News Roundup: Laptop Ban, Miami Passport Agency, and More

This month, the laptop ban once again dominates the travel news! In our May roundup of the most important travel stories, we'll take an in-depth look at the ban on electronics in airplane cabins. (This is a hot topic - stay tuned for more updates from PassportInfo.com!)

We've also got an update on the status of the Miami Passport Agency, which flooded last month. Finally, if you are traveling to Europe, you'll want to check out the latest news about entry procedures for Italy and France!

Will the Laptop Ban be Expanded?

This week, news broke that the United States is considering extending the ban on laptops in carry-on luggage. US officials have been in talks with European Union representatives in Brussels, discussing the potential terrorist threat of bombs hidden in laptops or other electronic devices. As of now, there are no immediate plans to expand the existing laptop ban, but talks will resume next week.

What is the current laptop ban?

In March, both the United States and the United Kingdom enacted a ban on electronic devices larger than a smartphone in the cabins of some flights. Travelers flying into the US or UK from selected airports in the Middle East are not allowed to bring their laptops, tablets, portable DVD players, large cameras, or other devices into the cabin of the airplane. Instead, all of these devices must be checked and stored in the aircraft's baggage hold.

This ban remains in place, with no sign that it will be lifted soon.

Replacing one danger with another?

The current laptop ban was put into place due to intelligence information that indicated that terrorists are developing bombs that can be hidden inside a laptop. The highly classified information that Donald Trump shared with Russian officials recently included many sensitive details about this plot. The threat is being taken seriously enough that the Department of Homeland Security is considering extending the in-cabin ban on electronics. Proposals to enact a laptop ban on US-bound flights originating in Europe, or even on all international flights to the US, have been discussed.

Although placing laptops into the cargo hold would make it more difficult for terrorists to trigger a bomb, there are other dangers to be considered. The most serious threat is that of fire. Laptops contain lithium ion batteries, which can overheat and self-combust, especially if they are tightly packed or compressed. There have been several plane crashes caused by laptop battery fires, though none of them during the laptop ban.

Travelers also worry about the more mundane threats of theft and damage. Not only are laptops and other devices quite expensive, they often contain sensitive data.

We are monitoring the news closely and will bring you any updates about the laptop ban as they break.

Fast Passport Service at Miami Passport Agency

If you are located in Florida and looking for a passport agency that provides expedited passport services to US citizens who have rapidly approaching international travel dates or life-or-death emergencies, then you can simply opt for Miami passport agency. The agency provides the passport services to the US citizens, who are need of urgent travel, within 8 days to 2 weeks (depending upon the situation). Miami Passport Agency is the only Regional Passport Office in the state of Florida. When applying at the Miami Passport Agency you will need to have your appointment, and all required document proving your passport case.

Physical Address

OMNI Center
1501 Biscayne Boulevard,
Suite 210 Miami,
Florida 33132

Make an appointment to appear in person at the agency by calling 877-487-2778

Public Transportation:

The Passport Agency is directly across the street from the Adrienne Arsht Center Metro Mover (light rail) station. You can also access the Miami Passport Agency by bus; take bus route 3, 16, 32, 93, 95, or 103C to Northeast 15th Street and Biscayne Boulevard.

Parking:

A paid parking garage with daily and hourly rates is available at the OMNI Center building. Metered street parking is also available on Biscayne Boulevard and North Bayshore Drive. Please note that the Miami Passport Agency does not validate parking.

How to Apply for a Passport at this Agency

 

You don’t have to worry about the procedure, it would be as simple as anything (only if you are fully prepared).

Follow these steps for applying for your passport: 

• Make an appointment : There is an automated calling system for making appointments in Miami passport agency. There is no charge for making an appointment and most probably you would get a date as soon as possible (for emergency passports).
• Get your photo taken : You required a proper passport size photo along with the form and other necessary documents.
• Fill up the proper form : Before you apply, first, have a look at the forms required for different kinds of passports and fill up the proper passport form meeting your requirements.
• Get all your documents : See the list of required documents and be prepared with complete documentation before you appear for your appointment or apply for the passport by mail.
• Submit the form and all your documents in person : If you are applying for the passport for the first time you are required to submit your application (with complete documentation) in person.

It is advised to arrive early for your appointment and have patience until you are asked for.

Processing Time at this Location

 

Generally for all travelers the processing time for the passport approval can vary, however, the complete passport would be sent to the applicant within the 8 working days (approx). For emergency or fast passport, the passport will be advise whenever the complete passport is ready to pickup at the agency.

Also find other Regional Passport Agencies located across the United States.

Source: https://passportinfo.com/miami-passport-agency/