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International Travel for a Global World

Map in Chinese Passports upsets neighbors

Friday, December 7. 2012

India has responded to China's newly revised passports that show disputed territory near their shared border as part of China by issuing Chinese citizens visas embossed with New Delhi's own maps. CBS News
Vietnam border guards are refusing to stamp the passports. Business Insider
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 19:55

What the U.S. Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Wednesday, May 2. 2012

What is the Department of State's role during a crisis overseas? Do you always evacuate U.S. citizens during a crisis overseas?

The actions we take depend on the nature of the crisis. In some instances, we may only need to provide information on conditions in the country, such as warning about areas of unrest, how and where to seek help, and other useful advice. In more serious situations, we may recommend that U.S. citizens leave the foreign country, and, if commercial transportation is not available, provide departure assistance, as our resources permit. See the rest at Department of State Website
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:54

U.S. Passport Card - Apply Online

Monday, February 20. 2012

The U.S. Department of State is proud to announce it is conducting a limited pilot program allowing U.S. citizens to apply online for a U.S. passport card. The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. U.S. State Department
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:27

Record Number Of Americans Now Hold Passports

Sunday, February 5. 2012

"Over one-third of the population to be exact, or nearly 110 million out of 313 million Americans. That’s more than double the number of US passports in circulation in 2000 (48 million)" Forbes Article. For year by year statistics see the State Department's site at State Department.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:44

New Names for U.S. Embassy "Warden Messages"

Monday, September 26. 2011

The phrase "Warden Message" has been replaced by two new message headings. "Message for U.S. Citizens" is the label for routine but important messages such as voting news, town hall meetings, and new passport procedures. Embassies or Consulates will use an “Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens” to inform U.S. citizens about events or threats that can affect their personal security. This includes demonstrations, civil disturbances, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other breaking events. Whenever the Department revises the Worldwide Caution or issues a Travel Alert or Travel Warning for a country or region, posts (Embassies or Consulates) will also disseminate it with an Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:52

NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Friday, May 27. 2011

The world continues to shrink. News from around the world continues to have a greater impact on our lives. Having a face to face experience to understand the world has never been more important. As the annual convention for NAFSA takes place in Vancouver, BC, Perry International is proud to be able to send me to present An Outline of the United Kingdom's Entry Regulations and Visa Procedures.

NAFSA's belief that "international education and exchange, connecting students, scholars, educators, and citizens across borders is fundamental to: establishing mutual understanding among nations, preparing the next generation with vital cross-cultural and global skills, and creating the conditions for a more peaceful world" has made us realize that supporting this organization is beneficial to everyone. Volunteering with the Visa Education and Consular Affairs Liaison subcommittees is another way that we can give back and follows on our commitment to our Travelers Giving Back Program.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 19:17

New Regulations on Academic Travel to Cuba

Saturday, February 12. 2011

Travel to Cuba is like travel to any other country that requires a visa for U.S. passport holders. It is upon return to the United States where travelers must be able to comply with Department of the Treasury regulations or face possible civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
The Cuban Assets Control Regulations are enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The regulations require that people be licensed in order to engage in any travel-related transactions for travel to, from, and within Cuba. U.S. law enforcement authorities enforce these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities.
OFAC recently issued new regulations for academic travel to Cuba and will be issuing additional guidelines within the coming weeks. According to the NAFSA's Resource Library the new regulations allow accredited U.S. institutions of higher education to sponsor travel to Cuba for course work for academic credit under a general license. They allow accredited U.S. graduate or undergraduate degree-granting academic institutions to sponsor or co-sponsor academic seminars, conferences, and workshops related to Cuba or global issues involving Cuba, by specific license. Regulations specify that students/ faculty/ staff participating on such programs will be required to carry letters “stating that the Cuba-related travel is part of a structured educational program of the sponsoring U.S. academic institution, and stating that the individual is a member of the faculty or staff of that institution or is a student currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. academic institution and that the study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward that degree".
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 14:45

International Education

Tuesday, February 8. 2011

As Perry International has begun to realize the benefits that International Travel brings to humanity, international education stands out as one of the most positive reasons to travel. I recently came across www.connectingourworld.org and wanted to recommend it to anyone interested in learning how they can help promote this critical component to global citzenship.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:13

British Passport Tops List For Visa-Free Travel

Monday, October 25. 2010

British citizens are able to visit 166 countries for three days or less for business or pleasure without a visa. The UK has displaced Denmark from the top of the list , with France, Germany and Italy making up the rest of the top five of the list that is compiled by consultants Henley & Partners. San Francisco Chronicle Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:33

Global Citizen Diplomacy Summit

Sunday, October 10. 2010

Perry International assists people traveling for many different reasons, to attend school, hold business meetings, or offer humanitarian assistance to name a few. One thing that all of these travelers have in common is that they will be interacting with government officials at immigration controls. They will likely have many more interactions where they will be representing their country to another country, but all will at least have one. As the world continues to grow ever closer, there is increasing need for all of us to have a few basic skills in diplomacy, the art and practice of conducting negotiations.
The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy is holding a Summit for Global Citizen Diplomacy in Washington DC next month. They define Citizen Diplomacy as "the concept that the individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations 'one handshake at a time.' ... They are motivated by a responsibility to engage with the rest of the world in a meaningful, mutually beneficial dialogue."
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 15:27

Even the experts can get confused

Wednesday, September 22. 2010

Here is an example of some of the confusion that one can run into when working with the ever changing diplomatic regulations. One of the embassies, that requires students to have documents legalized or stamped with their seal before the student can apply for a visa, advised us that they had started requiring an additional seal from the U.S. Department of State. We advised our clients.
A couple of weeks later one of our clients advised us that they had called the embassy and were advised that the U.S. Department of State Seal was not required. We followed up and were informed by a different staff member that indeed the additional U.S. seal was not required and proceeded getting work done without the additional seal. The new staff member even advised us that they had wondered why all of the documents now had the U.S. Seal.
We continued to try and find out what had happened and in the mean time the original staff member we talked with returned to the embassy and proceeded to advise us that documents from any of the states that fall within the embassies specific coverage area did not need the U.S. seal, but work from other states would need the U. S. seal. We pressed this staff member further and the consul himself came out and advised us that indeed the rules had changed and documents from any of the states outside the embassies coverage area would need the U.S. seal.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:25

ESTA to cost $14

Sunday, August 15. 2010

Beginning September 8 the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will cost $14. All payments for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card or debit card when applying for or renewing an ESTA. CPB Announcement
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:03

Global Entry Enrollment Centers

Thursday, June 10. 2010

The following link lists the airports that are setup for the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. Global Entry Enrollment Centers. Global Entry is a program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Although this program is intended for frequent travelers who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 11:18

European Union Visa Code

Wednesday, May 5. 2010

The European Parliament adopted regulation to apply a common visa policy for short stay visas. This will include all EU Member States, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus will apply the Visa Code once they become part of the Schengen area without internal borders. It will also include Iceland, Norway and Switzerland that are part of the Schengen area, but not EU members. Europa Press Release
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:02

China lifted its travel ban against people with HIV

Wednesday, April 28. 2010

China is the third country this year, after the United States and South Korea, to remove their bans against people with HIV. Associate Press Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 19:40

Volcanoe Creates Visa Nightmares

Tuesday, April 20. 2010

As international flights continue to be canceled many countries must deal with those international travelers whose visas are expiring. As one of the first countries affected the United Kingdom's Border Agency issued a notice Apr 17th, stating that only proof of planned travel that would have enabled one to leave the UK before their visa expired would be needed. UKBA Notice On Apr 18th the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released an update that foreign nationals stranded in the U.S. must contact a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office to extend their stay. USCIS Update Just today the Indian government decided to allow special landing permits or extensions of visas to foreigners stranded in India for a maximum period of 14 days without charging any fees. Times of India Article Europa, the portal site of the European Union, posted a press release from the European Commission detailing their role in an entirely national decision to open or shut airspace in this unprecedented crisis facing Europe. It includes a section on visa problems. Europa Press Release
These are just the issues facing people currently traveling abroad. Next come the questions that we have started to receive at our offices from travelers who have been issued visas and have had to postpone or cancel trips. Will there be refunds from foreign governments? or the reissuing of visas with new dates? Does travel insurance cover the costs of lost visas?
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 20:56

The U.S. and Germany to Link Trusted Traveler Programs

Friday, April 16. 2010

Germany will be the second country, after The Netherlands, to setup agreements that integrate the United States Global Entry trusted traveler program with one of their own trusted traveler programs. DHS Announcement
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:34

Re-entry Permits and International Travel for Permanent Residents

Friday, April 9. 2010

A re-entry permit is a passport style travel document issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It establishes that, at the time of an immigrants departure from the United States, no abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident status was intended. There is some great information at Klaskow Immigration and Nationality Law
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:43

Trends in International Arrivals to the U.S.

Wednesday, April 7. 2010

Trends in International Arrivals to the U.S.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:30

Greece admitted to Visa Waiver Program

Friday, April 2. 2010

Greece was admitted as the 36th member nation of the Visa Waiver Program, (VWP). Greek citizens will be permitted to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. They are the first new member since 2008. DHS Announcement
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 15:44

Visas used as political weapons

Thursday, April 1. 2010

Libya stopped issuing visas to citizens from the Schengen borderless travel zone in retaliation for Switzerland, a Schengen member, barring entry to 188 Libyan citizens including the country's leader Muammar Gaddafi and members of his family. The Schengen area is a borderless travel zone grouping 22 EU nations plus Switzerland, Norway and Iceland. Reuters Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:44

U.S. Passport Fee Increase Delayed

Wednesday, March 31. 2010

The U.S. Department of State's proposed fee increases, received a number of comments requesting additional details on the Consular Services Cost of Service Study and additional comment time. In response, the State Department provided a supplemental notice of proposed rule making and extended the comment period until Apr 7th. Regulations.gov
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:20

U.S. Travel Promotion Act

Friday, March 19. 2010

The U.S. Travel Promotion Act was signed into law in early March. It will create a nonprofit Corporation for Travel Promotion that will promote the United States as a travel destination. Promoting the U.S. as a destination for international travelers is great. However, part of the funding comes from a $10 fee charged to visitors from countries included in the Visa Waiver Program. Why charge visitors who have already decided to visit the U.S., to help promote the U.S. to other travelers? For more details see this CNN Article. Also, we will see if other countries decide to reciprocate and charge an additional $10 to U.S. citizens that do not need a visa to visit their country.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 10:40

Trusted traveler Programs on the Rise

Monday, March 15. 2010

Growth in trusted traveler programs comes as a similar, privately run program, Registered Traveler, folded last year after its largest operator, CLEAR, lost money and government support. The initiative has three components for the public: Global Entry for international arrivals; Nexus for USA-Canada border crossing; and Sentri for USA-Mexico borders. Trusted traveler programs have grown steadily in recent years despite skeptics who worry about surrendering personal information for machine-dependent processes run by the government.USA Today Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:18

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum 2011

Saturday, March 13. 2010

Will the fact that the United States is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2011, CPB, mean that U.S. citizens might one day be able to apply for an APEC Business Traveler Card? ABTC
Business travelers from the 20 economies currently participating in the ABTC Scheme: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, PNG, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam don't need to individually apply for visas or entry permits to travel to any of the participating APEC economies as the card is your visa.
The U.S is a transitional member and since 2007 has been exploring options on how eligible U.S. citizens might be issued the ABTC, allowing them expedited immigration processing at ABTC member airports U.S. participation in ABTC.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:52

Open up Travel to Cuba for all Americans

Thursday, March 11. 2010

On February 23, 2010, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act (H.R. 4645) was introduced in the House of Representatives. It would open up travel to Cuba for all Americans. While it is basically the same as the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act (H.R.874) which was introduced in February of last year and has been stuck in committee, it shows that congress still has interest in this area. NAFSA Public Policy.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:03

Online U.S. visa aplications worldwide by May

Sunday, March 7. 2010

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs is rolling out a new online application process for nonimmigrant visas aimed at reducing processing time. The bureau decided to deploy application DS-160 worldwide after a yearlong pilot program ended in September 2009. Eighty-eight consulates and embassies accept visa applications using DS-160, and more are making the transition each week. A spokeswoman for Consular Affairs, said the bureau expects that DS-160 will be used at every overseas visa-issuing post by the end of April. State rolls out new online visa application for temporary visitors
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:19

Forged Passports

Monday, March 1. 2010

What does the use of forged passports from multiple countries in an assassination mean for border security, for dual nationality, and for diplomatic relations. It will certainly support the U.S. State Department's claim that they need to start charging more to maintain the needed level of security for U.S. Passports. On Thursday Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Public Affairs said "we have taken steps in recent years to strengthen the security surrounding U.S. passports. Obviously, this has been an area where the United States has talked to other countries. We are very alert to attempts to use forged or stolen passports, and as a major effort to limit the travel of terrorists around the world. So it is something that we have spent a lot of time focused on." U.S. State Department
Expect some changes in how dual nationality is handled. When someone can hold passports from 2 different countries, they can have a much easier time of disappearing. While restrictions usually make it difficult, it is still possible to leave a country on one passport and enter another country with the passport from another country. In an article The UAE to be ??careful? with holders of dual passport Dubai Police chief Dahi Khalfan Tamim is quoted saying ??In the future, those we suspect of carrying dual nationality will be treated very carefully,??.
Although the UAE officially bans Israeli passport holders not on an official visit as well as travelers who have Israeli stamps in their passports, both types of traveler have been granted entry into the country. What will happen now? For the time being the only response has been to say "travelers suspected of being Israeli will not be allowed into the United Arab Emirates even if they arrive with alternative passports." Emirates: No Entry for Suspected Israelis Will other Arab countries step up their practice of denying entry to anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport?
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:25

US Passport Fee Increase Proposed

Thursday, February 25. 2010

On February 9th, The U.S. Department of State proposed increases in the fees charged for various U.S. Passport procedures. Passports for applicants 16 and over are set to increase by $35. This includes first time passports and renewals. Applicants under 16 that only receive passports valid for 5 years will see their application fee go up by $20. Having extra pages added to your passport, which was free, will cost $82. Passport cards for adults will go up $10 and for those under 16 to $5. The complete proposal can be found in the Federal Register at Federal Register. "The Department intends to implement this proposed rule, and initiate collection of the fees set forth herein, as soon as practicable following the expiration of the 30-day public comment period following this proposed rule's publication in the Federal Register, and after the Department has had the opportunity to fully consider any public comments received."
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:35

United States and European Union, are visas on the horizon

Thursday, February 18. 2010

Plans to impose a fee of about $15 on all Visa Waiver Program travelers could be required when travelers apply for their required Electronic System of Travel Authorization or ESTA. The fee makes ESTA look increasingly like a visa in disguise. Add to that other concerns mentioned in Will recent squabbles hurt visa waiver hopefuls? and it is not hard to see the start of an immigration fight that ends with visas being required on both sides.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:37

A Global Analysis of Business Travel Activity

Thursday, October 29. 2009

The world spent $929 billion on business travel in 2008. Here is a global travel database, forecasts, and report created from research to inform strategic and tactical decisions.Global Business Travel Analysis
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:58

Perry International Facebook page

Monday, October 19. 2009

We have decided to create a Facebook page to see how well it works for our blog and updates. Perry International on Facebook
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 10:01

Interpol seeks visa-free travel for its cops

Wednesday, October 14. 2009

The global police organization Interpol began issuing special passports Tuesday to its senior investigators, aimed at allowing them to enter any of the group's 188 member countries without visas. Associated Press Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:30

Presidents of the World Speak

Sunday, September 27. 2009

Being an international news connoisseur, I often wonder if I have become better at finding what I am interested in, or is the world truly offering more information from around the globe. Seeing, interviews with the rulers of both Libya and Zimbabwe on the same day that CNN adds a 2nd show to their Sunday international news line up makes me wonder. HOW fast will we all just be be people?
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:29

Change in Visa Regulations Raises Casino's Stock Price

Tuesday, September 15. 2009

I had to make an entry when the Nightly Business Report mentioned that the removal of Macau's visa restrictions on Chinese citizens caused a 7% surge in the casino company, Las Vegas Sands, stock price. To find some mention of this on the web I foundThe Business Insider.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:17

Researcher experiences trouble on a tourist visa

Monday, August 3. 2009

A University of Minnesota Duluth graduate student was arrested and his passport was taken by the Brazilian government because he entered the country on a tourist visa and disregarded the fact that researchers are required to obtain scientific visas. Brazil Releases UMD Student After Six Weeks
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:23

World Trade IS life!

Wednesday, July 22. 2009

Anyone who thinks World Trade or the idea of globalization is bad, must watch the Wide Angel episode that explains how 1 MILLION people in Northern Ethiopia died of starvation while the Southern part of the country had so much surplus that the farmers plowed crops under. Globalization has NOTHING to do with some elite group controlling the world. It is how YOU earn a dollar at your job and trade it to put FOOD on YOUR table so your children do not STARVE TO DEATH. Anyone looking for inspiration in world trade will find it in the following Wide Angle Episode.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:12

Global consciousness promotes peace

Wednesday, July 8. 2009

Global consciousness promotes peace because it makes one aware of more than
their own view. I was watching an interview on Farred Zakaria's GPS where British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband talked about how in a country such as Iran, the more people feel international the less confrontational they want to be, and the more points of view that are available to them. I can not think of a better way to obtain global consciousness than travel and studying abroad.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:57

People Who Travel More Likely to See Themselves as Global Citizens

Wednesday, May 20. 2009

A WorldPublicOpinion.org survey of people in 21 nations from around the world finds that people who get to know people from other countries or who travel outside their country are more likely to view themselves as global citizens. WorldPublicOpinion.org Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 09:45

Living in another country may make you more creative

Tuesday, May 19. 2009

A recent study, Cultural Borders and Mental Barriers:
The Relationship Between Living Abroad and Creativity indicates that something from the experience of living in a foreign country helps foster creativity. The Economist wrote an article and was also commented on by their blog, Gulliver
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 07:58

Reduce Visa Fees

Sunday, May 10. 2009

Kenya cut its tourist visa fee in half on May 1st. Argentina has yet to begin collecting the $131 entrance fee that was scheduled to begin in January. Could the U.S. benefit from a reduction in its visa fee? I do not deal with many statistics on incoming travelers. I do believe that much of the U.S. tourism industry thinks so.
Wouldn't the U.S. benefit by having money created in other countries spent in the U.S.? Would it not also be some positive U.S. diplomacy? We could spend some of our our stimulus money on a program that is in place now. Plans would not need to be drawn up, then approved, then implemented and then begun. The money would be spent on a program that is already in place.
Reciprocity, when the U.S. government imposes fees on foreign citizens for visas other countries will impose a reciprocal fee to U.S. nationals, would push the benefit up the ladder to benefit the world with an increase in World Trade. In January 2008, within weeks of the U.S. raising its visa application fee to the current $131, all 4 of the BRIC, Brazil, Russia, India and China, had invoked reciprocity and increased their fees. For some countries this was over a 100% increase in fees.
We talk about the world governments needing to prop up economies around the world. Reducing global government fees would appear to be a simple and quick way to get money back in to the hands of businesses, tourists, and students.
International Trade, International Education and International Exploration unite the world socially, improve economies of scale to a global level, and improve humanities collective knowledge.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:46

Dual and Multiple Nationality

Friday, May 1. 2009

With the arrest of Iranian-American journalist by Iran on charges of spying for the United States, the concept of dual nationality comes into play. Roxana Saberi held both U.S. and Iranian citizenship and while she may have lived in the U.S., Iran claims she is an Iranian citizen and her arrest is a matter of internal affairs.
The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own citizenship laws based on its own policy.Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents may be both a U.S. citizen and a citizen of the country of birth. U.S. State Department - Dual Nationality.
Dual U.S./Russian nationals who enter Russia on Russian passports face several possible difficulties. Russian authorities will not permit departure from Russia if the person’s Russian passport has expired or has been lost, whether or not the traveler also has a valid U.S. passport. In these cases the traveler will be required to obtain a new Russian passport, a process that can take several months. In order to apply for a Russian visa in a U.S. passport, however, Russian consular officials normally require a person to renounce his or her Russian citizenship.
U.S. citizens also possessing Brazilian nationality cannot be issued Brazilian visas and must obtain a Brazilian passport (from the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate nearest to their place of residence) to enter and depart Brazil. In addition to being subject to all Brazilian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Brazilian citizens. Note that children adopted from Brazil are still considered Brazilian citizens and must be documented as such should they return to Brazil.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:10

Travel vs. Pandemic

Monday, April 27. 2009

I wasn't sure if I should even write about this since it currently appears to be reaching a state of panic. However, overreacting in the opposite direction is no better.
My first thought is how many people die from the common seasonal influenza virus. "Between 1990 and 1999, the average annual number of deaths from any cause that were attributable to influenza was 51,000, and the number of hospitalizations for respiratory and circulatory diagnoses attributable to influenza was 365,000." New England Journal of Medicine. That appears to be in the U.S. alone, although I am not positive. 51,000 and no news coverage. How about deaths from Heart Disease or Car Accidents?
I then wanted to learn more from those who have planned for a pandemic for years. First I read WHO Pandemic Alert. Then I found U.S. Health and Human Services.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:35

Global Citizen Diplomats

Thursday, April 16. 2009

In my 19 years at Perry International, I have talked with many diplomats at various consulates and embassies and have worked with tens of thousands of international travelers. I have seen the complications created by the clash of cultures, even before clients leave the United States. Many of them cannot believe that they cannot get what ever they want, when they want it. They have no idea that many other nationalities must setup appointments and travel, sometimes thousands of miles, just to be told that they can not get a visa to come to the United States.
I have also seen a rise in the amount of international news. We seem to be bombarded by events happening around the world that have an impact on us. We are fast becoming global citizens, where we all need to be citizen diplomats. Two organizations that have a great wealth of information to help individual travelers, and thereby help the U.S. and the world are Business for Diplomatic Action and U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 13:54

Cuba Travel

Tuesday, April 14. 2009

It looks like we have a lot to read on the new Cuban Travel Regulations. Most of the current regulations come from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. On March 11th they issued a General Guidance on Implementation of the Bill that was passed and a general license for visits to close relatives. This authorized persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to travel to Cuba to visit close relatives for an unlimited period of time once every 12 months and to engage in travel-related transactions. OFAC action on Cuba Travel
On March 13th the President issued a Presidential Memorandum eliminating all remaining restrictions on travel, remittances and gift parcels to Cuba for people who have relatives on the island.
There is still a list of Authorized Cuba Travel Service Providers and all visitors must hold a valid passport. U.S. citizens will require a visa unless born in Cuba, in which case a Cuban passport is required.
While current regulations only allow travelers with family members on the island, the president's memorandum allows U.S. telecommunications companies to obtain licenses to operate in Cuba. The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act introduced in February by the House of Representatives would remove travel restrictions on all Americans and U.S. residents. There is also a bill in congress and while the bills have bipartisan sponsors, it isn't clear whether they will come up for a vote anytime soon.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:16

The Law of the Sea

Sunday, April 12. 2009

With the increase in pirate attacks off Somalia, or at least an increase in news coverage of the attacks, a couple of questions regarding international boundaries come to mind. Are the oceans and seas all part of one country or anothers territory? If there is no central government, is a country really a country?
From the United Nations we have the Law of the Sea Convention.
For an understanding of Somalia see the country description at the U.S. State Department's Somalia page.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 10:29

Limits on Tourism to Antarctica

Friday, April 10. 2009

At a conference Monday in Baltimore, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proposed expanding the 50-year-old Antarctic Treaty to include restrictions on tourism that are now voluntary. News Story
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:07

Travel Improves Life

Monday, April 6. 2009

One must prepare for travel. All moments are preparation for the next moment. How do we live the moment and prepare for the next? By accepting that the timing may not be within our control.
We should pursue goals.
We MUST accept that obstacles will present themselves to be overcome.
Life is all travel. Very few people truly spend more than a few minutes in any one place. If every moment is traveling, every moment is preparing for the next step of the journey.
Learning how to enjoy traveling teaches us how to enjoy the Journey. A student is someone who is already trying to learn. We should emphasize the synergy of International and Student.
The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) reports that during the 2008-2009 school year nearly 28,000 international students came to the U.S. as exchange students. Additionally, over 2,000 U.S. students are spending a semester or year abroad. Interest in International Study
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:01

How do The Amazing Race contestants get their visas?

Sunday, March 8. 2009

A visa service gets them for them in advance, along with some decoy visas for countries the racers aren't actually going to. The biggest difficulties are almost certainly for the crew members who have to get valuable video and sound equipment through customs under bond, rather than for the relatively unencumbered racers. Practical Nomad Blog Entry
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:26

Argentinas proposed entry fee postponed

Monday, March 2. 2009

The $131 entry fee that was to go into affect in January and then again in March has been postponed again with no specific date of implementation. US Embassy, Argentina Newsletter
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:42

Iraq to arrest foreigners without Baghdad visa

Monday, March 2. 2009

Foreigners who enter Iraq through the Kurdish north of the country without a visa issued by the authorities in Baghdad may face arrest and legal charges.AFP Article
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:35

US-VISIT Exit Program

Sunday, February 8. 2009

In April 2008, the Department of Homeland Security proposed having air carriers take biometrics (fingerprints) from departing international travelers. Subsequently, the FY2009 DHS appropriations bill required DHS to conduct several pilots for the US-VISIT Exit program, and DHS is planning one by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the security checkpoint, one by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the departure gate, and one by the airlines at the check-in counter.
The airlines continue to oppose their involvement in the data collection process, which they believe is a government responsibility. As of yet, DHS has been unable to find an airline to conduct their portion of the pilots.
As for the CBP and TSA pilot programs, they will move ahead with them beginning in May or June. Each pilot program is scheduled to run for 45 days and cover around 1500-2000 travelers per day at one airport per pilot.
The ability of DHS to expand the Visa Waiver Program ends on June 30 unless a full biometric exit program is in place.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:27

Model Ports of Entry

Sunday, February 8. 2009

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Model Ports of Entry program is designed to make the entry experience for returning U.S. citizens and foreign guests arriving in U.S. airports more pleasant and welcoming, including improving signage, showing multilingual welcome videos, and improving entry procedures.
The Model Ports Working Group met on January 29 to discuss new model ports and CBP’s spending for the program.
CBP informed the group that of the $40M appropriated in FY08 for the Model Ports program, 20M was spent on CBP officers, 6.5M on overtime pay, and 8.5M on equipment. As part of its equipment spending, a flat screen TV will be installed and running at all 20 model ports by August 2010. CBP has also increased the number of Passenger Service Managers (PSM), CBP employees who focus on strengthening customer service at model ports of entry. There are now 45 PSMs between the 20 model ports.
Data collected by DHS’s Public Affairs Office has shown that wait times at Dulles International and Houston Airport, the first two model ports, are 30-40% and 10-20% less compared to other ports, respectively.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:26

U.S. Department of State's new website

Wednesday, January 28. 2009

U.S. Department of State
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 01:00

CNN Business Traveler on ESTA

Tuesday, January 27. 2009

CNN video.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:01

Tuesday, January 13. 2009

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a new site with detailed information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) at www.getyouhome.gov
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 15:25

Intercountry Adoption

Wednesday, December 24. 2008

Each year, thousands of Americans adopt a child from overseas. The process of adopting a child from another country, however, can be difficult.
How does the adoption process work? Who can adopt? Where do Americans adopt from? Learn the answers and more. That’s where we come in. This website aims to provide what you need to know about the adoption process. The U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's Issues.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:50

Visa Waiver Program and Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Wednesday, December 24. 2008

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) currently allows travelers from 34 different countries to enter the U.S. without applying for a visa for up to 90 days. Under a final rule issued November 13, travelers from VWP countries will be required to have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for international flights by January 13, 2009. Once an individual has filed and been approved for an ESTA it is valid for two years. CBP has informed international air carriers about flexibility with the enforcement deadline, but has not made such promises publicly. ESTA Application
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:45

Global Entry

Wednesday, December 24. 2008

Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) travel facilitation program, provides frequent low-risk business travelers expedited processing through U.S. immigration checkpoints. The program currently operates at Dulles, Houston, JFK, Los Angeles, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, and Miami and will expand to an additional 13 airports in 2009.
CBP unveiled their Global Entry mobile enrollment unit at the NBTA Committee Summit on November 17. Summit attendees who had received approval for their online application from CBP were interviewed and enrolled on site at the Summit, instead of having to schedule an interview at one of the participating airports.
NBTA issued the following press release regarding the mobile enrollment: NBTA Press Release.
The online application and information on the Global Entry program can be found at the following link: Global Entry Application.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:39

U.S. Department of State on Facebook

Sunday, November 2. 2008

U.S. Department of State Facebook page
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:59

Expansion of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Monday, October 27. 2008

Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Republic of Korea and the Slovak Republic continue to require visas to travel to the United States during that period. Nationals of these countries are expected to be able to travel without obtaining a visa for tourist and business travel of 90 days or less beginning in mid- November provided they possess a biometric passport and register on-line through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:15

CNN's Business Traveler

Saturday, September 6. 2008

There have been a number of programs discussing Passports. Visas, Biometrics and the future of international Travel. You may find them at CNN Business Traveler Archive
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 00:31

U.S. Global Entry Program

Saturday, August 30. 2008

Global Entry is a new program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Online applications are now available. Customs and Border Protection
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:14

E-passport is cloned in minutes

Thursday, August 28. 2008

New microchipped passports designed to be foolproof against identity theft can be cloned and manipulated in minutes and accepted as genuine by the computer software recommended for use at international airports. ‘Fakeproof’ e-passport is cloned in minutes
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 00:18

Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Thursday, July 31. 2008

International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization through the Department of Homeland Security's new web site for. Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:50

European Reaction to Changes in the Visa Waiver Program

Sunday, June 8. 2008

We note that the European Commission has discussed publicly creating its own electronic travel authorization system and we would not oppose the creation of such a system. In addition, the Visa Waiver Program is an agreement the United States enters into bilaterally with each respective member country.US Department of State
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:12

DHS Announces Pre-Travel Authorization Program

Tuesday, June 3. 2008

Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. The requirement will go into effect next year and does not affect U.S. citizens traveling overseas. DHS Announces Pre-Travel Authorization Program for U.S.-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 15:06

U.S. Global Entry Program

Tuesday, May 20. 2008

The Global Entry program is a new pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:08

How many countries are in the world?

Saturday, May 17. 2008

There are 192 members of the United Nations. The United States' State Department recognizes 194 independent countries around the world. About.com Geography 's Matt Rosenberg considers there to be 195 countries in the world.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 18:46

U.S. Exit Plan

Monday, April 28. 2008

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today condemned the new U.S. Government proposal that airlines and their employees collect biometric information from all non-U.S. citizens when departing the U.S. in the U.S. Exit Plan. U.S. Exit Proposal A Step Backward
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 15:32

DHS Proposes Biometric Airport and Seaport Exit Procedures

Saturday, April 26. 2008

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a notice of proposed rulemaking that will establish biometric exit procedures at all U.S air and sea ports of departure. The majority of non-U.S. Citizens and non-permanent residents except for Canadians are already required to submit digital fingerprints and a digital photograph for admission into the country.* The US-VISIT Exit proposal would require non-U.S. citizens who provide biometric identifiers for admission to also provide digital fingerprints when departing the country from any air or sea ports of departure. DHS Exit Procedures
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 10:59

More extensive tourist fingerprinting comes to U.S. ports

Wednesday, April 9. 2008

Now, in addition to handing over a passport to Customs and Border Protection agents, every noncitizen visitor has to place all four fingers and thumb from each hand on the glowing screen. Within seconds, CBP has their 10 digital fingerprints on file. US Fingerprinting
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:34

Enlargement of the Schengen area completed March 30, 2008

Monday, April 7. 2008

On 21 December 2007, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia became part of the Schengen area. On Sunday 30 March 2008 at 0:00, the enlargement process will be completed by lifting air border controls between these countries and with the 15 states that were already part of the Schengen system.Europa Press Release
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:56

Registration to ease international travel

Sunday, January 13. 2008

The U.S is planning to expand it's registered traveler program to international travel. Registration to ease international travel
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:44

U.S. Passport Card planned for April or May

Thursday, January 3. 2008

Ann Barrett, deputy assistant secretary for passport services at the State Department answered some questions regarding the new passport card at New passport card may be ready by April. The complete ruling can be found in the Federal Register at Federal Register Page 74169.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 09:37

U.S. to raise visa application fee

Saturday, December 29. 2007

Effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for a U.S. non-immigrant visa will increase from $100 to $131. U.S. Department of State, Media Note
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 11:01

Enhanced Drivers Licenses

Friday, December 14. 2007

State-issued enhanced drivers licenses provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. These new documents are being developed by many states to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Department of Homeland Security
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 16:16

New passport cards still not ready

Wednesday, December 5. 2007

Nearly two years after it was first proposed, the government still hasn't finished work on a wallet-size passport card intended to ease the financial and logistical crunch on residents in border communities who need to cross frequently. New passport cards still not ready
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 00:34

Schengen Agreement

Saturday, November 3. 2007

Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia will join the current 15 Schengen countries. They will begin to implement the agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland borders and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports. For all of the details on the Schengen agreement, see the Wikipedia Entry
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 20:38

U.S. Passports again required begining Oct 1st

Wednesday, September 5. 2007

The temporary accommodation, allowing U.S. citizens to travel by air within the Western Hemisphere using a receipt of passport application, will end as scheduled at midnight on September 30, 2007.Department of Homeland Security Memo
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 13:59

North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza

Sunday, August 26. 2007

Chapter 5: Border Monitoring & Control Measures Associated With Pandemic Influenza or read the entire plan at North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 01:21

Alternative Travel Document Project

Sunday, August 26. 2007

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security agreed to launch a project with the state of Vermont that will enhance the security of state driver's licenses and potentially serve as an acceptable alternative document for crossing the United States' land and sea borders. http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1187646614580.shtm
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 01:12

Strengthening the Security of International Travel Documents

Thursday, May 10. 2007

Testimony of Andrew Simkin, Director, Office of Fraud Prevention Programs, to the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, Interrupting Terrorist Travel: Strengthening the Security of International Travel Documents
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 11:10

U.S. Department of State Web Site Redesign

Tuesday, May 8. 2007

For those who have not seen the U.S. Department of State's Web Site Redesign, it may be found at http://travel.state.gov/.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 01:17

United Kingdom Iris Scan at checkpoints

Thursday, April 19. 2007

The IRIS (Iris Recognition Immigration System) program is a fast and secure way to clear immigration at British security checkpoints. Successfully enrolled passengers can save time when entering the United Kingdom since they can proceed through automated immigration control barriers after looking into an iris recognition camera. U.S Passport holders can apply for IRIS membership as long as they travel through the UK at least twice in a six-month period. Registration takes about 10 minutes and can be done at most UK airports. More information can be found at http://www.iris.gov.uk./
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:47

International trusted traveler program sought

Saturday, February 3. 2007

International trusted traveler program sought
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:19

Registered Traveler Program Launches in Cincinnati

Sunday, January 28. 2007

Flyers can buy speed pass
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:48

U.S. to let people apply to get off no-fly lists

Thursday, January 25. 2007

U.S. to let people apply to get off no-fly lists
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 01:00

Sen. Clinton calls for full review of passport card

Thursday, December 21. 2006

Read the full article at Sen. Clinton calls for full review of passport card.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 22:19

European Union to expand borderless travel

Thursday, December 7. 2006

European Union nations agreed Tuesday to expand the bloc's borderless travel zone to the 10 new members that joined the EU in 2004. The deal foresees a phased-out removal of land border checks starting Dec. 31, 2007 and remaining airport and sea border checks will be removed by March 2008. More details can be found at EU ministers expand borderless travel.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 00:06 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

12 South American nations to allow each other entry without a visa

Wednesday, December 6. 2006

According to the Associated Press, "Nationals from all 12 South American nations will soon be able to travel freely throughout their region without needing visas, a regional foreign ministers summit in Chile has agreed.
The decision exempts the visa requirement for nationals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The decision 'represents a step in our efforts to eliminate our traditional divisions,' said Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley who inaugurated the daylong conference. The visa exemption is expected to become effective within 90 days. Regional integration is the main subject in the ministers' agenda."
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:48 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Passport Requirement Date Changed Again

Saturday, November 25. 2006

Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State announced the official requirement to present a passport to enter the United States when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere beginning January 23, 2007. They say this is the final rule for the air portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. More information may be found at the DHS website at New Document Requirements for Air Travel and the complete rule from the Federal Register may be found at Documents Required for Travelers.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:28 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

U.S. to recognize the APEC business travel card

Tuesday, November 21. 2006

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice did announce "the United States has decided this year to recognize the APEC business travel card''. The 17 other APEC members that recognize the card are Australia, Brunei, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Each country is responsible for issuing the card to its own citizens. There is no information on when or even IF the U.S. will begin issuing the card to U.S. citizens.
For more see APEC Business Mobility Group
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:58 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

10 Tips for Safe International Travel

Sunday, November 12. 2006

The U.S. State Department has a page with 10 Tips for Safe International Travel.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 08:59 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Customs and Border Protection agents have authority to seize laptop computers

Wednesday, November 8. 2006

Many business travelers may not be aware that they can have the contents of their laptops inspected. This has caused concern among corporate travel managers because of the proprietary information typically carried on an executives laptop. The law that gives U.S. government officials the right to examine, download or even seize laptops is being tested in federal court. Read more at Laptop seizure raises concerns over firms data
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:19 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

U.S. Plans to Screen All Who Enter, Leave Country

Saturday, November 4. 2006

"The federal government disclosed details yesterday of a border-security program to screen all people who enter and leave the United States, create a terrorism risk profile of each individual and retain that information for up to 40 years. The details, released in a notice published yesterday in the Federal Register, open a new window on the government's broad and often controversial data-collection effort directed at American and foreign travelers, which was implemented after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks." Read the full Washington Post article at U.S. Plans to Screen All Who Enter, Leave Country
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 23:19 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Are Americans World Citizens?

Wednesday, November 1. 2006

Business for Diplomatic Action, a group of educators, executives and citizens is working to combat the spread of anti-American sentiment. They have put together a World Citizens Guide featuring tips on how Americans can help improve America's battered international image. The federal government is even considering distributing the guide with every U.S. passport.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 19:34 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

More on RFID in PASS card

Monday, October 30. 2006

Could the new U.S. PASS card be your next frequent shoppers card for business on the border? Because of the design of the RFID chip in the PASS card, it would be possible. These RFID chips will be more like those found in highway toll payment systems. PASS card: RFID "passport light" has more details.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 10:46 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

U.S. State Department's Travel Registration

Tuesday, October 24. 2006

More and more clients are registering their international trip at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country they will be visiting. This allows the U.S. State Department to contact them in an emergency. The coup in Thailand and the war in Lebanon have shown that one never knows when an unforeseen event can occur. Some of the ways the State Department can assist in an emergency can be found in
"Register Your International Travel With the State Department".
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 21:15 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Alien Registration Card accepted to enter U.S.

Friday, October 20. 2006

The legislation dealing with the new rules to enter the U.S. is Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), Public Law 108–458, 118 Stat. 3638 (Dec. 17, 2004).
"Section 7209 does not apply to Lawful Permanent Residents, who will continue to be able to enter the U.S. upon presentation of a valid Form I–551, Alien Registration Card, or other valid evidence of permanent resident status. Section 211 (b) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1181(b). It also does not apply to alien members of U.S. Armed Forces traveling under official orders. Section 284 of INA, 8 U.S.C. 1354. Additionally, section 7209 does not change current requirements for nonimmigrant aliens from anywhere other than Canada, Mexico, or Bermuda. See section 212 (d)(4)(B) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182 (d)(4)(B) and 8 CFR 212.1.
Posted by Aaron Caplan at 11:57 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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