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Office of Authentications

Washington Express Visas provides prompt and reliable document legalization, authentication and certification services.  We will have one of our specially trained document legalization agents hand-carry your legal documents to the DC Notary & Authentication office (if required), the State Department Authentication office and then to the appropriate Embassy.

One of the big questions we receive is “do my documents need to go through the Office of Authentication?” The great news about Washington Express Visas will take all of this off your plate and process these documents for you. Typically the processing time for the Office of Authentication takes 4 business days plus FedEx overnight return shipping at no additional cost.

The fastest way to process your documents through the Office of Authentications – US Department of State is to contact Washington Express Visas.  The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications issues both apostilles and authentication certificates. If you need U.S. Department of State documents to be authenticated, please refer to the Office of Vital Records.

In accordance with 22 CFR, Part 131, the Office of Authentications provides signed certificates of authenticity for a variety of documents to individuals, institutions, and government agencies. Examples of documents that may require authentication for use abroad include:

–          Powers of attorney

–          Diplomas

–          Treaties

–          Warrants

Washington Express Visas will have your documents processed accurately, quickly, and for a price far less than other visa or document services. We also offer same day pick-up and delivery to and from your DC office.  The document legalization process can be confusing and frustrating and we’re here to make that process easier and faster as well. Washington Express Visas will save you time and provide peace of mind by staying in contact with you to let you know the status of any item you have in process with us and will notify you of any issues or delays.

Washington Express Visas offers same day pick-up and expedited service for your document legalization and authentication needs.  We ensure that your documents are processed properly and efficiently, and for an affordable price.  Click here to see our rate schedule for prices.  The Document Legalization process can be confusing and frustrating, so we’re here to make that process easier and faster, to help relieve that burden.   Washington Express Visas can save you time and provide peace of mind by staying in constant contact and letting you know immediately of any problems or delays.

Need a document authenticated for one of these common countries? See our country specific pages for the procedures to follow for these Embassies. 

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Time to Authenticate Your Documents

Documentation has become an important aspect of everyday life as people become more mobile across countries. If you are only traveling within the United States you likely will not have to deal with getting your documents authenticated. However, if you are traveling outside of the United States and you are intending to use your documents, you need to get your documents authenticated! We often hear that this process can be headache inducing and that is what Washington Express Visas is here for. We want to make this process as easy as possible for you.

Here are our tips and recommendations when it comes to authenticating your documents.

1.Don’t wait until the last minute! It is critical that you have as much time as possible so that there is no chance your trip will be delayed based on obstacles that might come up.

2. Make sure you know what’s required for authenticating your documents in the country you are traveling to. Not all countries have the same requirements. For example, there are differences in what the State Department needs to authenticate versus what Embassy legalization might require.

3. Reach out for help! This process is complicated and complex. At Washington Express Visas, we have people who specialize in the authenticating document process so please connect with us at your earliest convenience!

4. Figure out if you need to authenticate your documents…or not! A few examples of the types of activities you will need to authenticate your document are:

  • If you are relocating to another country for temporary or permanent residence
  • If you need to verify your role as Power of Attorney while in another country
  •  If you plan on teaching English as a second language in a foreign school
  •  If you are planning on marrying in another country and need to show your birth certificate or the birth certificates of your children for visa and residence purposes.

We recognize that authenticating your documents can be arduous and we are here to help! We would hate for you to miss a trip or have to delay your move to another country because you did not authenticate your documents. We want to make the process easier and faster for you.

If you would like to learn more about our authentication and apostille services, call us at 877-675-5571. Please also feel free to contact us for a quote! We would love to help you prepare for your trip and make sure your documents are all set before you leave.

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Looking for an Apostille Service?

It’s no surprise that Apostille Services have become more abundant in our current society given how many Americans are moving to other countries. It used to be rare that you would find an American pack up their life and move to a different country and now it is very common. Being born in the United States no longer means that you are likely to spend your whole life here and often Americans are moving to other countries for job opportunities. Other reasons you may need Apostille Service is because Americans are traveling to adopt a child or have planned extended vacations in other countries.

Because of this Washington Express Visas offers Document Legalization services. Many people refer to this service as “Authentication” or “Apostille” service. Apostille comes from the French word that means “certification.” At Washington Express Visas, we will have one of our specially trained document legalization agents hand-carry your legal documents to the DC Notary & Authentication office (if required), the State Department Authentication office and then to the appropriate Embassy. We will have your documents processed accurately, quickly, and for a price far less than other visa or document services. We also offer same day pick-up and delivery to and from your DC office.

We recognize the document legalization can be arduous and we are here to help! We would hate for you to miss a trip or have to delay your move to another country because your documents did not arrive on time. We want to make the process easier and faster for you.

If you would like to learn more about our authentication and apostille services, call us at 877-675-5571. Please also feel free to contact us for a quote!  We would love to help you prepare for your trip and make sure your documents are all set before you leave!

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TSA To Expedite Screening for Faster Travel For Disabled Military

TSA has made great strides in advancement of security measures since 9/11 to keep travelers safe. However, some of those measures have caused some travelers to feel violated. One past example is the use of graphic airport body scanners. Now, a recent wounded military personnel’s encounter with TSA screening has sparked more change in the right direction.

The TSA will begin to expand its’ program for expedited screening through airports for inactive-duty and inactive “wounded warriors” reported CNN late last week. The expanding of the expedited screening military program comes as a result of a disabled Marine being requested to remove both of his prosthetic legs. Although he had the prosthetic legs, he had limited mobility. He could not stand of walk on his own merit. The TSA screener, however, asked the Marine to stand or walk, so they could perform examination on the wheelchair. After putting the prosthetic legs back on, he was put through the same screening process at another point while pursuing to travel. The TSA screener denies the allegations.

TSA will now include within its’ military expedited screening program all active-duty and also what they call inactive “wounded warriors”. They will have the same expediting screening privileges as active-duty, uniformed military personnel. The process for wounded warriors will be to contact TSA via e-mail or phone before their flight, in which they will have similar benefits to the TSA Precheck Program. The program allows them to keep on certain apparel such as shoes and hats. TSA also desires to provide “curb to gate” service to all wounded warriors as well.

TSA Deputy Administrator John Halinski stated, “In recognition of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, we have revised our screening requirements to allow expedited screening for this trusted group of citizens”. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was said to be pleased with the TSA changes.

There are other screening changes TSA has plans to make in 2013, which involve their scanning devices. They will remove airport body scanners that reveal graphic images of travelers’ bodies in June. Travelers felt the body scanners were a violation of privacy. TSA has pursued to solve the problem with the backscatter machines. There are 174 backscatter machines in 30 airports that are expected to be removed. Currently, 170 airports are using the millimeter wave machines. Traveling will become quicker and easier through the airport.

Wherever you will be traveling this year, do not forgot your passport. Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas has provided expedited passport processing services with same day pick up for over 30 years. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 3.28.13, www.cnn.com, Mike M Ahlers, TSA expedites screening for ‘wounded warriors’

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New Thailand And Cambodia Single-Entry Visa

A single-entry visa is not just going to be held by the European Union any longer. A couple of small countries have decided to join in and see how effective it can be for higher tourism for both of them. Thailand and Cambodia have launched a single-entry visa into their countries.

The Asia News Network reported that Thailand and Cambodia have released the launching what is currently known as the Acmecs Single Visa. It is the Asean version of the European Union’s Schengen Visa scheme. The Acmecs, the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, is made up of five countries, which include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Thailand and Cambodia are the first of the two to implement the new single-entry visa. Tourists can now use either country’s embassy and receive a single-entry visa for both countries. “If the initial project is successful, then the remaining Acmecs members will join the scheme,” said Foreign Minister Surapong Towichuk-chaikul.

The main objective of the new single-entry visa is to boost tourism throughout these Asian areas. The report stated 21 million tourists visited Thailand in 2012. In contrast, Cambodia only experienced a fraction of that tourism at 2.3 million. Since Thailand is the most attractive, tourists will enjoy being able to travel to Cambodia as an additional destination. The single visa will definitely benefit both and eventually, all five countries of the Asean scheme. From the onset, the emerging idea was “four countries-one destination”, in which Vietnam joined later.

The new single-entry visa, however, will not exempt tourists from being required to pay the actual visa fees of the country the desire to travel to. For example, the Thai embassy will have its’ own entry fee. If the tourist is planning to travel to Cambodia, they will have to pay the entry fee for Cambodia at the Thai embassy at the same time in order to travel there.

For the aspiring countries to pursue economic growth together should be no surprise. Both countries have already agreed to increase their trading with one another by 30% per year. They will also begin upgrades on the infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to handle the increased tourism.

Whether you are traveling to Thailand, Cambodia or any other country throughout the world, you will need a visa to get there. Washington Express Visas can assist you with all of your expedited visa services and expediting passport processing needs. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver all our services to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area. Call us at (877) 675-5571 today!

References: 12.27.12, Supalak Ganjanakhundee in Bangkok/The Nation/Asia News Network, Thailand, Cambodia launch single-entry visa

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US Expects Travel Increase Over Next 5 Years

One of the world’s most desired places to travel is our very own United States. Being the wealthiest and most advanced country in the world, international travelers come to see the beautiful land of the free. From the latest findings, these number of travelers to the US is about to increase in the years to come.

The US Department of Commerce has reported that we can expect a 3.6% to 4.3% annual growth in foreign travel of the next five years. In 2012, 66 million international travelers are projected to visit the US, which is a 6% increase from 62.7 million in 2011.

This will mean a number of positive results for the US. With a slow-paced economy, an increase in the travel sector will aid business growth. Many small businesses look for travelers to shop with them. In the report, the Commerce Department of International Trade Administration stated there were $153 billion in receipts and $43 billion in trade surplus last year. “Last year, our nation hosted a record-breaking number of international vistors, and the future looks even brighter,” said Francisco Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

The North American region will account for the largest portion of the total visitor growth at 18 million visitors, which is 42%. Other notables will be Asia at 26% and South America at 13%. The largest number of vistors are projected to come from Canada at 29% of total growth. China will consist of 16%, Mexico at 13%, Brazil at 7%, United Kingdom and Japan at 4%.

The percentages increase will vary from different countries all over the world. China is predicted to have the largest predicted growth at 259%. Other high numbers will come from Brazil at 83% and Argentina at 67%. The South American numbers are should not be a surprise, seeing their economy is currently experiencing steady growth. It appears that with these high figures, American travel into these countries will likely increase as well.

Whether you are traveling into the US or one the other beautiful countries in the world, you will need a passport or visa. Washington Express Visas specializes in expedited passport services, expedited visa services and document processing. We are Washington DC metro area’s fastest visa services, passport processing, document legalization, and translations specialists. Washington Express Visas has been in business for 30 years and is the Washington DC metro area’s largest courier. We also provide all cash and other fees up front so there are no delays. Visit us at www.washingtonexpressvisas.com or Call us at 1-877-675-5571 today!

Reference: 12.3.12, US Embassy IIP Digital, Foreign Visitors To U.S. Expected To Increase Over Next 5 Years
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How To Be Healthy While Traveling Abroad

Health is not just a part of daily life where you are, but also where you travel. Traveling within your native country is one thing, however, traveling outside of your country is another.

Having optimal health in a foreign country is very serious. The territory is unfamiliar to your body, therefore, you want to make sure you have everything you need to adapt and remain healthy. Dr Deborah Mills is the author of “Traveling Well”. She stated in a recent CNN article, “Don’t assume it’s going to be OK. You plan for your passport, your visas and you save your money, but health should be on your little checklist”. In the same article, Here are some ways you can stay healthy while traveling.

One way you can stay healthy is to first register with STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a great tool to begin with because it requests information about your trip. It is used to send alerts in the country you are in. Most of all, your information is used in case of an emergency to help you. This is critical for your life overall.

You can also find out through the World Health Organization information about the health risks of a country. The WHO travel and health guide can be used and is a great resource to help you prepare for your travel. The article encourages visiting a doctor that specializes in travel health or the area you are traveling to. This way, you can be treated and get wisdom for anything you may encounter specific to your body.

Another way to be healthy is to get insurance for travel overseas. This is something you may have to discuss with your health care provider. Find out whether your current insurance covers you. If not, what is required to have travel coverage. This is very crucial to enable you if needed, to be able to visit a foreign hospital. Dr Brendan O’Brien, director of American Citizens Services with the U.S. State Department stated an emergency evacuation to the US can cost more than $50,000. Without insurance, this could be very costly, not just your health, but to your wallet. Feel free to visit the US State Department website for details on travel insurance policy providers.

Make sure you pack all your necessary medical documents and supplies. Whatever medication you normally or even rarely use, it is recommended to pack extra doses of it. Do not be caught unawares if where your are traveling does not have that specific medication or if they run out. That can result in you having to spend money to have it shipped to you right away. This can be risky in case of an emergency and you can’t wait a day without that vital medication. Also, bring things that are normal to the US, such as bandages, needles, antibiotics, etc. They may not be standard in the foreign country you are in or they may use something else not familiar to your body.

Finally, if you are sick in a country, do not hesitate to seek help as soon as possible. Diseases can surprise you in foreign countries. In the article, Dr Mills commented, ”We call malaria a ‘cliff disease.’ People don’t really feel too bad, and then all of a sudden they’re over the cliff, and they’re dead.” Therefore, it is imperative to take heed to body signals and seek help.

Being healthy while traveling is very important, yet you also need to make sure you have your visa or passport to get there. Visa expedited services like Washington Express Visas can get your visa and passport needs met fast. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.

Washington Express has been in business for 30 years with offices in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. We provide prompt and reliable service- you’ll always speak with a live person. Washington Express’ service times are the fastest available in the region with a 99% on-time track record. Call 202-393-3030 today!

References: 9.13.12, www.cnn.com, Jacque Wilson, 5 ways to stay healthy while traveling abroad

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US Announces New Deportation Policy

With so many immigration talks in our government this year, it is priceless to now have an option for young immigrants. There is a peace of mind knowing there is now a way not be deported out of the US as a young immigrant.

CNN reported The US has announced a new deportation policy for illegal immigrants. The new deportation program applies to illegal immigrants that are under the age of 30 and have lived in the US since the age of 16. More details of the program are to come, however, young immigrants are already preparing to take advantage the opportunity. It will allow qualifying immigrants to receive a 2-year deferred deployment program, which can be renewed every two years.

Young immigrants must not only meet the age specifications, but also other requirements such as not being a criminal or a threat to US security. They must also be successful students or serve in the military. The policy does want to make sure our homeland is safe.

One requirement for young immigrants is they must actually acquire a passport from their own native country. This may present challenges because some immigrants, such as a Mexican teen in the report, can not hardly speak his native Mexican language, let alone know how to obtain a passport from the Mexican Government. They may not even have a birth certificate either. Some don’t even know their fathers, which Mexican law requires for a passport, a birth certificate and finger prints of both parents. The Mexican consulates in the US have stated they will help those that qualify, but have issues with getting their passport or document legalizations.

All 50 consulates in the US have information on the new program and are available for any illegal that desire to get started. With support from Latino leaders and even Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, this new policy appears to be going in the right direction for an ultimate immigration resolve.

For anyone needing a passport quickly and desire to take part in the new deportation program, expedited passport services such as Washington Express Visas can help you. We provide expedited passport processing and document legalization services to consulates with same day pick up and specially trained passport processing agents to deliver your passport applications for processing at the Washington, DC Passport Agency. Our professional passport specialists hand carry your passport documents to ensure that your documents get the expedited attention they need to meet all of your travel needs and deadlines. Call us at (202) 393-3030 or Toll Free (877) 675-5571 today!

Reference: 8.1.12, www.cnn.com, Gustavo Valdes-Young immigrants prepare for new U.S. deportation policy

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Places To Travel On 4th of July

Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is the holiday the US commemorates our Declaration of Independence. It is one of the most popular holidays during the year. It also occurs during the best season to travel and have a hot, fun vacation. Statistically from the AAA, 42.3 million Americans will be traveling for the holiday this year, the highest amount within a decade. Whether you are traveling to the United States or abroad, there are some beautiful place in the world to enjoy.

If you are taking a vacation this week and seeking where to travel on the 4th of July, below are some suggested great places you can go.

Florida is one of the most beautiful states in the US and is an excellent place to travel during this 4th of July. The states is known for its’ white sand beaches and theme parks galore. Walt Disney World is one the most famous theme parks in the world and is located right in Orlando, Florida. London, England is a country full of historical sites, such as St. Stephens Tower and Buckingham Palace. Traveling to London is so significant this year because they are the proud hosting country of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

If cruises are your favorite way to travel, Alaska is breathtaking during this time of year. Another top rated place to travel during this holiday week is Boston, Massachusetts. Rich in colonial history and American heritage, Boston has filled its’ calendar with several events to celebrate America’s independence. So be sure to participate in the Boston Harborfest this week, as it will be a fun-filled time for everyone.

Traveling does require much more than just you and your bags. If you need a visa or passport, Washington Express Visas is a great choice for you. Washington Express Visas specializes in Visa Services and Passport Processing and Document Authentication. Our expedited service provides same day pick-up and specially trained visa processing agents to deliver your visa applications for processing and authentication to every Embassy in the Washington, DC area. For more information on our Visa and Passport Processing services and Document Legalization, please call us at 202-393-3030 or 877-675-5571 or visit visas@washingtonexpressvisas.com today!

References: www.newsroom.aaa.com, 6.19.12, AAA Projection for Independence Day Holiday Travel Ties Record for Highest Volume in Past Decade
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Embassy Visa Services Expertise

What is an Embassy? We hear this respected term all the time, yet most people don’t fully understand its’ function. An Embassy is a diplomatic office in country (usually in the capital city of the host country) where the highest diplomatic officer is the ambassador (or high commissioner, in British Commonwealth). There are thousands of embassies around the world, specifically there are 186 in the United States. The embassy has the role of a diplomatic mission to protect in the receiving State the interests of the sending State, within the limits permitted by international law. They promote friendly relations between the sending State and the receiving State, and developing their economic, cultural and scientific relations.

Relative to Visas, a foreigner can not legally enter into a foreign country without it. Having the visa simply communicates the support or backing of embassy. An embassy is stationed to promote diplomacy and protection for its’ own country and citizens. As a result, there are many and various visa requirements. Here an example to obtain a tourist “L” visa to enter China:
Submit U.S. Passport – valid at least 6 months beyond stay, or longer than the visa’s validity and containing at least one blank visa page (other than amendment/endorsement pages)

  • Visa Application Form (Q1) the 2 pages version only.
  • Passport type photograph required.
  • Applicants requesting Rush issuance (same day) or Express (24 hours) issuance of the visa must provide a travel agency or airline itinerary showing evidence of an urgent departure within 7 days.
  • Visitors to China whose purpose of visit is short term study (less than 180 days), intern etc., should not apply for tourist visas. Please click below for the appropriate visa instructions:

With so many requirements, why not allow an expert to work with the embassy and proper prepare your visa on your behalf?  Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service.  Washington Express Visas professional office staff and specially trained visa agents provide same day pick up service to deliver visa applications, passports, document legalization and translations to every Embassy and agency in the Washington, DC metro area.

Washington Express Visas will provide you with the specific requirements and what documentation is needed to enter into any foreign country. Instead of trying to wade through multiple websites trying to figure it all out, let our knowledgeable visa services staff walk you through the process step-by-step, making sure that you have all of the correct documentation, and then working on your behalf directly with the Embassy to get your visa application submitted and processed accurately and efficiently. We have 29 years of visa experience with offices in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. For our customer’s convenience, we have visa services information and requirements for the most traveled countries in the world in one centralized location on our website. Let Washington Express be YOUR EMBASSY EXPERT! Call us today!

reference: www.businessdictionary.com; www.wikipedia.org; www.traveldocs.com

Washington Express Visas is a private company that is not affiliated with any government agency. We charge a fee to process and expedite passports, visas and document leglization applications at consulates and passport agencies.

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