Tag: Passport

No Passport Needed! Experience The Best Of The Florida Keys Only 1 Hour From The Airport
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When you think of the ideal vacation, what comes to mind? Europe, the beach, a ski trip, camping… something else?

Whatever comes to mind, a common theme most of us share when planning a getaway is that we want it to be easy. We stress enough in our normal lives, so why should we stress on vacation?

Well imagine stepping off a plane and into a tropical paradise just an hour later.

No long-haul flights, no customs lines, no jet lag. Just the warm sun, the gentle breeze, and the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys.

This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality that awaits at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.

Playa Largo from above 🤩

Back Again and Again

The first time I took a trip to the Keys was another lifetime ago when I was about 12. We road-tripped all the way to Key West from Louisville, Kentucky.

I remember loving every second, and I’ve been back several times since! The most pleasant things in life are worth endlessly repeating, and The Keys are no exception.

Last year was another road trip, but this year I had the great pleasure of checking out Playa Largo.

And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

This was my favorite shot I took of Playa Largo. It shows two of my favorite parts: the pool and the overwater cabanas. Pics like these make me glad I bought a drone!

While I like to see different sections of The Keys each time I go, I’ll be tempted to simply book a week at Playa Largo next time.

Why, you ask?

I have 5 main reasons…

1) Easy, Breezy, Beautiful… Playa Largo

Sometimes, the best things in life are the hardest to attain. Advanced degrees, chiseled abs, fancy cars… you get my point.

But sometimes, the best things are ridiculously easy, like a Playa Largo getaway!

Not only do you not need a passport to visit this gorgeous property, but you’ll be spoiled for flight options since Miami is so well connected (there are 80+ direct connections in the U.S.).

Once you land, Playa Largo is only about an hour away by car.

Talk about easy to reach!

2) Luxury Redefined, Nature Inspired

Sounds pretty buzzwordy right? Still, I mean it!

Playa Largo felt luxurious in a different way than most resorts, and that’s partly because of how much they went out of their way to preserve the natural environment when building the property.

I stayed in one of the Bungalows, and every time I walked to my room, I felt like I was walking on a gorgeous wooded path in the jungle.

But don’t let the ‘isolation’ fool you. While I felt worlds away in my room, I was only ever steps away from the beach, the pool, the amazing restaurants, and the gym.
I had the world at my fingertips while feeling like I had the whole resort to myself.

The Bungalows have 2 levels, and a full service kitchen. It really feels like you are in your own little home during your stay.

Best of all, when you stay in a Bungalow, you get breakfast brought to your room every day!

Talk about luxury… I didn’t need anything more than a robe to get my breakfast and coffee each morning.

Here were some of the top things I loved about staying in a Bungalow at Playa Largo:

Daily breakfast: Wake up, don your robe, walk to your front door… breakfast awaits!

Full kitchen: While I didn’t take advantage on this trip, I typically like to cook a few meals for myself when traveling, making this room perfect.

HUGE Master Suite: You know how I said the Bungalow was 2 floors? Well, the top one is the Master, the whole floor! Nothing screams luxury like a massive room with an equally massive master bath.

Giant Tub: I literally never take a bath at home, but when in Rome… anytime I stay somewhere with an amazing looking tub I have to try it out, and Playa Largo takes the cake! The tub even had a little tray with everything you need to make for a relaxing time in the tub.

Privacy: The second I reached my “Room” (it’s really more of a house if we’re honest), I felt like I had total privacy. Even drinking coffee on my balcony in the mornings felt private since I was surrounded by trees.

2 of my favorite things. My Travel Pro bag and the bungalows at Playa Largo!

3) Adventure Awaits, Relaxation Beckons

I don’t know what your typical vacation looks like, but I prefer to have a bit of it all. I like adventure, and I like relaxing.

I want to be able to get my heart pumping if the mood strikes and to tune out and turn my brain off too.

This was easy at Playa Largo, and part of the reason I’m keen to head back.

One of my favorite parts of the property, which made for a relaxing time, was the floating cabanas. We had a cabana reserved for the afternoon and took full advantage!

When you book one, you get a cooler with some drinks already picked out, a Bluetooth speaker, and full service as if you are at a restaurant, meaning you can even order your lunch out to the cabana.

I loved being able to have my feet in the water while floating on the ocean and eating lunch in the shade.

Good music, good company, good drinks… all on the water!

Another highlight of my stay was Playa Largo’s Eventide, a celebration of the shift from day to night.

Think live music, special drinks, and fun activities! One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was a table where you could write something you were stressed or worried about on a piece of paper, and then you toss it into a firepit that gets lit and pulled out into the water.

I’d tell you what I wrote, but I don’t want to bring the worries back 😂.

Watching my worries burn away 🔥

Some of my other favorite activities (both adventurous and relaxing) included:

Sound Bathing Meditation: We enjoyed a guided meditation on the beach with singing bowls. It was the perfect way to start the day, and really set the tone for a day of relaxation. For those seeking a wellness getaway, you’re in luck! Playa Largo is hosting ReFLEXions September 13-15 which will have wellness classes, spa experiences, and motivational sessions to achieve the reset so many of us need!

Snorkel Trip: Playa Largo has a catamaran right on site operated by Caribbean Watersports, so it was super easy for us to go out for a snorkel session! I love any excuse to get underwater, and this was one of my favorite activities of the trip.

Massage: What more is there to say? You can never go wrong with a massage! I went with the Ocean Spa Signature Fusion Massage and practically melted into the table. As a daily laptop user, it was amazing to have a week of respite from my constant neck pain after such a great massage.

I couldn’t not snap a pic with these! Very cool experience.

4) Culinary Journeys, No Passport Required

Just saying it again… you don’t need a passport or long flights to enjoy amazing destinations!

And you certainly don’t need one to enjoy the incredible food on offer at Playa Largo.

I could write a whole article about the amazing food here, and I’m getting hungry typing this out…

My favorite dining experience was definitely the Evening Water Table (check it out here).

Something about walking into the water to sit at your dinner table made the whole experience that much more special.

While the sun set behind us, we enjoyed cocktails and appetizers before ordering our mains. If it’s something you like, I highly recommend the Pork Belly Chicharron.

Be sure to dress for the occasion! I accidentally wore pants that were difficult to roll up and ended up getting them a bit wet. WORTH IT!

Plus, the Bungalows had a washer and dryer, so it was a non-issue.

To top it all off, the experience comes with a mini Polaroid camera to capture the moment so you can take it with you when you are done.

One thing that really stuck out about Playa Largo was how attentive they were in making sure you walked away with memories of your stay.

Staff were quick to offer to snap pictures for you, and even quicker to make sure you were always having the best time.

Wine and S’mores are a surprisingly good mix!

A few more of my favorite culinary delights were:

Tropical Mixology Class: The very first night at Playa Largo, we jumped right into a mixology class with the head bartender, and it kicked off a new hobby! I had so much fun that making cocktails has become a weekly adventure. I still make the Hemingway Daquiri a lot (a Playa Largo fave), and have the ingredients on hand at all times!

Summer Nights Chimenea: After our water dining experience, we capped off the night by making s’mores and sipping on delicious wine around a few Chimeneas. It was a great opportunity to chat around the fires while enjoying some delicious treats!

5) Key Largo’s Charms At Your Doorstep

Finally, don’t forget to leave the property (even though you may not want to!). Key Largo and nearby Islamorada have plenty to explore.

Grab a bite at the world-famous Fish House or head to Islamorada to visit the Florida Keys Brewing Company.

We toured the brewery last year and loved spending an evening there. The beer is great and the vibes are off the charts.

Live music, local artists, and psychedelic décor await!

If you have the chance and you are certified, Key Largo also has fantastic diving. It’s easy diving, as pretty much anywhere you go in the Keys is going to be shallow.

The best way to try out a few beers is to order a flight. The darker one was my fave!

Paradise Is In Your Backyard, Your Key Largo Escape Awaits!

Playa Largo was an amazing stay and allows travelers to embrace the charm of the Florida Keys without the hassle of long-distance travel.

Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or the perfect blend of both, Playa Largo has you covered!

I already can’t wait to go back, and love to chat about past adventures! If you want to know more or have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly at tyler@traveloffpath.com.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Playa Largo Resort, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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August 30, 2024
No Passport, No Problem! 3 Destinations Where American Travelers Can Still Go

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Last Updated 44 mins ago

Ever since the first signs of travel started returning to normal, people around the world have been eager to finally take their long-awaited vacations, which has led to an increase in passport renewals.

With more and more countries easing all restrictions, travelers are now booking trips in record numbers.

Increased demand for passports in the United States has led to a backlog in applications, increased processing times, and wait periods of up to 2-3 months.

The U.S. Department of State suggested that Americans might see even more delays as summer travel approaches.

Even with a passport in hand, some countries require your passport to have at least six months of validity beyond the departure date, a specific number of blank pages left in your passport, or even a visa that you must apply for beforehand.

Whatever the case, Americans have options that don’t require a passport other than a great American road trip.

Although that is well worth consideration, if you’re craving that overseas feeling without the need for a passport, you’re in luck.

The United States has a handful of breathtaking territories scattered across the Caribbean and Pacific that are accessible to Americans – no passport needed.

These territories offer a unique blend of American culture and local traditions, stunning beaches, and lush landscapes.

Here’s where Americans can travel off the mainland without a passport:

Puerto Rico

Traveling to Puerto Rico offers an enticing mix of sun and sand, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.

The island’s tropical climate means warm temperatures and occasional showers but also lush greenery and blooming flowers.

The summer months of June to August are considered the high season for tourists, so be prepared for both higher temperatures and bigger crowds.

However, there are many festivals and events taking place during this time, including the San Juan Bautista Festival celebrations in June.

It’s a great time to bask on the island’s beautiful beaches, try out the local cuisine, and explore the historic sites and colorful streets of Old San Juan.

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For a quieter time, you can consider the islands of Culebra and Vieques, which are both a short ferry ride from Puerto Rico’s eastern coast.

Although nearby, these islands see less tourist traffic and offer some incredible natural beauty.

Both islands are covered in nature reserves, with Vieques being home to an impressive bioluminescent bay as well as wild horses roaming the beaches.

The U.S. Virgin Islands

Right next door to Puerto Rico you’ll find the U.S. Virgin Islands (not to be confused with the neighboring British Virgin Islands).

The archipelago is made up of several islands and cays, with the three main islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John being the largest.

Although they are in the same geographical area as Puerto Rico, summer is actually the low season here, giving visitors the best deals on hotels as well as fewer crowds.

While all three islands share a rich cultural heritage, each has its own unique characteristics.

St. Thomas, the most populated of the three, is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, diversity, and vibrant nightlife scene. Aside from its luxury shopping and dining options, it also has historical sites such as Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle.

St. John has a more laid-back, eco-friendly vibe, with a focus on preserving its natural beauty. The island is smaller and more secluded, with over 60% of its land designated as a national park. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and ecotourism activities.

St. Croix, the largest, offers a mix of historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Its blend of African, Danish, and French influences results in a distinct cultural fusion.

Visitors to St. Croix can try local rum, go horseback riding, or explore the Buck Island Reef National Monument.

All three islands offer opportunities for sunbathing on the sandy beaches or activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The Northern Mariana Islands

The most underrated – and possibly even unknown – destination on this list is the Northern Mariana Islands.

Part of the Mariana Archipelago, the 14 islands are located in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. (Guam, although part of the same archipelago, is a separate territory and does require a passport to enter.)

This off-the-beaten-path tropical paradise provides opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and peace and tranquility.

Like St. Croix, the Northern Mariana Islands also have a unique blend of cultural influences, including Micronesian, American, and Asian.

Visitors can watch traditional dance performances, indulge in the cuisine, and enjoy local crafts.

Of course there’s also plenty of diving and snorkeling to be done, as well as historical sites offering a look into the island’s World War II past.

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April 18, 2023
How To Renew Your U.S. Passport Online In Under 15 Minutes
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Last Updated 8 hours ago

After the launch of a successful pilot program last fall, many Americans are now able to renew their passport online in 15 minutes or less.

The U.S. Department of State began trialing the online renewal system last September with the goal of making it a permanent program in 2023.

In November 2022, the online renewal system opened up to the general public, and as of January 2023, it’s still available.

Here’s what you need to know about renewing your U.S. passport online:

Why Renew Your Passport Online?

Previously, the only way to renew your passport was in-person or by mail. Renewing online saves lots of time and is less hassle.

Last year, passport processing times stretched to 11 weeks or more due to a backlog. This does not include mailing time and the estimated processing time only began once the agency received your passport application.

Source: U.S. Department of State

This year, the U.S. Department of State has shortened the processing time for passport renewals, in part thanks to the new online system.

Right now, you can expect to wait 6 to 9 weeks for routine processing and 3 to 5 weeks for expedited processing.

Renewing your passport costs $130 for routine processing and an additional $60 for expedited processing.

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The cost is the same whether you are renewing your passport online, by mail, or in person. Since it’s the same price and since it eliminates mailing time, renewing your passport online is by far the easiest option.

Who Is Eligible?

Not everyone is eligible to renew their passport online. However, many Americans will be able to, provided they meet the following criteria, which is provided by the U.S. Department of State:
1. You are over 25, and your last passport had a 10 year validity.
2. Your last passport was issued less than 15 but over 9 years from the date you are going to submit your application. Your passport is allowed to be expired.
3. You are not changing your gender, name, date or place of birth.
4. You aren’t traveling out of the country for at least six weeks from the date you will turn in your application.
5. You are applying for a standard passport as a tourist only. Special passports like diplomatic passports online.
6. You live in the U.S. (territories count as well).
7. You physically have your passport, and it is in good condition and undamaged, and it isn’t lost or stolen.
8. You can pay for your passport with ACH from your bank or with a credit or debit card.
9. You are able to upload a JPG version of your passport photo.
10. You know that as soon as you submit your application, you cannot use your current passport for traveling out of the country because it will be immediately invalidated.
Note that you are only able to renew your passport online. If you have never had a passport, you cannot apply for one online.

How To Renew Your Passport Online

If you meet all of the criteria above, you can renew your passport online. It’s a simple process that takes less than 15 minutes.

All you’ll need to do is follow the steps on this page from the U.S. Department of State.

Source: U.S. Department of State

You will need to register for a MyTravelGov account, then wait up to 24 hours for the “Renew Passport” button to appear in your account.

At that point, you will fill out a simple application. You’ll need your old passport on hand so you can provide your passport number, issue date, and expiration date.

You’ll also need a digital passport photo to attach. This just needs to be a photo of yourself with dimensions of at least 600×600 pixels against a plain white background. You can see the full photo requirements here.

After that, you’ll just need to pay the $130 processing fee (add $60 for expedited processing) and wait for your new passport to arrive!

All in all, the process takes no more than 15 minutes.

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January 30, 2023
Americans Can Travel To These Destinations Without A Passport
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Last Updated 37 seconds ago

With Covid and travel restrictions starting to feel more like yesterday’s news, travel is finally picking up after two years of being placed on an indefinite hold. Whether it’s domestic or international tourism, demand is back to pre-pandemic levels, and millions of Americans are eager to jet off to nearest paradise destination.

Even as the world reopens, travelling internationally still comes with its own set of non-Covid related rules tourists must observe. Those can range from holding a passport that will not expire within the next six months, to presenting proof of having enough financial resources and insurance covering the whole duration of the trip.

These are some of the most common requirements imposed on travelers by foreign countries, with the aim of strengthening their external borders and ensuring that those applying for an entry permit are genuine visitors. Naturally, U.S. citizens remain subject to these same entry rules, which can vary quite a lot depending on the destination.

Luckily, there are a handful of places where U.S. citizens enjoy (far) greater privileges, including being allowed to travel without a passport – and no, we are not about to remind you that Hawaii and Alaska, albeit remote, are still states within the Federation. Surprisingly, holding an ID card other than a passport can still get you much farther away.

More specifically, there are currently 7 destinations Americans can access just as smoothly as entering their own country, with no excessive bureaucracy! Ready to find out how far your status as a U.S. citizen can take you? Here’s the complete list of countries and territories accepting Americans, regardless of being passport holders:

International Destinations

Mexico
- Certain types of ID are valid for land crossings
- Air arrivals must still carry a passport at all times
A little known-fact among travelers, Mexico in fact allows U.S. citizens to enter the country without holding a passport, as long as they travel via land. In order to be eligible, Americans must hold either a passport card, a Trusted Traveler ID (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST cards), or a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).

Similarly to a passport, a U.S. passport card includes its holder’s name, photo, birthplace and date of birth, a unique identification number for the purpose of verification, and an issue and expiry dates. The big difference is they are much more affordable than regular passports, costing only $30 to apply instead of $130.

Trusted Traveler Cards, on the other hand, are documents issued to ‘low-risk travelers’ for expedited clearance when traveling between the United States and Mexico. Alternatively, those residing in Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, New York and Washington can apply for an EDL in the unlikely event they are driving all the way South to Mexico.

For those in the Southern U.S. hitting the road this summer, there are innumerable destinations in Mexico in close proximity to the border. One of our favorites include the seaside retreat of Puerto Peñasco, a city located in the state of Sonora, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and only a short three and a half hour drive away from Phoenix, Arizona.

Other border cities include the vibrant Tijuana, 20 miles south of San Diego, and Ciudad Juárez, part of a trans-border agglomeration with the Texan city of El Paso, though no U.S. state bordering Mexico issues EDLs as of now. Although Mexico allows Americans to enter with other forms of ID via land, passports are still the only valid document for air arrivals.

Canada
- Several ID cards are accepted for both land and air arrivals
- 180-day entry permit still applies to U.S. citizens
Sharing the longest international border in the world, the United States and Canada have multiple bilateral agreements that allow facilitated travel for each others’ citizens. Unlike all other foreigners, who either need a tourist visa or a Travel Authorization to enter Canada, Americans can visit the country simply by presenting a valid ID card.

This includes a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card: these can all be used on any transportation mode, such as flights, cars, ferries, trains, and buses. Conversely, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses or FAST cards are only accepted at land and sea borders. Americans are reminded they can stay in Canada for up to 180 days, per entry, regardless of the ID they use.

Countless destinations in Canada are located close to the U.S. border, or a stone’s throw away from a number U.S. cities, making cross-border trips incredibly easy. A prime example of that is the Niagara Falls, a world wonder shared by both countries and sandwiched between Buffalo, in the state of New York, and Niagara Falls (the city), in Ontario.

Spending a long weekend in the metropolitan Vancouver, or any of the quaint, historical towns that are part of Canada’s British Columbia province, is also quite feasible for residents of the U.S. state of Washington, while New England, especially the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine enjoy direct road links to the French-English bilingual Quebec.

Other U.S. Territories
- National U.S. issued ID cards are valid documentation in all transportation modes
- Starting May 3, 2023, REAL ID will be required
Beyond the mainland, the U.S. has a collection of unincorporated territories with their own distinct culture and national identities. Despite not being considered U.S. states, these overseas areas are an integral part of the country, meaning all Americans traveling from the continent are welcome – with or without passports.

When traveling from the U.S. to any of these territories, Americans are only required to present a valid ID. Starting May 3, 2023, all air travelers 18 years of age and older will be required to present REAL ID for flying within the U.S., such as a verifiable, REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued EDL, or ordinary U.S. passports.

The U.S. territories accepting national ID cards for travel are:

Puerto Rico

One of America’s favorite Caribbean destinations, Puerto Rico has recently dropped all Covid vaccination and testing requirements for mainland arrivals, allowing domestic visitors to enter restriction-free. Additionally, as it is an unincorporated U.S. territory, the island does not expect mainland Americans to carry a passport for identification.

Several nonstop flights to Puerto Rico are available from every major U.S. city, including Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Forth Worth, Miami, New York and Philadelphia, just to name a few. Some of the most famous landmarks include the colorful Old Town In San Juan and Spanish colonial fortresses.

U.S. Virgin Islands
- St John
- St. Croix
- St. Thomas
Like Puerto Rico, the triad of Caribbean islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands archipelago are open with no health requirements. Luckily, there are direct flights to St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas from cities like New York, Miami, Washington, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Baltimore (and many more).

Right now, all that Americans need when traveling to U.S. Virgin Islands is a driver’s license, or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, when not in possession of other travel documents. From May 2023, REAL ID requirements will start applying to air passengers visiting the archipelago.

Guam

Ever heard of the small, picturesque Micronesian island that is Guam? It may be more challenging, and somewhat more expensive to visit than other destinations on this list, but it is yet another tropical hotspot allowing U.S. citizens to visit completely visa-free, and without requesting new passports in advance: national IDs are more than enough.

A U.S. overseas territory, it is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful beaches, incredibly well-preserved Spanish-era monuments and other sites of historical relevance, such as Asan Beach, where crucial World War II (WWII) events took place. Direct flights are only available from Honolulu with United Airlines.

Northern Mariana Islands

A group of 14 islands in total, out of which only 3 are developed tourist destinations (Saipan, Tinian and Rota), the U.S. Northern Mariana territory boasts sandy beaches, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, numerous dive sites and wildlife sanctuaries – a beautiful setting that hosted the Battle of Saipan, one of the bloodiest in WWII.

The only way for Americans to reach the Northern Marianas traveling on a verifiable driver’s license or other equivalent ID is taking a flight from the mainland U.S. to Honolulu, then onward to Guam, and finally to Saipan International Airport, serving the island of Saipan. All other flights leave from mainland China, Hong Kong, or South Korea.

American Samoa
- Tutuila
- Aunuʻu
- Ofu
- Olosega
- Taʻū
- Swains (Uninhabited)
- Rose Atoll (Uninhabited)
The American Samoa is a collective of seven South Pacific Islands graced with volcano views, tropical moist forests, and immaculate beaches where overtourism does not seem to be a concern. Pago Pago, the regional capital, provides the American Samoa’s only access to the outside world, with direct flights to and from Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines.

As a U.S. unincorporated territory, these islands rely heavily on domestic tourism, with a majority of attractions centered in the capital and surrounding villages. From Pago Pago International Airport, visitors can fly to Fiti’uta, in the island of Taʻū, and Ofu, where secluded beaches and impressive nature can be found.

Bottom Line

As Guam only has domestic connections to other mainland U.S. cities via Hawaii, and domestic flights to the Northern Mariana Islands, in turn, only depart via Guam, U.S. citizens flying without their passports must book tickets that do not include airside transit, or stopovers, in any territories that are not within the United States.

For more information on travel documentation, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website, where official guidance is available. When going abroad, Americans are advised to carry valid passports, even when other agreements are in place, as it is the most widely recognized document for international travel.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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June 25, 2022
10 Countries In Asia Plan On Introducing A Vaccine Passport For Travel

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Following months of speculation, the ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations has confirmed it is indeed working on a standardized vaccine passport for travel in the region. A total of ten Asian countries are part of the association, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Since Covid was first identified in early 2020, Southeast Asia has been grappling with recurrent viral surges and an endless loop of travel restrictions. While visiting the region has now become much easier again as more countries drop curbs, their ever-changing rules are still much harder to navigate than Europe’s or the America’s.

What’s Next For Southeast Asia Travel?

Like it’s usually the case with travel rules in Southeast Asia, the announcement has left tourists puzzled as it is not clear how the proposed vaccine certificate will co-exist with more relaxed rules that have been put in place in participating countries – especially those like Vietnam, where all entry curbs were removed.

Or, more importantly, whether foreigners who are not citizens of an ASEAN country would need to apply for a local vaccine passport, and how that would become operational seeing that Thailand, for instance, already struggles with issuing its controversial Thailand Passes, but here’s what has been clarified so far:

Officials Believe A Regional Vaccine Passport Will Make Travel Seamless

After months of a rumored ASEAN vaccine passport, health officials from different member states have agreed this week on both the mutual recognition, and implementation of vaccination certificates for resumption of international travel in the region. The agreement was reached in Bali, where entry rules have ironically been scrapped.

Sharing the news, the Singaporean Ministry of Health (MOH) stated ‘it is important to establish seamless travel across the region’, as countries in Southeast Asia still do not see eye to eye when it comes to pandemic-era travel. For instance, while some travelers still have to jump through a few hoops visiting Thailand, they face no restrictions whatsoever in Vietnam.

On top of that, some ASEAN countries do not necessarily recognize vaccination certificates issued in fellow member states, making international travel in the region an even bigger challenge for local residents, and sometimes even tourists. Grappling with a patchwork of entry rules when country-hopping in the region is no fun.

The Bali meeting, where health ministers and other senior officials sought to address these issues, resulted in member states vowing to ‘facilitate smooth international travel’. At the minute, however, ministers have not detailed how exactly foreigners, and Southeast Asians alike, can expect travel rules to change.

Dreams Of A Full Asian Reopening Seem More And More Unattainable

Implementing a mandatory vaccine passport would most certainly add to the woes of both unvaccinated and restriction-wary vaccinated travelers, while making the dream of a full Southeast Asian reopening unattainable. In order for that happen, countries would most certainly require a more relaxed approach to Covid, including treating it as endemic.

The fact that the collective is still discussing the implementation of a vaccine certificate, when countries like Vietnam and Indonesia have already outpaced others in fully scrapping entry requirements, is not an indication of that. Interestingly, judging by their statements, health officials in fact believe this will help boost tourism.

Besides a wider acceptance of an ASEAN vaccine passport for travel, officials also proposed a new ACPHEED – ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases, an equivalent to the U.S. CDC and the European Union’s ECDC. In their words, this would help enhance the ASEAN response to public health emergencies.

What About Foreign Tourists Visiting Southeast Asia?

As mentioned above, Southeast Asian nations have different entry requirements in place, ranging from pre-departure testing to entry passes. Unlike the EU, which has moved towards harmonizing travel across the bloc in recent months, the ASEAN has not been as successful and the lack of mutual cooperation on border mesures is evident.

The Singaporean Minister of Health, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, expressed his desire to see a regional vaccine passport modelled after the EU’s Digital Covid Certificate. The certificate helped smooth travel within Europe throughout most of 2021, with the most obvious downside being foreign travelers were sometimes also expected to apply for a local vaccine passport.

Right now, we cannot confirm travelers will also need to apply for an ASEAN Vaccine Passport ahead of flying, besides carrying their own certificates from home. Seeing that the EU certificate is an obvious inspiration, any such development wouldn’t be a surprise, especially in Southeast Asia where Covid restrictions are stricter.

Vaccine Certificates Are Becoming The Norm In Southeast Asia

So far, Asian officials have not yet established how their system for mutually recognizing each other country’s vaccines, or an ASEAN-wide health passport will be put in place, but Ong did add that ‘checking for vaccination certifications may well be the norm for travel, just (like how) we check our bags and our passports’.

Ahead of launching its own vaccine passport, Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed his support the proposal, stating that every ASEAN member should adopt a ‘standardized’ Covid certificate in order to ‘rejuvenate the aviation sector’. Other business and health groups also applauded the move, agreeing it will make travel ‘seamless’.

We will report back soon as more information is published, including whether tourists will need to add an Asian vaccine certificate to their expanding list of travel documents. For now, there is still unfortunately a lot fo question marks. For all the latest entry requirements in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, please refer to this page.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 19, 2022
Canadian Travelers Vacations Are Being Ruined By Passport Delays

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Passport applications have increased four times compared to last year’s data and Service Canada hasn’t met citizens’ needs

After two long years of a devastating pandemic, Canadian travelers are finally planning on visiting foreign destinations and enjoying vacations while the travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 have been eased around the world. However, passport offices aren’t working as fast and efficiently as citizens need.

The Canadian government’s program in charge of passports, Service Canada, hasn’t been able to keep up with the passport applications they’ve been receiving.

According to the information shared by CTV News, between April 2020 and March 2021, the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada reported that 363,000 had been issued and during the same period from 2021 to 2022 the agency Service Canada has issued nearly 1.3 million passports, almost four times the documents issued during the previous period.

Passports —which can cost from 57 to 160 Canadian dollars depending on age and duration— have become a hot commodity in Canada and due to the high demand for renewal and new documents, Canadians have been facing long passport processing times, long lines at the offices, delays, and frustration as many travelers have been obliged to cancel, reschedule, or have even missed their trips.

Delays In Passport Processing Times

Canadians have been complaining about the organization and the lack of staff in the offices, and have been reporting delays in the usual time. According to the government’s standard procedure, when submitted in person at the passport office, it takes 10 business days to issue a passport, and 20 business days by mail.

The government has also informed that Service Canada has been receiving more calls than usual: around 200,000 calls a day, while prior to the pandemic the usual number rounded 5,000 calls a day.

On the passports and travel documents official website, Canada’s government issued a warning for travelers: “We’re experiencing very high call volumes right now. Wait times are longer than usual. If you do not have travel plans in the next 2 weeks, we suggest you wait to call us.”

According to a recent report made by Global News, the Canadian government hasn’t publicly recognized recent delays or changes in processing times, but citizens said that lines at the offices are too long and certain offices have collapsed. Another person declared to CTV News that he had been waiting “well over two months” since he applied and hasn’t received the passport.

Authorities have explained that recent health and safety measures have affected the way they process applications and stated on the website: “We may not always meet our service standards as a result.”

Recommendation For Travelers

Canada isn’t the only country with delays issuing passports, a few weeks ago the U.S. State Department warned American citizens that passport processing times can take up to 11 weeks. Travelers must apply for passports weeks or even months in advance in order to avoid delays or unexpected circumstances.

Canadian authorities insist that passport processing times are met for those who book their appointments online before going to the passport office in person and it is recommended to do so.

After issuing the passport, the standard pick-up time is around 10 business days, but travelers can request expedited services —available in person— and pay $110 for urgent pick-up to get it by the next business day, $50 for express pick-up to get the passport within the next 2 to 9 business days, or $20 for standard pick-up on or after 10 business days.

Before planning the next international trip, travelers must verify the validity of their passport and study the entry requirements of their destination, since many countries require from 6 to 3 months of passport validity to enter their territory. Canadian travelers should also stay up to date with news and official information shared on the government’s passport application page.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 18, 2022
U.S. To Allow Gender-Neutral Passport Applications From April 11
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The White House and State Department have announced from April 11, 2022, all U.S. citizens have the option of gender-neutral passport applications.

The move will enable transgender U.S. citizens to select “X” as a gender marker on their passport applications.

The White House said in a statement: “Every American deserves the freedom to be themselves,”

“But far too many transgender Americans still face systemic barriers, discrimination, and acts of violence.”

The U.S. government said they wanted the announcement to mark a “Transgender Day of Visibility.”

They added, “We reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all persons – including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons around the world.”

What Does This Mean For Passport Applications?

The definition of the X gender marker will become “unspecified or another gender identity.” The new gender definition will become available in documents next year, according to the U.S. State Department. Transgender Americans will no longer need to have medical certification for their gender identity if it doesn’t match the marker on their birth certificate.

Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, started: “Starting on April 11, U.S. citizens will be able to select an X as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application, and the option will become available for other forms of documentation next year.”

The U.S. State Department added: “After thoughtful consideration of the research conducted and feedback from community members, we concluded that the definition of the X gender marker on State Department public forms will be ‘Unspecified or another gender identity.’ This definition is respectful of individuals’ privacy while advancing inclusion.”

The Response From The U.S. Public

Last June, the U.S. State Department announced the initiation of the X gender marker on U.S. passports to allow Americans to self-select their own marker between male and female.

At the time, Human Rights Campaign President—Alphonso David—said: “This is an important step toward achieving meaningful progress for LGBTQ equality in America, and will empower and enable millions of citizens to travel domestically and internationally with greater confidence that the United States recognizes their gender identity,”

The United States issued its first passport with an “X” gender designation last October to Dana Zzyym. Dana Zzyym said: “I almost burst into tears when I opened the envelope, pulled out my new passport, and saw the ‘X’ stamped boldly under ‘sex,’

“It took six years, but to have an accurate passport, one that doesn’t force me to identify as male or female but recognizes I am neither, is liberating.”

The Department of Homeland Security also announced various advancements for transgender Americans when traveling, such as:
- More advanced screening technology
- Less invasive screening procedures
- An update to the TSA Pre-Check program to include the X gender marker
How To Apply For A U.S. Passport

After two years of travel challenges, many Americans are applying for a passport or renewing their passport for the first time in years.

Here are the steps:
- Gather your evidence of U.S citizenship; this can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship, or a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
- Complete the passport application form (Form DS-11)
- Take a U.S passport photograph
- Gather all your documents
- Book an appointment. You’ll need to make a written note of the appointment confirmation number, the date and time of your appointment, and the appointment password.
- Pay your passport fees during the appointment
- Wait for your passport delivery
As travel resumes, now is an excellent time to apply for a passport, or check to make sure your current passport doesn’t need renewing.

Read more:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

5 Destinations Within 4 Hours Of The U.S. With Normal Entry Requirements

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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April 1, 2022