US passport Archives - EbonyTravelers | Tips From The Experienced Traveler

5 tips for international travelers.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jun 26, 2022 | 0 comments

In many travel industry news lately, there has been a resurgence of travel, and international travel is part of that recovery. As the world has sprung back from the many restrictions from the Covid pandemic, so has travel. Covid restrictions have relaxed worldwide, and Americans now have many more travel options. There are many tips I can give if international travel is in your future. But after talking to a few friends currently traveling internationally, here are five tips for international travelers.

QR Codes.

Although many Americans think of the US as the world’s trendsetter, Covid realities have proven that the US trails the world regarding Covid documentation. QR codes in the US are far more uncommon than in many international destinations. Worldwide, digital QR codes allow others to access Covid test results and Covid vaccinations. Many international destinations require this digital proof for entry rather than a photocopied or scanned copy of a vaccination report or test. In many cases, you may be denied entry or turned away from your destination without a QR code, so check the requirements and prepare accordingly.

Visa travel requirements.

Again, many Americans think that the US passport is all that is needed for travel. Although the US passport allows for visa-free travel to many countries, many international destinations require a visa upon entry. In some cases, a visa upon entry into some countries is available. However, many travelers will find the error of not considering visa requirements at the airport check-in when they are denied boarding. Other times they will discover this fact when they are denied entry and never get to leave the airport of the country after hours of travel. Travelers can apply for travel visas at the country’s embassy, consulate, or online. Please ensure you apply when necessary and be aware of scam sites using an online platform.

Travel information.

After years of traveling, it’s amazing how many travelers travel with little travel information. At most international destinations, a landing card or arrival card is required. This card is considered a legal document presented at immigration and used by the country authorities to collect information on passengers entering their country. This includes personal details, flight information, and travel details such as hotel stay with name and address. It’s incredible how many people simply know the destination but not the flight number of the airplane they are traveling on. Please try to have all this information and a pen in your hand-carry luggage when traveling internationally.

WhatsApp messenger service.

While not as common in the US, the WhatsApp messenger service is used worldwide. It only requires Wi-Fi in some cases but may incur international charges based on your cellular plan. Please remember to turn roaming off on your phone to avoid fees. Most importantly, WhatsApp calls are free when connected to the internet. The key to using this service when traveling internationally is downloading and setting up the app before leaving your home country. Additionally, have those you plan to stay in contact with download the app. I have found that calls and chats are easier on the app if the person you are trying to contact is listed in your WhatsApp contacts.

Medication

If you are taking prescription medications, please travel with your prescription bottle and carry medicines in your hand-carry. Many people carry weekly pill carriers with medication they may identify on sight. However, if you ever lose your medication when traveling, having the prescription bottle, which has your identification information and the medication name, will make it much easier to access the replacement medication. In some countries, you may simply go to the pharmacy with the information and bypass seeing a doctor.

These are but five tips that are useful if you’re thinking of international travel. There are many more, so look for future blog posts with even more tips and information. If you found any of these helpful.

Have you ever considered moving to another country?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Feb 6, 2022 | 0 comments

Leaving Singapore 2014

As an immigrant and having been a Singapore ex-pat, it’s not unusual for me to consider moving to another country. While living in Singapore I met and was embraced by many other wonderful African Americans from all over the world. Leaving my Singapore friends back in 2014 to return to the US, was a bittersweet time. Historically you can think of James Baldwin or Josephine Baker, to name just two of the famous black Americans who chose to live their lives overseas. In recent years the term “Blaxit” has become a familiar concept amongst African Americans considering the possibility of living their lives abroad, free from the racism and oppression they face in America. Here are a few realities for Americans who might consider leaving the US to live abroad.

Is the grass greener on the other side?

As fascinating as the concept of Blaxit is, the first step on this journey is to get a passport. I have heard many people talk about living abroad but do not even have a US passport. Additionally, if you don’t have a passport, it means you’ve likely never traveled internationally. How will you know if the destination you are seeking to move to even fits the imagined concepts that you have? Before anyone thinks about leaving the country, I think they should first get some international travel experience to see if the grass is indeed greener on the other side.

Ways to move abroad.

For those who manage to pass the first hurdle the Blaxit process, there are several ways to start the Blaxit journey. Historically, many black Americans have been exposed to living abroad from an overseas military assignment. Many more options are now available such as a student, a government assignment, an employee of a multinational firm, or simply packing up and leaving the country.

Paperwork.

Whatever option you choose, know that a lot of paperwork needs to be completed. Many countries will allow you to visit as a tourist without a visa, but you are often allowed only a certain number of days to stay in the country. After those allotted days and you are still in the country, you will have overstayed your visit and be subject to whatever penalties the country sets. Those penalties could include jail time or a lifetime ban from the country.

Finding work abroad.

If you do not have the income to support your moving choices, you will have to find work. Working overseas is not as simple as applying for a job. Many jobs are reserved for citizens and not immigrants. If you find a job, you will have to obtain a work permit unless you become a citizen. Becoming a citizen is not a simple process as you may have to give up citizenship or become a dual citizen. In some cases, even though you are living abroad, you are still liable for US taxes.

Overall, the Blaxit decision is not an easy one, and there are many more considerations that must be made. There is no simple checklist of things you need to do to move abroad. Careful consideration and a broad review of the paperwork and fees required to complete the process are necessary and individualized. Be informed before considering Blaxit. Have you ever considered living overseas? Please let me know in the comment section below.

How to apply for a US passport?

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Jan 16, 2022 | 0 comments

Traveling expands your life more than anything else, whether domestically or internally. The US is a beautiful country, and there is plenty to see and do, but if you want to travel internationally, you must have a US passport. If you already have a US passport, take a minute to check its expiration date. You must have at least six months of validity on your passport to travel. If you don’t already have a US passport, here are the steps to making sure you have one.

The first step.

If this is your first time applying for a passport, you must apply in person. You can find an application on the US Department of State website that can be downloaded in a PDF or filled out and downloaded online. In addition to the application, you will need proof of citizenship, an original ID and a copy, a recent photo, and payment. If you renew your passport, you can complete the process online unless you are under 16, you got your passport when you were under 16, your passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if your passport was issued more than 15 years ago.

Be informed.

The first step in getting information for your passport is looking up the US Department of State, travel.state.gov. Here you will find all the information on what to expect if you are applying for your first passport, renewing your passport, or need to get an appointment at a passport agency. Many services will charge you a fee to process the passport application, but the application is simple and requires the same information you would provide to a service.

Processing times.

Due to Covid, the timing to receive your passport varies. The Department of State website currently estimates 8 to 11 weeks for a routine application. You can have an expedited service; the timing is at 5 to 7 weeks. To get a passport within three days for a life-or-death emergency, you must have an international travel itinerary within three days, and you must complete the application at an agency by appointment only.

Passport fees.

Passport fees for an applicant over 16 are currently $130 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. If the applicant is under 16, the price for the passport book is $100, and the passport card is $15. To get your passport faster, you can pay $60 for an expedited fee. There is also an option for quick delivery by first-class mail for $18.32 to have your passport delivered in 1 to 2 days after the passport has is ready for delivery. Payments can be by c personal, certified, cashiers, or travelers check. You can use credit and debit cards except for expedited services. Always check with the agency to confirm payment options.

Whether you plan to travel or not, I highly suggest getting your passport. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. In addition, consider a passport card. It’s better to walk around with your passport card than your actual passport. I hope this information helps and encourages you to either get your passport or make sure it’s valid or renewed. Please let me know if you find this information helpful.