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Author: Ashley Montoya

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How To Know Which Type of Apostille You Need

It can be difficult to navigate which type of Apostille is the right one to use. For those who do not know what or why an Apostille would be used…an Apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participated in The Hague Convention Treaty of 1961. The Apostille seals and signatures on public documents makes sure they can be recognized in other foreign countries that are also members of the Treaty.

For Non-Federal documents, each individual secretary of state for each respective state has the responsibility of issuing the correct seal. For Federal documents, those Apostille seals need to be issued from the Department of State. It can be complex to figure out whether you need the Apostille seal from the Department of State or if it needs to come from the offices of the secretary of state from an individual state.

Washington Express Visas can be helpful in navigating this process and figuring out the type of Apostille you will need dependent upon your need. The types of documents that require an Apostille from the US Department of State are:

  • Naturalization Certificates
  • FBI Background Checks
  • INS Documents
  • IRS Documents
  • Certificates to Foreign Government

Our services at Washington Express Visas are incredibly valuable as it relates to this process because getting an Apostille from the US Department of State can take lots of time and money. The processing can take up to 3 business days and that is if you are able to be there in person. If you need to travel in, you will need to be able to stay in the area for when your documents are ready for pick up. Expedited process can happen for emergency situations but often require an appointment to be made in advance. The best way to understand processing timeframes is to check with the Office of Authentications in advance. Mailing them in can be even more complicated and lengthen the processing time significantly. There is also not a good system to know exactly where to mail them which is why we would recommend taking advantage of our services. Our professionals will make sure to submit your request in person to the correct office which will expedite your Apostille services.

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Embassy Document Services

We understand that navigating different Embassies can be difficult especially because not all of the Embassies have the same guidelines. Sometimes you need your documents processed in a hurry but don’t’ have the time to do it. Washington Express Visas is here to help!

With Washington Express Visas expedited visa and passport services, our professional visa and passport services staff will have one of our specially trained visa agents take your visa and passport processing documents to the appropriate Embassy or agency and get your documents processed properly for less than traditional visa and passport processing services charge.  Click here to see our rate schedule for prices.  Your documents can be picked up and returned directly to your office, or you can send them to Washington Express Visas via FedEx or UPS.

Curious what Washington Express Visas has to its advantage?

  • Washington, DC based.
  • We are an SSP (Single Source Provider) – Tracking capabilities and technologies that integrate our services.
  • Agent Expertise with the Embassies and Department of State.
  • Experience – 30 years’ experience in Washington, DC.
  • We provide all cash and other fees up front for you so there are no delays in processing.

Our service fees include: application verification, processing & filing. We provide this service so that you can make sure that your application is complete and accurate before it gets submitted for approval. It is not a requirement to process your applications through us. Washington Express Visas is an experienced visa & document processing provider. We can help you complete your application timely and accurately in order to avoid delays. We can also file & process your application for you for a fee.

For more information on our Visa and Passport Processing services and Document Legalization, please call our visa service specialist at 202-393-3030 or 877-675-5571 or visas@washingtonexpressvisas.com.

Check out our video to learn even more about our services!

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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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How To Legalize A Document

Ever wonder if that document you have needs to be legalized? Well, our first recommendation is to check if you need a “legalized document” and if the answer is yes, our second recommendation is to come to Washington Express Visas! 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 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. 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.

Here is a basic overview of the Document Legalization process:

  • Legal documents intended for use in a country which is a member of the Hague Convention require an Apostille, which is Notarization and then State Secretary of State Certification.
  • Legal documents intended for use in a country which is not a member of the Hague convention require a Full Legalization (also known as Chain Authentication or Consularization), which is Notarization, State Secretary of State Certification, Federal Authentication, and then Embassy Legalization.

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.

If you are interested in legalizing your document(s), please complete the attached request form and credit card authorization form (if paying by credit card) and send along with your document to Washington Express Visas and Document Legalization.

In order to obtain legalization, we will need the original document. This needs to be a signed-and-notarized or a State-issued Document.

The Legalization processing time at the Embassies varies, but usually takes about 3 – 5 business days.

Documents requiring legalization will be processed through the appropriate Embassy consular office. In order for the document to be recognized by the Embassy, it first needs to be certified by the U.S. State Department. As part of our service, we can take your documents to the U.S. State Department and also advise you on their exact requirements before they will place their seal.

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China Visa Services

Having trouble finding a way to get your visa ready for a trip to China? Need your visa in a hurry? Look no further! Washington Express Visas provides expedited China visa services to the Chinese Embassy.

Washington Express Visas offers same day pick-up and prompt, reliable China visa services. When others tell you it will take weeks to get your visa, call us and we can do it in mere days. We will walk you through the process step-by-step and immediately notify you if any problems or delays occur. Your documents can be picked up and returned directly to your office, or you can send them to us via FedEx, UPS, etc. to our Processing Office.

Please keep in mind there are different parameters for U.S. citizens applying for a Chinese visa than former citizens of Chinese. Make sure you read through all requirements and bring all necessary materials. We would hate for you to make a waste of trip! There is also critical health information to read through before traveling to China for extended periods of time. While there may be no vaccinations required to enter China there are many vaccinations that are recommended when traveling there.

Too busy to fill out the paperwork yourself? Would you rather one of our experts complete your application on your behalf and all you need to do is sign it? Ask about our All-Inclusive China Visa submission services today!

Before heading over to the Embassy to process your documents, make sure to check the times and fees associated with doing it yourself. To that end, if you are interested in leveraging Washington Express Visas for our expertise on this subject, please also check our website for our fees for this service.

Washington Express Visas is an experienced visa & document processing provider. We can help you complete your application timely and accurately in order to avoid delays. We can also file & process your application for you for a fee. Contact us today!

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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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Top Valentine Day Travel Getaways

The new year 2012 has just begun, and already the most romantic holiday right around the corner.  Valentine’s Day is a time when many expressions of love are given through memorable gifts and the reddest of roses.  However, many individuals desire to go beyond the normal patterns of giving gifts and do some traveling.  There is nothing comparable to a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.  If you are looking to surprise your spouse or loved one with a getaway for Valentine’s Day, there are some great places to go and see.

One place to travel on Valentine’s Day is Arizona.  The state is turning 100 years old on February 14th and there are bound to be celebrations for this momentus occasion.  The state is full of attractions, not to mention it’s sunny weather. If you are seeking to travel somewhere warm and stay in the United States, Arizona is the place.  Another destination to visit would be Churchill, Manitoba.  This year will be the most scenic time for visibility for the Northern Lights in 50 years!  It will be a wonderful experience.  Mexico, Bermuda, and Colombia are also great getaways for their beautiful beaches and low cost of travel.  Last but not least, Paris is the city of love and known all over the world for its’ romantic appeal.  With Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday, it’s a perfect travel time to catch some amazing mid-week deals and opportunities to save money.

Enjoying a getaway a great way to make this year a Valentine’s Day to remember.  While you are making your plans and deciding on your destination, do not forget to become informed of any visa and/or passport requirements your destination may have.  If you do not have the proper travel documents you need, companies likes Washington Express Visas can help you.  Washington Express Visas specializes in expedited Visa Services and Passport Processing and Document Authentication.

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.  Call us at 1-877-675-5571 today!

References:  1.19.12, www.washingtonpost.com, Robert Reid, A Love Surprise: Perfect Valentine’s Day Getaways You Hadn’t Thought Of

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Top Places For Holiday Travel, Don’t Forget Your Passport

The holiday season is consistently the most traveled time during the year.  People are traveling to visit loved ones, some of which they haven’t seen since last Christmas.  At the same time, this is a great time for many to end their year doing something else we all enjoy– taking a vacation.  If you are going on a vacation in December, there are three places that are considered as the top places for holiday travel.

Costa Rica is always a favorite to travel to at the end of the year.  The country was named by CNN as the #1 holiday value destination in 2010.  The average temperature is 72 degrees and there plenty of activities to enjoy.  If price is not an issue, the Conde Nast Traveler’s Magazine recommends St. Bart as the best place to travel in December.  As one of France’s islands, the 8-mile long island is full of pristine white sand beaches and is known for having great yacht activities.  Celebrities adore this tropical travel spot.  Lastly, the Travel Channel Orlando is a top place to travel due to it’s combination of sunny weather, famous theme parks, and winter themes created in the city, such as ice sculptures and snow.

With these top places to travel and more, you can be sure to have great vacation.  However, if you are going to be traveling outside of your country, don’t forget you may need a passport.  Washington Express Visas is the Washington DC metro area’s fastest Visa Services, Passport Processing, Expedited Processing, Document Legalization and Translations specialists. Washington Express Visas is also the Washington DC metro area’s largest and fastest courier service. Call us at 1-(202) 393-3030 today.

References:  www.travelchannel.com/best-places-to-visit-in-december; www.cntraveller.com/recommended/itineraries/top-10-holiday-destinations/december; www.cnn.com/travel

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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