US passport plummets to embarrassing new low in global power ranking

US passport plummets to embarrassing new low in global power ranking

The world’s most powerful passport has been revealed in a quarterly ranking — and sadly, it’s not the United States. The Henley Passport Index ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa. And after analyzing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), looking at … Read more

Taiwan enforcing digital IDs at border for all incoming visitors — and travelers must apply in advance

Taiwan enforcing digital IDs at border for all incoming visitors — and travelers must apply in advance

A new procedure for all incoming visitors has been launched in a popular tourist spot in an effort to streamline the travel process, plus security. Travelers to Taiwan are now required to apply for a “digital arrival” card (TWAC) three days in advance of their trips, according to the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration … Read more

Flight diverted after ‘strange’ passengers started to ‘freak out,’ then eat and flush passports: ‘Most terrifying 15 minutes of my life’

Flight diverted after ‘strange’ passengers started to ‘freak out,’ then eat and flush passports: ‘Most terrifying 15 minutes of my life’

These suspicious passengers got their meal ticket — and a free pass to jail. A Ryanair flight from Milan, Italy, to London, UK, had to make an emergency landing after “strange” passengers began freaking out and trying to dispose of their passports in unusual ways. “No one onboard knew what was going on; these people … Read more

Dyan Cannon, 88, denied White House entry after lying about her age on passport documents

Dyan Cannon, 88, denied White House entry after lying about her age on passport documents

For Dyan Cannon, age is more than just a number. The “Heaven Can Wait” actress, 88, attempted to go inside the White House this week, but as she and her friends documented in a video shared on social media, the Secret Service refused to let her enter because of an age discrepancy on her passport. … Read more

I was turned away at a Disneyland bar — the reason why is frustrating and could affect other visitors

I was turned away at a Disneyland bar — the reason why is frustrating and could affect other visitors

The force was not with this ill-prepared excursionist. An avid Disney fan was left baffled after being barred from buying an adult beverage at a popular theme park drinkery — apparently running afoul of a little-known US law. The Canadian traveler arrived at Oga’s Cantina inside Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed section of Disneyland in Anaheim, … Read more

US passport is weaker than ever right now, annual ranking says

US passport is weaker than ever right now, annual ranking says

The U.S. is not the only one tightening up its borders. In a dramatic fall, the United States passport is now weaker than it has ever been. The American passport has slipped to its lowest-ever position in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index. Once the most powerful passport in the world, the U.S. … Read more

TSA approves Real ID alternative for iPhone users —  but only for certain types of travel 

TSA approves Real ID alternative for iPhone users —  but only for certain types of travel 

Your passport’s going digital — but don’t go tossing the hard copy just yet. Apple just unveiled a buzzy new feature that’ll let iPhone users upload their passport into Apple Wallet this fall, turning their device into a one-stop-shop for jet-setting — at least within U.S. borders. The new digital passport will be accepted at … Read more

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feared King Charles delayed their children’s passports over royal titles: report

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feared King Charles delayed their children’s passports over royal titles: report

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feared that King Charles had delayed the issuing of Archie and Lilibet’s passports over the use of their HRH titles, according to a report. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex waited nearly six months for their children’s official documents to be issued — and believed that their application had been … Read more

I took a vacation alone and left my boyfriend behind — don’t let this passport issue ruin your trip, too

I took a vacation alone and left my boyfriend behind — don’t let this passport issue ruin your trip, too

Call her hun solo. A British woman had to take her vacation alone after her boyfriend was banned from boarding over a passport defect, as detailed in a TikTok video with over 760,000 views. The depressing clip showed the passenger, named Lauren, lounging alone on a chair in a bikini with a picturesque ocean vista … Read more

My passport does not work at the airport after cosmetic surgery — they’re, like, ‘This is not you’

My passport does not work at the airport after cosmetic surgery — they’re, like, ‘This is not you’

Her looks just won’t fly.  Sure, upgrading your face from basic economy to premium first-class via cosmetic surgery has its perks.  But the pain of being unrecognizable in your legal ID photos at the airport outweighs the benefits of being beautiful, so says influencer Ashley Stobart.  Ashley Stobart, from the UK, shocked her podcast co-host … Read more

Real ID scams target applicants as deadline hits — this is one red flag to watch out for

Real ID scams target applicants as deadline hits — this is one red flag to watch out for

Real ID, real scams. Con artists have been targeting Americans overwhelmed by today’s deadline for a Real ID. The enhanced form of identification will be required to fly domestically, enter federal buildings, and access secure facilities, with phony websites promising expedited processing, per the Better Business Bureau. However, the only way to obtain a Real … Read more

Many Americans are choosing to opt out of REAL ID’s, long DMV waits —and instead do this

Many Americans are choosing to opt out of REAL ID’s, long DMV waits —and instead do this

WASHINGTON – As many Americans across the nation are rushing to obtain their REAL ID license, some are choosing to opt out by either using their valid passport as their preferred form of ID for travel or waiting until their current driver’s license expires and then renewing it.  The REAL ID requirement takes effect on May … Read more

These are the alternative options to obtain a REAL ID outside the DMV

These are the alternative options to obtain a REAL ID outside the DMV

With Americans scrambling to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the required deadline, some states are getting creative in their appointment offerings. The REAL ID requirement will take effect on May 7, when Americans must have a new form of identification in order to fly domestically. DMVs across the country are reportedly working to meet demand, … Read more

Looming REAL ID deadline causes chaos at DMVs as critics take to social media: ‘What’s next?’

Looming REAL ID deadline causes chaos at DMVs as critics take to social media: ‘What’s next?’

The countdown is on: In less than 20 days, the REAL ID requirement will take effect, requiring Americans to obtain a new form of identification in order to fly domestically. Other identification that will be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID includes a valid U.S. passport or passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global … Read more

REAL ID’s looming deadline prompts TSA travel warning

REAL ID’s looming deadline prompts TSA travel warning

The fast-approaching deadline for REAL IDs has many Americans rushing to obtain the important new identification, even as travel issues may lie ahead.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a press release reminding Americans of the May 7 deadline while also warning of delays. “Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant … Read more

Facing long DMV waits for a REAL ID? Some Americans are considering these alternatives

Facing long DMV waits for a REAL ID? Some Americans are considering these alternatives

Americans coast to coast are rushing to obtain REAL IDs, while many motor vehicle bureaus are grappling to accommodate appointments.  With the deadline of May 7 approaching, air travelers at domestic airports and people entering some federal buildings must have a REAL ID. Some Americans are considering alternatives if they’re struggling to get DMV appointments to obtain … Read more

Passengers will no longer need this travel essential to fly as industry plans major shake-up

Passengers will no longer need this travel essential to fly as industry plans major shake-up

One vital traveling essential may become obsolete. The aviation industry is planning its biggest shake-up in 50 years — and part of the major overhaul means no more boarding passes or checking in for flights. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations body that oversees many aspects of aviation, is getting rid of … Read more

Real ID deadline is just one month away — here’s what travelers need to know

Real ID deadline is just one month away — here’s what travelers need to know

An airport security measure, 20 years in the making, will finally be put into effect next month. Starting May 7, flyers in the United States will not be able to get on a domestic flight unless they have a Real ID. After years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration will begin enforcing the Real ID … Read more

Student who last saw Sudiksha Konanki has passport seized in Dominican Republic, raising red flags for Americans traveling

Student who last saw Sudiksha Konanki has passport seized in Dominican Republic, raising red flags for Americans traveling

The seizing of an Iowa college student’s passport while under investigation in the Dominican Republic is a cautionary tale for Americans traveling abroad, who an expert said should be vigilant about protecting their travel documents.  Last month, 22-year-old Joshua Riibe’s passport and cell phone were confiscated as investigators tried to piece together missing spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki’s final moments. … Read more

United Airlines flight to China forced to U-turn as pilot realizes passport is missing

United Airlines flight to China forced to U-turn as pilot realizes passport is missing

What an airhead. A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles, California to Shanghai, China was forced to make a U-turn last weekend after one of the pilots realized that they’d forgotten their passport. Flight UA 198 had departed LAX at around 2 pm Saturday, March 22, and was flying over the Pacific Ocean en route … Read more