Posts Tagged ‘passport book’

Expedited Lost Pass Port Replacement – What To Do

January 25th, 2012

Losing a vital document such as a passport can be a frustrating experience as it is an essential item legally required for traveling outside of the States. Should one experience the unfortunate circumstance of losing the item as a result of carelessness or theft, an expedited lost passport can assist in receiving the travel document in a rush. Specific legal procedure is required for obtaining a replacement document.

The Procedure

The procedure for a new document is dependent on the location of the passport holder in which the travel booklet has gone missing. Should one have upcoming travel plans or find themselves in a foreign country without the legally required document, expedition services can assist in a fast replacement. It is important to begin the replacement procedure as soon as you have noticed that the document has disappeared.

Reporting Loss

The first step in following legal procedure is to contact the United States State Department in reporting the document as missing. If a document has been stolen, a police report is often required to be completed, detailing the situation in which the individual was a victim of theft. In reporting the missing item to the State Department one is taking the necessary precaution in invalidating the document so that it is not used for illegal purposes.

Required Forms

Completion of a number of documents is required in order to receive a replacement passport book. These include the DS-64 form, which requires details surrounding the circumstance for the loss of the document. In submission with DS-64 is the standard application form for a renewal.

Expediting

Should one have plans for traveling in a few days to a week, expedition services can speed up the application process. Whether government or independent expeditors are used, extra charges will apply for the actual application forms as well as the additional services. An independent expeditor provides professional services for obtaining necessary documentation and submitting to authorities while avoiding long procedure.

Foreign Help

Every citizen of America can utilize the State expedition services where individuals who have traveled abroad should consult the closest Embassy or Consulate. Agents are professionals who are able to answer all questions related to applying for a new travel document. Always report the travel booklet as missing to the relevant authorities.

Required Documentation

The disappearance of the travel document within the States requires following procedures similar to those of a first time applicant. Upon submission, one must include the DS-64, DS-11 forms and necessary personal documentation. The additional documents include certified birth certificates, driver’s licenses and photographs that are passport sized.

Expedition services should include placing the designated documents in a letter-sized envelope with expedite written on the front. It is best to select two-way overnight delivery including a letter of authorization if independent expedition services are used. For efficient processing of an expedited lost United States pass port, ensure that all relevant documentation and if necessary a U.S. passport application is correctly completed.

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Adding Pages To Online Passport The Convenient Way

January 5th, 2012

A passport is a document that a person must have in order to move from one country to another. This is because you cannot move freely from one country to another without having this important travelling document. The document usually acts as a permit to visit another country or state. For individuals who travel regularly, the blank pages in the document will reduce, hence creating the need to add more. This article examines the importance of adding pages to passport.

Adding Pages

This process of adding pages is usually coupled by a number of steps that one needs to follow. First, you should be in possession of the original passport book, which has to be valid. The visa has to be certified by the issuer country’s embassy. Remember that for it to be valid it should be usable plus it has to be from a certified visa provider firm.

Forms

The next step is that you should fill in a certain form known as form DS-4085. It is the application for additional visa pages. This document should be filled in using the required legal conditions. One of the legal requirements is that the details must be completely true. After completing the form within the provided time limit, it is now ready to be sent to relevant authorities.

Additional Documentation

The legal requirements state that while forwarding the application form, one has to include other documents. Among the necessities is that the form must be accompanied by your current passport. However, the passport ought to be in use up to a period of not less than nine months.

Payment

In addition, the form should go together with a certain payment. These are fees that an individual is required to pay to the embassy so that the passport can be renewed. You should note that the fee for the entire process varies depending on different factors like the method that was used during the application process.

Additional Options

Most importantly note that there are two methods, you can use in sending your application. Alternatively, you can use online service that is usually faster since you will get feedback quickly after submitting your documents. Another method, you can use is the mailing method that is usually slower and expensive compared to the online method. There is also the option to get a passport card.

Internet Travel Letter

If you use an online service, there is an additional form known as “intent to travel” letter that you must complete. However, one does not have to worry about the regulations because they are all stated in the site. This document must also be sent with the other legal documents required.

Traveling abroad can be for various purposes such as leisure trips, work related trips or study trips. It is not reasonable to take a new passport each time you require to move in or out of a certain country. So, adding pages to U S online passport is a better option and you will therefore need a convenient way to do it. This will save you a lot of struggle and resources. Sometimes all you need is a United States passport card.

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Resources Regarding The Passport Card

July 6th, 2011

In recent years, the United States has released an alternative to the passport. This is what a U S passport card is. It’s a document for travel that’s used to get into the United States at land crossings and ports of entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. This form of ID is cheap and smaller than the passport book. It is a convenient 2nd option for people who do a bit of traveling between these countries by sea or by land. It became available starting July 14th, 2008 and has already been issued to more than 2,700,000 United States citizens.

You must also understand that although the booklet allows for travel between international countries via airplane, the card will only allow for automobile travel and travel by boat. It was made for citizens living on the North and South borders of the US. Those who travel to Mexico and Canada enough require a more convenient form of identification to travel between each country. This card makes it easier to do so without having to apply for an urgent USA Passport.

Inside each one is a chip called the “RFID chip”. This is a chip that is read by vicinity through a certain frequency implanted inside of it. This chip helps to speed up the amount of time it takes for the government to process your ID. It doesn’t have any personal info on it, just a specific number that IDs a government database record.

For those of you that are worried about security, take comfort in the fact that laser engraving and state of the art security features minimize the possibility of counterfeiting and forgery. The card comes with a protective sleeve that prevents the card from being read while not in use. The United States government takes forgery very seriously and has taken all the necessary precautions to protect its citizens from identification theft.

If you want to apply for one, please gather all the required documents. You’re going to need proof of identity and citizenship. Proof of citizenship includes an older, unharmed United States passport, a birth certificate certified by the county, city, or state, a birth abroad consular report or a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization or a citizenship certificate.

Acceptable ID includes older undamaged passports, certificates of naturalization, driver’s license, government identification whether state, city, or federal or a recent military ID. In addition to these papers, you’re going to need to bring a photo that is 2 by 2 inches. Only one photo is required. If you’re ready to fill out your application, print out form DS-11 and fill it out. Then visit one of several application facilities across the nation. Simply search for one in your search engine of choice.

The fee for the application itself is thirty dollars. The execution fee is twenty-five. For minors under the age of 16, the application fee is fifteen dollars and the execution fee is twenty-five.

Once you successfully submit your application, it will typically take four to six weeks to process and be shipped out to you. If you choose the expedited service, it will take two to three weeks. This service typically costs extra.

Be sure to plan your vacation early and apply for your new passport card ahead of time. You don’t want your travel date to come and not have the proper identification, even after applying for an urgent United States passport. Happy traveling!

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Mexico City – An Entertaining Place Unlike Another

July 4th, 2011

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, and it serves as Mexico’s capital city. Famous for the colorful culture that is evident everywhere in the city, the vast amount of history, the delicious food, and for once being the capital of the mighty Aztec Empire. Mexico City is a great place to take a vacation, and if you are considering going there, you will need to get either passports or United States passport cards for your family.

Instead of getting a passport book, you can choose to invest in a passport card instead. They come for much cheaper than a passport book, but they also have a few restrictions you should be aware of. First off, you can only travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean with a passport card. You also can only take a boat or car there, all air travel requires a book. Online passport services make getting passports easy, including getting a U.S. passport for children.

A great place to start your experience in Mexico is Zocalo, one of the world’s largest public squares. Because it’s so large, you should definitely allot a good amount of time to exploring Zocalo. Not only is it famous for it’s size and architectural beauty, but also for it’s famous landmarks and delicious food as well. While you’re in the square, be sure to see the National Palace, the building where Hernan Cortes once lived and where you can see the famous mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera. Also, don’t miss out on the Templo Mayor Museum. This huge archaeological site contains the ruins of what was once the most important temple and the religious center for the entire Aztec Empire, so you don’t want to miss it. It was only recently discovered by accident in 1970, and new things are being uncovered every day.

In gorgeous Chapultepec Park is the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the absolute top anthropology museums in the world. Inside are authentic archaeological artifacts from Mexico’s major native civilizations, such as the Aztec, the Maya, the Olmec, the Golfo, and the Mexica peoples, the ones who inhabited the area long before there were tall buildings and noisy cars. Depending on what you’re interested in, you can explore the bottom floor of the museum, where the archaeological artifacts are, or the second floor, where the more anthropological part of the museum is.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a hub for art and is the most significant cultural center in the entire country of Mexico, as it houses not only an impressive art museum, but it’s also the city’s top performance hall. As absolutely stunning inside as it is on the outside, this art museum houses some of Mexico’s most famous murals, as well as a cafe and a bookstore.

For any lover of culture, anthropology, art, history, or the exciting city scene, Mexico City is a great place to travel to on a trip. Remember you have the option of getting American passport cards instead of the books as well to save you money. If you go online, you can get passports for the whole family, including U S passport for children.

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How to Replace a Lost U.S. Passport Quickly

June 23rd, 2011

Looking for information on how to replace a lost passport swiftly. It is understandable since a lost passport is most frequently noted as lost when a someone is getting ready for an imminent international trip. The effect can be a whole lot of tension and aggravation. It is essential to understand that it is possible replace the last passport in 24 hours if you have to. The following tips will lead you through the procedure.

Register the Loss of the Passport

Unless the passport was already out of date, it is essential that its loss be recorded. You can choose from two options regarding how you want to do this. Calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 may well be the quickest if you can make contact. Agents attend inquiries during the week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The center is not open on weekends and federal holidays. Another means to record the loss is to send in completed form DS-64. The address can be found on the application.

You need to confirm that the passport is, in fact, lost previous to carrying this out. After a passport is documented as lost, the government invalidates it. Passports located later cannot be re-validated.

Applying to Have the Passport Replaced

Replacing the passport demands you apply for a new passport in person. Requirements include application form DS-11 , a couple of passport pictures, proof of United states citizenship, photo ID and a photocopy of the identification document. You also have to present your Social Security card.

Adults must pay an application fee of one hundred and ten dollars while minors that are 15 years old or younger only pay eighty dollars if they are trying to get a passport book. The application fee for a passport card is $30 if you are an adult and $15 if you are a minor. You can apply for both a passport book and a passport card on a single application form. An execution fee of twenty-five dollars must also be paid when applying for a new passport.

Travelers can submit the application form and accompanying documentation at a local passport office. Doing this will enable you to have your application form processed in 4 to 6 weeks if you decide on routine service. You might opt to get the process expedited in order to receive the passport within 2-3 weeks. You are going to pay an extra fee of $60 if you go with this service.

The Fastest Means to Get a Passport Replaced

What are the possibilities if you cannot wait 2-3 weeks to get hold of your passport. The answer is to apply at a regional passport agency. Regional passport agencies provide same day service to US citizens with urgent travel needs. Arrange for an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 toll-free. Get there a few minutes before your appointment, go through security, get a ticket and wait to be called. When your turn comes, present the application and supporting documents to the attending passport agent. You should get the new passport given to you within just a few hours.

No matter if it is a question of convenience or necessity, you can opt for a qualified passport expediting service to submit your application at the regional passport agency.

Unless you reside in the very same city as the passport expediter and prefer to hand deliver the documents, you will have to add the time it takes to mail the packet to the total processing time. Even so, you can replace a lost passport in approximately 1 or 2 days by employing one of these qualified passport expediters.

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Cancun – Planning An Excellent Vacation To Paradise

June 22nd, 2011

At some point in everyone’s life, they wish they could run away to a real tropical paradise like Cancun, with its glinting clear blue water. Perched right on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a world-renowned beach vacation spot, and for good reason. The water is as clear as glass, the sand is pure white, and there is so much to do. If you are craving a trip to paradise, Cancun can delivery. You will just need a pass port cards or passport book before you leave, but that’s easily taken care of online.

There’s another perk to traveling to Cancun that many forget to consider. Travel to to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean means you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, and passport cards are much cheaper than the book. However, you can only travel to these places by boat or car. If you decide to take an airplane, then you’ll need to get a passport book. Fill out a passport online application to get through the process quicker and more easily, and with expedited passport delivery, you can be in Cancun in just a few days.

Naturally people flock to Cancun for the gorgeous beaches. Sunbathing on the bleach-white sand and swimming in the clear blue water is something that can be done all day, every day. One interesting thing about Cancun beaches are the local vendors who walk around selling their handmade sarongs, jewelry, and seashells. Another interesting fact is that even though it can get pretty warm in Cancun, the sand stays cool because it’s made of ground-up coral, as opposed to the silica-based sand we have on our beaches. The coral doesn’t absorb heat, and therefore doesn’t burn your feet.

Don’t miss out on taking a ferry to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, two very gorgeous places. Ultramar offers a very pleasant ferry service. While the beaches on these islands make for excellent day trips, they offer even more. Isla Mujeres has an ecological water park named Garrafon that is worth visiting. Cozumel has it’s own nature preserve, Chankanaab National Park.

The Mayan empire spread over much of what is Central America and Mexico, with the heart of the empire in the Yucatan Peninsula. This means that Cancun is near some breathtaking Mayan ruins that make for great ways to learn a little about the area’s history and culture. One very close to the hotels along the beach is El Rey Ruins, where Mayans lived from around 900-1550 AD. The name – El Rey – means “The King,” and it got this name from the large ceremonial mask, sculpture of a noble man, and a skull meant as a gift to the god associated with the sun. In this ruin, there are 47 structures in all, with two very impressive large ones, and be sure to look out for the population of iguanas and peacocks. If you are interested in seeing more Maya sites, there are plenty located a little outside the area, and they are certainly worth seeing.

If you need an escape to paradise, Cancun is only a short distance away. While these are some good suggestions, be sure to also check out the opportunity to swim with dolphins, take a horseback ride on the beach, and feed sharks and touch sea urchins at the Interactive Aquarium. Before you can escape, however, you need to get your pass port cards. Once you fill out a United States passport online application, all that’s left is to plan your trip in gorgeous Cancun.

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Mexico City – Historic Societal History Inside Of A Town Setting

May 21st, 2011

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, and it features a little bit for any vacationer: ancient archaeological areas, a vibrant cultural background, a fascinating historical record, an exciting city feel, interesting markets, and tons of opportunities to do something fun. This city is built on what used to be Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the Aztec empire. This means that people have been living here for a very long time, which means it’s not surprising that it has evolved into one of the most populated cities in the world, with about 20 million people living there. It makes for a great vacation destination, but your family will need passports or pass port cards before you can cross the border.

All a passport card is, is an alternative to the passport book with some benefits and with some drawbacks. A passport card resembles the other cards in your wallet, and it only costs about $45, much cheaper than the standard passport. In order to use it, you can only be traveling to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, and it can only be by boat or car. All plan travel requires a passport. If you think this is the best option for you, go online and check out online passport service. From these sites, you can get your first passport, replace a pasport lost, get a replacement passport, and any other passport service you might need.

You will find that historical landmarks are scattered all throughout the city, and this makes it fun to just explore. One very important spot is Plaza de la Constitución, also known by locals as Zocalo. This huge square is the second largest in the world, right behind the famous Red Square in Moscow. In the square are several must-see landmarks, including the National Palace, the City Hall, and the Cathedral. This Cathedral is the largest in the Americas, and if you go inside, you will see an altar made completely out of gold. The Basílica de Guadalupe, located outside the Plaza, is known as the holiest Catholic place in the Americas.

The Templo Mayor is easily the most historically and culturally important landmark in the city. This was once the central hub of the Aztec empire, and many very important ceremonies and religious rites took place on the Templo Mayor. Excavated only recently, archaeologists are constantly digging up new and interesting artifacts that give us a glimpse into the life of the Aztecs. The Templo Mayor is a huge component of Mexican history. Teotihuacan is an ancient city that the Aztecs called The City of the Gods. Now it is a very important archaeological site, especially because it is where the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest pyramid by volume in the world, is located.

Another interesting area to visit is the Chapultepec Park and Zoo. In this area, you will also find the Museum of Anthropology, which contains a very extensive collection of artifacts, and a few other museums and attractions. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a gorgeous theatre with world-famous murals on the walls. Concerts and other performing arts happen here, making it a great way to spend an evening.

No matter what sort of experience you are looking to have in Mexico City, you will be able to do it. Just don’t forget your family’s passport cards. Also remember that you can get passport service online if you are in need of a new passport, if your U S online passport lost, and much more.

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Mexico – The Remains Of The Infamous Historic Aztec Empire

May 20th, 2011

The indigenous influence in Mexico and the countries and areas surrounding it is instrumental to its history, much like here in the US. There are still mighty ancient cities standing, people are still speaking the ancient languages, and much ancient art is still on display around Mexico. The culture in modern Mexico is still so saturated with that of ancient indigenous people, and they are very proud of their heritage and for good reason. The ancient sites rival those of anywhere else in the world. If you ever make your way into Mexico or Central America, definitely take the time to stop and see these sites. Before you do, you will have to get an urgent passport or US passport card first.

Passport cards are a relatively new addition to the world of travel documents, and you will see just how convenient they are. Not only are they much cheaper than passports at only $45. The passport card differs from the regular passport book in that it can only be used for certain areas and only if you decide to drive or take a boat in. If you go by plane, you will have to use the regular book. Also, it can only be used to travel to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It’s also very easy to apply for an online US passport, which means you will not have to travel anywhere to apply for one.

The borders of modern-day Mexico encompass an area that once included both the Aztec and Maya empires. The capital city of Mexico – Mexico City – is actually the exact location of the ancient Aztec Capital city of Tenochtitlan. In the middle of Mexico City is the ruins of what was the famous Templo Mayor. They’ve only recently excavated it, and new things are still being discovered all the time. That being said, it’s probably one of the most important locations in all of the empire, making it a very important stop if you are interested in the indigenous heritage.

Teotihuacan is a very important and very famous Aztec ruin. The Aztecs believed that this was the place where the universe was created by the gods, and it contains some of the largest monuments in the world. The famous Pyramid of the Sun, the third largest pyramid in the world, is located here. The city itself is bigger than Rome. The main thoroughfare is called the Avenue of the Dead, and the Pyramid of the Moon sits at one end, while the Citadel is at the other. Definitely be sure to also see the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, which features feathered serpents in the stone.

A little ways outside of Mexico City is Cholula. Cholula and its citizens played a very important rule in the formation and history of the Aztecs. It was also the location of a brutal massacre by Cortes on his way to Tenochtitlan. The Great Pyramid of Cholula is found here. This pyramid is the biggest man-made monument by volume on the planet.

Mexico is full of indigenous history and it has shaped the country in countless ways. Before you go, be sure to have your urgent U S passport. Make things easier for yourself and apply for an online U S passport. Online passport services make the process quick and painless.

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An Introduction To USA Passport Cards

December 15th, 2010

Some of the most valuable memories I have ever made come from traveling. Traveling is such a valuable experience. Going beyond what you know and visiting a place where the people and the culture are different creates experiences that can’t be created any way else, and I honestly believe traveling is a very special experience. However, it’s easy to get discouraged. Sometimes it can get expensive, especially when costs associated with passports, plane tickets, and accommodations add up. However, there are some changes you can make. For example, you don’t have to go very far to meet different people, and the pasport ID card can help get you there.

Since July, 2008, passport cards have been an alternative form for travel documentation for citizens of the United States. In it’s earliest form, passport cards were known as the People Access Security Service, aka, the PASS card. The passport card works a lot like the typical passport book does, but it does have a few restrictions. If you are going to use the passport card for travel, you can only travel to places that are either connected by land to the United States, are close to the United States, or are under the United States government: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.

A passport card just looks like a typical card you would carry in your wallet. This particular travel card was made for those whose jobs or whatever take them over the borders or through sea ports often, and this explains another special rule. If you decide to travel with a passport card, it can only be by land or sea travel. International air travel requires the passport book in order to be granted access.

This card does a little more than other cards in your wallet. For example, it features a vicinity-read radio frequency identification, or RFID, chip. This chip, however, doesn’t carry any of your personal information on it. It only contains a special number used to identify you in a government database. Some worry that because it’s just a card, it can be easily forged or manipulated. However, a special laser is used to engrave it, along with other high-tech procedures, making forgeries and fakes easy to spot. The card even comes with a very special sleeve to keep it in, ensuring that no one can read your card illegally.

This RFID technology is seen in many other parts of daily life. For example, it’s what your car key uses to unlock your car and not every other car in the parking lot. It’s also used in some bank cards, in highway toll tags, and security access cards.

Passport cards are like passport books in some ways. It’s basic function is the same: to get you into countries outside of our own. Also like a passport book, the passport card has a date of expiration. If you are under the age of 18, your passport card expires in five years while someone over 18′s passport card expires after ten years.

You can apply for a U.S. passport card ID either in person or online. Online passport services specialize in expediting passports and passport cards, along with other passport services. If you need a passport card, these websites have an application. And if your documents are expired, you’ll need forms for online passport renewal. It’s all done straight from your computer, making traveling a breeze and vacations a reality.

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Canada Is Calling: Encounter Its Endless Natural Features

November 16th, 2010

Canada, our closest neighbor to the north, is full of fun possibilities for you and your family to experience. Everywhere you turn holds another discovery, whether it’s Canada’s long colorful history or a testament to their rich heritage. With the recently new creation of the American passport card, families can access Canada’s treasure trove of fun family experiences without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a place to take your family without spending too much, Canada offers tons of exciting opportunities.

The history of Canada starts with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians almost 27,000 years ago. Ever since then, Canada has become shaped and adapted by its native Aboriginal peoples, and that cultural influence is still felt today all over Canada. Traditional music, art, and Aboriginal languages are still seen and heard in even Canada’s most urban areas, showing their widespread impact and homage to their country’s first inhabitants. The Aborigines can be credited with the invention of the canoe, maple syrup, tobacco, lacrosse, and many other things that have become fully integrated into Canadian, as well as American, society.

Canada is only a road trip away; no need to purchase airplane tickets or rent a car, making it a great place for a family vacation. The passport card, a new variation of the original passport book, allows a family to travel for much cheaper than usual. The passport card, available for $30, is a fourth of the price of a passport book, and allows a family to travel by land or sea for less money. Saving this money helps reduce the cost of vacation, making a relaxing get away that much more accessible.

Canada’s rugged terrain makes for a great adventure with your whole family. Arctic safaris, as they are called, take you to a side of Canada many haven’t seen in Somerset Island, Nunavut. You can dig for fossils, hear belugas singing to each other, or see the seals playing in the water. Pitch your super-duty tent and try to stay up until the sun sets, which is at 2 am! Or, stay up even later and try to catch a glimpse of an aurora dancing in the sky.

Montreal is the place is to go if you crave the nightlife scene. World famous clubs and lounges line the streets and performances are always in motion. Delicious food is served in chic restaurants around the clock. See the Cirque du Soleil and bask in the Montreal’s vibrant cultural atmosphere. If you want to party in style, then Montréal is your city.

Of course you can’t visit Canada without seeing Niagara Falls. A world famous landmark, Niagara Falls is something the whole family can do together. Take the Maid of the Mist and get super soaked under the falls, or take an exhilarating helicopter ride above the falls. However you experience it, Niagara Falls will make any excursion into Canada a very memorable experience.

Although Canada is so close, its unique characteristics make it the perfect travel destination. You can feel like you’re experiencing a whole new world without having to step foot on a plane. All you need is a U S passport card and some warm clothes, and Canada will be sure to make it memorable. Whatever you’re looking for – adventures, relaxation, family time – Canada can offer it. If you and your family need a get-away, grab your U S passport and pack the car. Canada is calling.

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