A: The cost of CIBT services is comprised of five major components: government/document issuance fees, CIBT base service fees, rush surcharges, delivery charges, and foreign national surcharges. Government/document issuance outlays refer to foreign consular fees or U.S. Passport Agency fees. CIBT service fees refer to the professional service fee incurred for each document-processing request. The amount of the service fee depends on the individual rate agreement your company has negotiated with CIBT. Rush fees can be incurred depending on the amount of time given to CIBT to process your document. Delivery fees will vary depending on the particular shipping arrangements you have made with CIBT and on the amount of time given between the processing of your document and your traveler's departure date. Foreign national surcharges are added for all travelers who are non-U.S. citizens. A research fee for providing forms and requirements will be charged for all travelers residing outside the U.S.

A: The "rush" surcharge applies when CIBT is given 3-10 business days for processing after receipt of complete application materials. The "emergency" surcharge applies when CIBT is given 1-2 business days or less for processing after receipt of complete application materials.

A: Passport and Visa requirements are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through CIBT's website (www.cibt.com). In addition, CIBT's National Customer Service Center is available 7:30am - 7:00pm CST. You may also e-mail your request by sending a message to customerservice@cibt.com. In some cases, there may be a charge for determining requirements; you will be informed in advance if there are any charges associated with your request.

A: Consular jurisdiction is the geographic area for which a consulate has responsibility for issuing visas. Some consulates have strict enforcement of jurisdiction, some only enforce it for certain types of visas and others do not enforce jurisdiction or have any jurisdictional limits at all. Depending on what jurisdictional limits exist, CIBT can sometimes direct you to another city for faster or less complicated processing.

A: Validity refers to the amount of time before a travel document expires. Duration refers to the maximum stay in a country that is permitted on a visa. A Brazilian multiple entry visa may have a validity of five years, however, the maximum duration of stay at any one time is 90 days.

A: In general, business cover letters must be on company letterhead, must be signed by someone in authority other than the applicant, and must include the nature of the visit as well as a guarantee that the company will pay the applicant's expenses. Latin and South American countries often have additional requirements. CIBT's Customer Information Request (CIR) includes sample cover letters to get you started. In addition, sample letters can be found in the Additional On-line Resources section of the CIBT website.

A: Visa invitations /confirmations are documents approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country of travel which authorize a particular traveler to visit their country. Most often, they indicate specific information regarding the itinerary (dates of stay, name of hosting organization, cities of visit), as well as an official reference number and seal of approval. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary per country. When requesting requirements through the internet, by phone or e-mail, please be sure to provide the following information:

• Nationality of traveler
• City and state of residency
• Visa status in the U.S. if traveler is a non-U.S. passport holder
• Purpose of trip, length of stay
• Departure date
• Your CIBT account number (if you don't have an account number, please contact acctmgmt@cibt.com)

A: Yes. For most countries, a passport needs to be submitted so the visa may be stamped on one of the blank visa pages.

A: CIBT does its very best to know exactly what consulates require in the way of document processing. Our liaisons work extremely hard to maintain good working relationships with consulate staff and to know when changes in requirements take place, as they often do. However, sometimes consulates will make changes and not communicate them immediately. Also, based on your specific visa application, a consulate may choose at any time to ask for additional documentation, which is beyond CIBT's control.

A: No, CIBT cannot guarantee this. For a variety of reasons, any consulate can reject your application request at any time. The most common reasons that a visa would be rejected are: using pencil or red or green ink, incomplete forms, business cover letters that do not contain all of the required information, non-passport quality photos, passport not signed, passport with less than 6 months validity, using white out, using copied or traced signatures, invitation not properly filled out, U.S. visa and I-94 card (foreign passports) not included, and attaching copies when originals are required, among others.

A: CIBT strongly discourages keeping photocopied visa applications on hand. Application forms change frequently, and old applications are often not accepted. In addition, an application accepted by the consulate in one city may not be the same application accepted by the consulate in another city. Also, some consulates will accept copies and some will only accept originals. We recommend you contact CIBT for updated requirements whenever a visa is required.

A: Just as requirements vary between different countries for visas, requirements can also vary from city to city for the same country. Brazil is a very good example of this. What the Brazilian consulate needs in Los Angeles may or may not be the same for what is needed in New York.

A: We certainly understand a traveler's hesitation in sending in original documents. However, when consulates require the original documents there is no choice in the matter. Sending in copies in these instances will only delay processing. CIBT takes every conceivable precaution to ensure that all documentation is well taken care of. It is always advisable to make a photocopy of any original document you may have to submit.

A: Some consulates require applicants to appear in person at the consulate when applying for a visa. This may be done just to verify the applicant's identity or a formal interview may be conducted. In these cases, third parties (like CIBT) are not permitted to facilitate visa paperwork. However, some consulates that require personal appearances will allow third parties to pick up documents on behalf of the traveler once complete. Contact CIBT's National Customer Service Center for more information.

A: Most visas are stamped or affixed in your passport on the pages specifically marked for visas, and some countries require that visa stamps be placed on those pages that do not contain any other stamps. Amendment pages at the back of U.S. passports are specifically designated by the U.S. State Department for changes and endorsements to a passport, after initial issuance.

A: The Brazilian consulates use a number of criteria to determine if a technical or business visa will be issued. The two criteria that are most carefully examined are the employee's job title and the purpose of the trip. An employee whose job title suggests that technical duties are frequently or sometimes performed will most likely be issued a technical visa, regardless of whether or not he or she will be doing anything technical in nature on this particular trip. Likewise, an employee whose trip will involve anything other than simple business discussions may also be issued a technical visa. Companies whose product and service offerings are technical will frequently encounter difficulties when applying for simple business visas. Ultimately, the decision to issue a technical or business visa is at the discretion of the consulates and embassy. If you have questions about your application, please contact CIBT for further guidance.

A: CIBT handles visa requests for all nationalities. The turn-around time depends on a number of factors and criteria. Some foreign nationals are considered easier to process by many consulates, while others can be more challenging. For example, Western European nationals who require a visa for entry to Brazil are easier to process than someone who holds a Pakistani passport. Many consulates must obtain approval from their home government prior to issuing a visa for citizens of certain countries. If a referral to the home government is required, processing can take considerably longer.

A: It is true that some traveler nationalities are more challenging to process than others. Countries that have strained diplomatic relations with the U.S. tend to be the most challenging (e.g. Myanmar, Sudan, Syria). Or conversely, nationals of countries that have strained relations with their destination country can be difficult, such as an Indian traveler who wishes to visit Pakistan.

A: In order to get a visa, most countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months past your scheduled return to the U.S. If you are getting a multiple entry visa, and your passport is set to expire soon, you might consider getting your passport renewed first, since most visas in your passport are no longer valid once your passport has expired.

A: A business visa is a visa issued to travelers who intend to visit a country for the purpose of commercial meetings, discussions, negotiations, and similar activities for a limited period of time. Business visas are usually insufficient for travelers who will undertake work or temporary work assignments in a country. Some countries will require special types of business visas depending on the type of business you are conducting, such as for technical work, training sessions or speaking engagements.

A tourist visa is a visa issued to travelers who intend to visit a country for the purpose of tourism or to visit family and friends for a limited period of time.

A transit visa is issued to travelers who must travel through certain countries in order to get to their ultimate destination. Staying on the airplane or remaining in the airport will not preclude you from having to get a transit visa.

A humanitarian visa is granted to individuals who are traveling on behalf of relief organizations, and who cannot wait for the usual processing timeframe because of the nature of the emergency to which they are responding.

Misrepresenting the nature of a visit, especially during times of heightened security throughout the world, can compromise a traveler's safety, future visits to a country, and jeopardize a company's relationship with a foreign government. Most visas can be issued quickly and can prevent a number of travel related inconveniences. If in doubt about the type of visa needed, contact CIBT's National Customer Service Center.

A: An Australian ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport, and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. U.S. and Canadian citizens and about 25 other nationalities can take advantage of Australia's new use of technology for immigration clearances.

A: Some countries will permit this but many will not. Contact CIBT's National Customer Service Center to verify whether or not this is possible. However, even if your destination country does allow visa issuance upon entry, CIBT highly recommends procuring your visa prior to departure to prevent any possible delays or entry denials at the border.

A: The Schengen visa gets its name from a small town in Luxembourg where a treaty was signed in 1995 to end internal border checkpoints and controls. The following European countries currently honor this visa: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. With a Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. It applies only to nationalities who would normally be required to obtain a visa prior to traveling to those countries. (For example, this would typically NOT apply to U.S. citizens.) Travelers should apply for a visa for the country in which he/she intends to stay the longest (the main destination). If the traveler does not have a main destination, he/she should apply for a visa for the country which is the first point of entry.

A: A multiply entry visa allows the traveler to visit a country an unlimited number of times as long as the visa remains valid and the duration of stay is within the limits. A double entry visa allows two entries, and single entry visa allows the holder to visit a country only once before needing a new visa.

A: The "rush" surcharge applies when CIBT is given 3-10 business days for processing after receipt of complete application materials. The "emergency" surcharge applies when CIBT is given 1-2 business days or less for processing after receipt of complete application materials.

A: Even if you have a U.S. Passport Agency in your city, CIBT will often recommend sending it to another agency location based on what your requirements are. For example, some U.S. Passport Agencies are very good about expedited services and some are not. Contact CIBT's National Customer Service Center and a representative will advise you where to send your application based on your specific needs.

A: Yes, CIBT can assist you with a first time passport request. First, go to www.iafdb.travel.state.gov to find your nearest passport acceptance facility. They will provide you with a sealed envelope which you can forward to CIBT for processing. CIBT's Customer Information Request (CIR) has details on the first time passport application process.

A: A Passport Appointment is required whenever you are requesting a service from the US State dept such as the first time issuance of a passport or the renewal of your passport. It is not required if you are ONLY requesting a visa to visit a foreign country. The appointment allows us to drop your documents at the US Passport Agency and have them processed. We cannot process your passport agency service without an appointment. You should have your documents delivered to us at least one day before your appointment date and you must include a Letter of Authorization that corresponds with our office that your appointment is with. Our agent will send you the proper Letter of Authorization at the time you make your appointment.

A: No. You may use originals or downloaded copies from the State department website. Be sure to print your downloaded application forms on a laser printer only.

A: When submitting passport photos to the U.S. Passport Agency, you must submit 2 identical photos of you alone, taken within the last six months, and that are each 2X2 inches in size. The image size measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair) should not be less than 1 inch and not more than 1 3/8 inches. Photographs must be clear, front view, full face, taken in normal street attire, and printed on thin paper with a plain light (white or off-white) background. They may be in color or black and white. Retouched photographs, snapshots, glamour shots, vending machine prints, magazine or full-length photographs are not acceptable. Head coverings are only permitted if you submit a signed statement that they are worn for medical or religious reasons. Dark glasses are only permitted if you submit a signed doctor's statement that they are worn for medical reasons. By not adhering to these specifications, you risk having your passport application rejected, wasting time and money. CIBT highly recommends using a vendor who is specifically familiar with passport photo-taking.

A: This is a letter that must be signed by applicants for U.S. passports granting CIBT the authority to act as the applicant's representative in the processing of the passport. Parents must fill out a passport authorization note for children under the age of 14 who are applying for a passport.

A: If you are a U.S. citizen, you may submit your passport to CIBT to get additional pages, which will be affixed in your current passport by the U.S. State Department. Non-U.S. citizens should contact CIBT for nationality-specific information.

A: Frequent international travelers will often need a second passport. The U.S. Passport Agency reviews these requests carefully and has final say over which requests will be granted. Evidence, such as numerous visas or airport stamps in the existing passport, must be shown to validate a request. Another common reason for a second passport would be for travelers who have Israeli stamps but who also need to travel to Arab countries. (Certain Arab countries will deny entry to any traveler with an Israeli stamp.) When approved, second passports are usually only issued for two years but may be extended. If you are a frequent traveler and Israeli stamps are not an issue, simply ask for a 48 page U.S. passport instead of the standard 24 page passport on your application.

A: In most cases, when a passport renewal is issued, the old passport will be cancelled and returned with the new passport. However, U.S. passports are the property of the U.S. government, and therefore it is ultimately up to the U.S. Passport Agency to determine whether or not an old passport is returned.

A: Yes. Each traveler needs their own passport regardless of age. For children under 14, the child must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, along with both parents or legal guardians. Both parents' or legal guardians' consent is required, and they must present current, valid ID.

A: If your child is not old enough to sign his/her own passport, a parent may do it on their behalf. In the space for the signature, the mother or father of the child must print the name of the child, then sign his or her own name. In parenthesis, by the signature of the parent, write "Mother" or "Father."

A: Most countries (there are some exceptions) require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months past your scheduled return to the U.S. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you must apply for a passport renewal.

A: You will have to apply for a name change amendment in your current passport under your new name.

A: When leaving the United States, CIBT always recommends that you have a passport, regardless of your destination, which is also the recommendation of the U.S. State Department. Due to tightened security measures, some Caribbean nations who previously only required a birth certificate now require a passport for U.S. citizens. In addition, not only does having a passport assist you with foreign customs, but it also facilitates your entry back into the United States because a passport provides legal proof of your citizenship. The U.S. State Department has recently announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada, and Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. All U.S. citizens who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the U.S for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This initiative will be rolled out in phases:

December 31, 2006 - Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada, Central and South America, the Carribean, and Bermuda.

December 31, 2007 - Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings.

A: If you reside in the U.S., CIBT can assist with all passport services subject to each government's restriction.

A: CIBT's processing offices are open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in their respective time zone, Monday through Friday. Our National Customer Service Center is open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday.

A: CIBT has processing offices in the following cities: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. Our corporate headquarters is located in McLean, VA.

A: You may refer travelers directly to CIBT for document processing or questions. However, it is important that your travelers know their CIBT account number to insure correct billing.

A: Yes. CIBT's website (www.cibt.com) provides document requirements, processing information, and more. In some cases, there may be a charge for determining requirements; you will be informed in advance if there are any charges associated with your request.