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US Passports
2009 proved to be a surprisingly busy year for the US State Department's
Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Passport Services Directorate. The
downward trend in the US economy has increased business travel to
South America, the Middle East and Asia in search of opportunity.
The complete implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
(WHTI) program spurred a large increase in vacation travel related
passport applications as well. All told, expediting industry numbers
proved strong preventing price increases expected but not implemented
by most expediting firms.
Despite increased numbers and the expectation of increased demand
in the coming year, The US State Dept has again not increased availability
for expediting companies and in some cases has limited the industry
more. Each US Passport Office location sets their own policy, requirements
and appointment availability for registered expediting firms. Although
expediting firms on their own and through industry associations
have lobbied for increases in volume, the US State Department continues
to restrict firms from growth therefore inhibiting the industry's
ability to serve its clients. On behalf of ItsEasy and all other
major firms in the industry, we ask for you to take a moment to
send us written support on company letterhead for the passport expediting
industry to receive an increase in allocation in an effort to prove
to the US State Department the value of our industry to you and
your travelers.
International Visas
Last year proved volatile in the issuance of travel visas throughout
the world. 2010 is so far continuing this trend, and we don't expect
this to be over any time soon. Complications of terrorist activities,
restructuring and dramatic changes in foreign policy with the new
administration seem to be at the root of most of the changes. Here
is a re-cap of some of the changes that have transpired and some
projections of what is to come with some of the most popular travel
destinations:
China
Speaking from an expeditor stance, China visas are the most requested
visa of any destination making up an estimated 35% of all visa applications
processed through third party firms. The H1N1 virus caused great
concern to the Chinese government and in their desire to gain control
over potential outbreaks lead to great delays in visa processing.
Additional forms requiring information about applicants travel within
the last 6 months, additional invitation letters and proof of health
insurance became common requirements or requests for a period of
time. Travelers were examined, detained, and in some cases quarantined
for up to two weeks. Fortunately, most of these policies disappeared
as quickly as they had appeared and everything returned to normal.
China has often fluctuated its visa pricing and issuance polices
making certain visas available or issuing shorter duration visas
than requested. For the past few years, pricing has stabilized,
however it is expected a modification may be forth-coming as the
value of the US dollar has declined over the recent past. China
also currently charges the same fee for single, double or multiple
entry visas with increases for faster processing. It is expected
that pricing may be modified to fit the entry request. For 2010,
the two-year multi entry visa will continue to be available for
business applicants and it is recommended that all apply for it.
The Embassy may issue a shorter term visa, however since it is the
same cost there is no reason not to. It does not require any additional
documentation and will not delay processing.
Does China require an invitation for business visa applicants? A
very popular question with an unusual response. Expediting firms
process applications in many different cities including DC, New
York, Chicago, Houston and more. The Chinese Embassy in Washington,
DC does requires either a Business Cover Letter (BCL) from the US
based company OR a letter of invitation from the host company in
China. However, the Chinese consulate offices in New York and some
other cities require both documents. This lack of uniformity is
somewhat of an anomaly in this industry as consulate offices generally
follow the procedures set by the Embassy. The short answer is that
if you have both, send them, if not, don't worry about it. The documents
provided will simply dictate possible processing locations.
India
The second most popular travel destination requiring a visa for
business travel is India. As most are probably familiar with by
now, the Indian Embassy outsourced the collection of visa applications
to an outsourcing firm three years ago. Although not groundbreaking,
this was the first major example of visa application outsourcing
in the US. Applications are provided directly or via expeditors
to the outsourcing firm who in turn proofs the applications and
then provides them to the Embassy and consulate offices for visa
issuance. The passports are then returned to the outsourcing firm
and then to the applicant or expediting firms. This process created
considerable frustration during its initial implementation but has
become a much smoother and more efficient process.
Just when everything was going smoothly, India decided to change
the rules and is limiting the ability to enter India within two
months of a previous visit without approved consent from the Embassy
- this has again created a frustrating scenario because the process
and reasons for approval/denial are unclear and inconsistent. Like
most of the new process growing pains with India, we suspect this
one will smooth over soon, however there is a clear expectation
that more new policies are to come which may again cause disruption
in visa processing. As the specifics of his rule are complex, if
you would like details, please let me know and I will provide you
a follow up on this topic.
On January 14, 2010, the Indian Embassy imposed another new requirement:
"There is a new requirement that is in effect immediately.
This will apply to all citizenships and for any application completed
with a date of January 15, 2010 or later. Copy of Birth Certificate
or School Diploma: A photocopy of the birth certificate or school
diploma. You should not submit the original birth certificate or
diploma."
Brazil
The poster child for visa processing inconsistency and delays for
2009. After a few years of dependable and quick processing by the
Brazilian Embassy and consulate offices the decision was made to
implement a new application procedure involving the requirement
for applications to be completed online then printed with 2-D bar
codes. This process allows the visa adjudicator to scan the bar
code to input the applicants data as opposed to typing it in by
hand (a process being adopted by the US State Department as well)
in order to save time and speed up processing as well as provide
more accurate records for the Brazilian government. Unfortunately,
the only word that conveys the implementation of this new program
is "debacle". The online application has been plagued
with bugs and browser/platform compatibility issues. Although it
has gotten better over the past few months, the system still fails
complete or goes offline during normal business hours and the user
experience is poor and confusing.
As if the front end of this program weren't bad enough, the back
end is apparently even worse. The process also requires more work
for the visa adjudicators as they now must scan photos into the
database and print complex and specific visa stickers for each applicant.
As such, new appointment programs have been implemented to limit
the amount of applications being submitted, backlogs are huge, processing
times have skyrocketed and working with the Embassy or consulates
has become very difficult. To make matters worse, Brazil is what
is known as a "jurisdictional consulate" meaning that
applicants must apply in the physical jurisdiction in which they
live. Some of these jurisdictions are seeing processing times of
up to 45 days. Average processing times have gone from 4-5 days
to 6-20 days. This is an expeditor's nightmare as acquiring updates
on pending applications from these consulates is difficult if not
impossible and often turns into a waiting game. It's getting a little
better, but it has a long way to go.
Rio de Janeiro has recently been chosen to host the 2016 Olympic
games. Sounds like a long time away, but as this event will incur
the highest number of Brazil visas ever issued within a reasonably
short period of time, expect a lot of upcoming "maintenance"
(read: trial and error) with their new systems.
Also of note, this week Brazil has removed the requirement that
the applicant must travel to Brazil within 90 days of the issuance
of the visa. Previously, if the applicant did not travel to Brazil
within 90 days of issuance, the visa became invalid no matter what
the validity stated.
Saudi Arabia
In the past, Saudi has always been one of the more difficult visas
to process. Recently they have become more streamlined and easier
to work with. Recently they implemented an online supplementary
form which must be completed and submitted with the visa application.
This program tends to be very inconsistent and frequently offline.
The applicant must upload a photo which meets their requirements
which is very difficult unless you have quality graphics manipulation
software and compression programs as the image must be around 3kb.
ItsEasy completes this form for most of its clients as a courtesy.
It is expected that this program will be improved over the next
year.
Pakistan
Over the past few weeks, we have experienced delays in the issuance
of Pakistani visas. The following excerpt from an RTT News article
sheds a bit of light:
"The United States has expressed concern at the continued delay
by Pakistani authorities in issuing and extending visas for hundreds
of its officials and contractors, thereby stalling Washington's
plans to strengthen its aid workers and Embassy staff in the Islamic
country.
The move appears to be an attempt to forestall the planned expansion
of the US Embassy to 800 from the present 500 in the next 18 months,
growth, US officials say, is necessary to fully utilize the expanded
American assistance.
Last month the State Department said the issue was being taken up
at the highest level and calling the visa issue a "very serious
issue" that could hamper aid programs and further strain a
critical alliance in the fight against Islamic extremism."
Turkey
Turkish visas are now only available upon arrival in Turkey for
all nationalities traveling for tourist or business purposes. Proof
of departure and a cash only payment of $20 USD or equivalent are
required.
Argentina
As of December 20, 2009, the Government of Argentina will begin
charging American Citizens visiting Argentina for business or tourism
an entry fee of $131 U.S. dollars. The fee will be collected only
at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. Once paid, the fee
permits multiple entries into Argentina for ten years. Americans
may pay in dollars, by credit card, or with travelers checks.
ItsEasy News
ItsEasy's Registered User program is heating up - Our services are
excellent, our dedicated account managers are the best in the business,
our web site is well designed and easier to use than the competition
and our corporate pricing is very aggressive. That said, the reason
most corporate clients are flocking to ItsEasy is the Registered
User program. Username and password protected for each corporate
or travel agent client, the program gives travel managers access
to real time data on all of their pending and completed applications
including expected completion dates, FedEx tracking numbers, the
ability to print receipts and more. Reviewed as an "after-sale"
feature, based on word of mouth and response, the Registered User
program is now becoming our go-to sales tool. More features will
be added in the coming year based on suggestions from current clients
- we're building this tool to suit your needs.
Passport Renewal Reminder - NBTA Convention
- August 24, 2009: After a year of development and beta testing,
ItsEasy releases Passport Renewal Reminder. As part of the Registered
Users suite of features, Passport Renewal Reminder allows travel
managers to input traveler names, passport expiration dates and
contacts and receive automated emails beginning nine months before
the passport expires. This allows ample time for the passport to
be renewed at the lowest possible costs and avoids last minute emergencies.
Since its release, the program has received notoriety in nearly
a dozen printed publications and hundreds of web based news sites.
True 24/7 Support - Corporate Account
Managers, although dedicated, do need to sleep from time to time.
Fortunately, ItsEasy is the only passport and visa expeditor with
real people that answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Who else is going to help your travelers fill in a China visa application
at two in the morning. Who else is going to pick up the phone when
one of your travelers loses his passport in New Delhi at 4:30pm
local time? You might not need us in the middle of the night a lot,
but it sure is nice to know we're there.
In Conclusion - Expeditors fill a vital
role in Business Travel. It's a small amount of spend but a wide
array of requirements and processes that can prevent trips from
happening or cause tremendous amounts of last minute stress. Keeping
track of all these changes is difficult and as your partner, look
to us to help fill in the voids of knowledge when it comes to passport
and visa requirements. If there is anything I can do you for you,
please let me know.
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Mark Harris
Business Development
It's Easy - Passport & Visa Services
111 Devonshire St. #740
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 1-617-422-0222
Fax: 1-617-422-0006
Email: mharris@itseasy.com
Online: www.itseasy.com
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