Quote:
Originally Posted by _sabby_
I'm not sure what the Netherlands picture requirements are for their passports. I do know that for a US passport the picture must be in color.
Did your friend apply for his passport through the government? If so, he should contact the government and ask if the passport picture should be as it is or in color. I'm surprised actually that it's not in color. How else are officials supposed to see hair color/eye color etc etc?
When traveling to the states, just bring the basic necessities. Pack all sharp items in luggage that is checked (not carry on). Keep a close eye on the size of liquid containers being carried on board the plane, there are specifics that you can find listed at any airport website. They WILL confiscate certain items like lighters, over sized liquid items (creams/shampoo etc).
If he is bringing meds, he should have them all in the original prescription bottles. It's not necessarily a requirement, but it sure does help if there is any question by security etc.
It's a good idea to put a contact sheet into each piece of luggage he is carrying and checking. His name, address he's traveling to, home address and even a contact phone number just in case he gets separated from it. I've never had a problem with lost luggage while traveling internationally but one never knows!
Immigration will ask him why he is visiting, who he is visiting, where he will be staying, how long he'll be staying and possibly other questions as well. Oh, and let him know that most of the immigration/security officials have NO sense of humor *sigh* LOL It should go relatively smoothly for him though 
I hope that's been helpful.....I wish him a safe trip and hope you both enjoy the visit!
sabby |
Thank you so much Sabby.
To let you know...When he took his picture, the one WHILE it was being approved for the passport, it was in color. But the one he received included in his passport a month later was in black and white, which surprised him as much as it did me. I am fully aware of the US restrictions for color on pass. However, because his was received in black and white, and processed by his government we are assuming that it is accepted, which is fine....but, because our regulations are for color photo only, I'm concerned if that will create a possible conflict.
I've instructed him to check further into this with his governent...Best to be safe than sorry. What an awful thing to realize upon attempting to enter the states AS it is happening....No thanks!
Again, thanks for your help. It's been very helpful.
Ohhhhh...I meant to add...He will be carrying only his cigarettes and his NIntendo DSi, with a couple games. (He will not have a carryon case). Will he be allowed to carry that on board plane? Or, does he need to put that in his cargo case? Which I certainly hope not as we bought that for him primarily for preoccupying his thoughts, (he suffers from social phobia, though not on meds).
Shangrala
