 years or younger. Even though the price increase is small, it’s always helpful to be informed of changes.
 

To Travel, or Not to Travel....

Mexico Vacations

There has been quite a bit of back-and-forth regarding vacations to Mexico in the past few years. Many travelers are worried about the variety of articles, news stories and opinions that have been released. Making the decision to plan a getaway to Mexico is much like any other vacation. You must weigh the pros and cons of the destination you're seeking to visit. There are concerns with any location (even here at home in the U.S.) and due diligence is necessary to ensure you feel both comfortable and secure in your final stance. Learn a bit more about this matter by visiting the sites below:


STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS AGAINST MEXICO TRAVEL, BUT IS IT UNSAFE?


MEXICO TRAVEL ADVISORY

 
Dominican Republic Vacations

Recent events in the Dominican Republic have resulted in scores of travelers electing to cancel or revise their planned vacations to the destination. While travelers are encouraged to explore with safety at the forefront, it's important to gather as much valid information as possible and to assess the positive and negative points for yourself in order to make a well informed decision. To learn more about the current travel advisories for the Dominican Republic visit the site below:


TRAVEL ADVISORIES: THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC