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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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Great Tips For Holiday Travel!

The holiday season is here and people are gearing up to visit their beloved families and friends. This is the time in which we tend to travel the most. Thanksgiving was already projected by AAA to increase for the fourth consecutive year in the US. Traveling will increase as Christmas and New Year’s Day approaches.

Travelers will also to enjoy a change of scenery right before the new year and take a vacation. Traveling in December will be congested, however, it does not have to be difficult. With the right tips, you can make the best of your holiday traveling.

Per the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, here are some great tips for holiday travel:

Enroll In STEP – The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free online service in which your family can enroll in to help the Department of State locate you in case of emergency in the U.S. or where you have traveled. You can also receive updated travel information of the country you are visiting.

Leave Copies of Itinerary, Passport Data Page, & Credit Card – Leave these important documents with your family or friends. It can help them in the event you need assistance. With leaving a credit card, they can contact your credit card company and they can actually use it to locate you.

Find The Closest U.S. Embassy Or Consulate – In case you need assistance from a consular officer, be informed where the nearest US Embassy is located in your destination country.

Minor Children Traveling – If you are traveling with children under the age of 16, double check their passport expiration dates. Passports for this age group are only valid for 5 years, instead of 10 years like adults. Children must apply for a passport in person with their parents or legal guardians. Feel free to review the requirements for children’s passports on www.travel.gov as well.

Sign And Fill In All Emergency Information On Your Passport – Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and visa, and complete the emergency information on your passport. Write the contact information in pencil for easy updating in the future.

Finally, don’t forget your passport. If you need a passport or visa, you do not have to look any further. For expedited passport processing or expedited visa services, you can contact Washington Express Visas. Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. With 30 years of expertise, Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s largest courier service. Visit www.washingtonexpressvisas.com or call 877-675-5571 today!

Reference: www.travel.state.gov, Consular Officers Share Holiday Travel Tips

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New Version of B-1 Visa

Since 9/11 there has been an increased of security in our country and abroad. The Department of State and Homeland Security has made efforts to make visa requirements that ultimately provide safety. No area in which visas are required is being overlooked. This includes business. The maritime industry has received a new version of the B-1 visa for foreign citizens visiting the United States for business purposes.

As of February 1, 2011, the Departments of State and Homeland Security introduced an annotated version of the B-1 visa, issued to foreign citizens visiting the United States for business purposes that will make foreign maritime workers eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric identification card that maritime workers must obtain in order to gain unrestricted access to secure areas of U.S. maritime facilities. Maritime industry workers who will perform services in secure port areas must have their visas annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Review Visitor Visas – Business and Pleasure for information on how to request an annotated B-1 visa for a maritime industry worker and TSA’s website at http://www.tsa.gov/twic for complete information about the TWIC program.

Washington Express aims to always keep you abreast of various passport and visa news. We also can be the visa courier of choice to assist you with these needs. 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 utilizes state of the art dispatch software to monitor, track, and control every aspect of the visa and passport process. We offer customized billing and reporting options, such as paperless, electronic billing as well as reports customized to your specifications. Washington Express Visas can sort, group, and subtotal your invoice to meet your customized accounting specifications, and our billing is simple, informative and available on a monthly or semi-monthly basis. Call Washington Express at at 202-393-3030 today.