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#1
Jul 01, 2009, 10:51 AM
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A friend of mine will be coming over from The Netherlands to visit me in the States. I was doing some snooping about on the net regarding customs passage.
Is there really as much Hoo-Haa to be concerned about as it reads? I mean, there are pages and pages of "do's and don'ts"...penalties for "this and that".....Requirements, regulations, rules, laws.....list goes on n on. (It even seems more difficult to leave the states than entering.....?) The primary reason that I began lookies on the net was when he went to get his passport, they sent him through all these requirements that his pic for pass HAD to be in color. When he received his pass yesterday, the pic was in black and white, (passport appears ligit). I assumed that the US regulations require a color pic for passport to allow passage. So far, I cannot find anything on the net which states the specific requirements regarding the pic. Does anyone know anything about this? Has anyone any personal experience in international travel which you can share with me? Sure would much prefer getting the info straight from those who have "been there, done that" sorta thing...than to have to sift through our government's offerings...ugh! Although, I certainly have read much and have saved links and even Adobied some .pdf forms (precautionary measures). I really appreciate your inputs... Thanks~ Shangrala 
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#2
Jul 01, 2009, 05:25 PM
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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 |
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#3
Jul 02, 2009, 08:34 AM
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Quote:
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
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Last edited by Shangrala; Jul 02, 2009 at 08:51 AM. |
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#4
Jul 02, 2009, 09:19 AM
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I'm glad my info was helpful
I don't believe he should have an issue with the Nintendo. I strongly suggest that he have a small carry on bag to keep it in though. As he goes through security, they will probably have to check out the Nintendo and games (like they do with laptops) but it shouldn't be a problem. I'm glad he's checking with the government on the picture issue though. You are right, better to be safe than sorry! May he have a wonderful flight and the two of you have a great time together. How exciting! sabby |
 Shangrala
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#5
Jul 02, 2009, 09:39 AM
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Just to update this....
We just found out that because all passports are electronically processed now (with chips), that the visual photo is made in black and white, and while once the passport is scanned through, the electronic photo will show in color. Again, Sabby, thanks for you replies. Truly appreciate it. Shangrala
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#6
Jul 02, 2009, 10:00 AM
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Shangrala
Just to inform you that passengers from all countries that are part of the visa waiver programme and that includes the netherlands have to register 48 hours in advance of their flight to the US. They have to fill out an indepth form answering all the details of their visit, their identity etc. Check with the homelands dept for more information. Paddy |
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#7
Jul 02, 2009, 10:02 AM
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Shangrala
I presume this is the young man you were talking about earlier in the year, how exciting for you it is all coming to fruition. One point of note in the pre flight questionare they ask if the apssenger has any mental illness or history, tell him to answer NO to this, very important. Paddy |
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#8
Jul 02, 2009, 10:07 AM
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#9
Jul 02, 2009, 10:19 AM
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Quote:
We will be signing him up for electronic registration within the next week, which I believe is pre-registration requirement (that 48 hour advance). And, yes, this is that one in the same young man with whom we have been struggling for arrangements to come to me (and eventually to move here permanently...yay). I never would have fathomed the red tape involved in having one to visit...let alone to move over. Thank you for adivice on the question pertaining to his mental health. I did alot of reading about that, (upon posting in here, asking for advice....Gawd...that was quite sometime ago, wasn't it?) Now, FINALLY coming together. LOL...you're replying faster than I can type this ONE relpy back to you...Awwww...You're so sweet. Thank you for the site link. I'll be looking into that as soon as I post this reply back to you. Thank you so much for your attention to my situation. Yourra Sweetie!! Shangrala
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#10
Jul 02, 2009, 10:25 AM
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Thank you, Paddy. Oddly, we were JUST on that site together about a half hour ago.... But, still....AWWWWWWwwwwwww....You are sooooo sweet for taking out the time to lookies for me. It's members like you who definately make this site absolutely AMAZING. Thanks again~ Shangrala
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