About us, our services
and from our clients !
• Flying
British Airways to go hunting has gotten pricier. Since early
October 2009, BA is charging £50 ($82 US) each way for a firearm, and
has decreased its free checked baggage allowance.The detailed information on these two pages is provided as a starting point for your search for information. As part of our service to our clients we work together on these details, and with our business partners who are knowledgeable in these areas. If you come across a link that isn't working, shoot us a quick email and we'll get it updated. Always verify the information below.
Disclaimer: we are not experts in these areas and do not guarantee the accuracy of the information; we do not recommend, represent or endorse the agencies or companies listed, or their products or services (*unless specified); to the best of our knowledge, the information was current when posted to this website (fall 2007, January 2010).
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the US with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
You can renew by mail if: your most recent passport is available to submit and it isn't damaged; you received the passport within past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have same name, or can legally document your name change.
As of January 1, 2008 a US passport will be required for travel to/from Canada and Mexico.
Links
US Department of State
US Postal Service
Where is the nearest location to apply for a passport, in Iowa?
Passport Express: Passport and Visa Expediting
American Passport Express: Visas, Passport Renewal and New
Passports Expedited
A. Briggs Passport and Visa Expeditors
Travel Document Systems (TDS)
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A visa is a permit issued by a foreign country allowing an individual U.S. citizen to travel to the issuing country. The visa is issued in the U.S. by the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are traveling. Each country that requires a visa has its own requirements, fee and application forms.
Links
Passport Express: Passport and Visa Expediting
American Passport Express: Visas, Passport Renewal and New Passports Expedited
A. Briggs Passport and Visa Expeditors (also has immunization requirements)
Travel Document Systems (TDS)
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• ARGENTINA: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay up to 90 days
• AUSTRALIA: Passport required. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or non-electronic label visa required
• BAHAMAS: Passport required
• BELIZE: Passport, return/onward ticket and sufficient funds (at least $60/night) required. etc...
• BRAZIL: Passport and Visa are required for travel to Brazil
• CANADA: Passport required
• CHILE: Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 90 days
• COSTA RICA: Passport and onward/return ticket required
• DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Passport required
• GUATEMALA: Passport required for stay of up to 90 days
• ICELAND: Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 90 days
• MEXICO: Passport required. Visa not required of US citizens
• MOZAMBIQUE: Passport and visa required. Invitation required*
• NAMIBIA: Passport, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay 1-90 days
• NEW ZEALAND: Passport, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay <3 mos
• NICARAQUA: Passport, onward/return ticket and entry fee required for stay up to 30 days
• PANAMA: Passport, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, visa/tourist
card (available from airline serving Panama for fee)
• RUSSIA: Passport and visa required. Invitation required*
• SOUTH AFRICA: Passport required
• VENEZUELA: Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for stay up to 90 days
• ZAMBIA: Passport and visa required
• ZIMBABWE: Passport, visa, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required for stay up to 6 months. Visas issued upon arrival in Zimbabwe (about $30 fee). Anti-malaria pills recommended
Many countries require visa applicants to secure an invitation from a business, institution or person in that country. In most cases, a faxed copy of the invitation is acceptable; however, in some cases, the inviting party must send the invitation directly to that country’s Embassy in the U.S. In some cases such as Saudi Arabia, the invitation is usually telexed to the Embassy and faxed to the applicant. In such cases, submit the faxed copy of the invitation when applying for your visa. It's not a bad idea to have an invitation from the outfitter when traveling outside of the United States and Canada, even when a visa is not required.
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Criminal inadmissibility to Canada applies if you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offense, you may not be allowed to enter Canada. Criminal offenses include both minor and serious offenses such as all felonies, theft, assault, manslaughter, shoplifting, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Routine screening upon entry into Canada includes the question "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?" Almost all convictions can make a person inadmissible to Canada. Regardless of when the conviction occurred. It is always the final decision of the Border Patrol Officers, as to whether or not a person should be granted entry into Canada.
Think carefully before answering this question. Don't lie about any convictions, regardless how "trivial." since 911, increased cooperation between the US and Canada means the Border Patrol Officer could already have access to your criminal records. Lying or forgetting about a conviction could result in being barred from Canada for many years.
Depending upon the nature of the offense, the amount of time that has elapsed and your behavior since the offense/sentencing, you may no longer be considered inadmissible to Canada with the appropriate documentation.
- Deemed Rehabilitation: depending upon the nature of the offense at at least 5 and as many as 10 years have passed since you completed the sentence imposed for your crime
- Individual Rehabilitation: you have been committed or been convicted of a crime but are not eligible for "Deemed Rehabilitation" and at least 5 years have passed since you completed all of your criminal sentences.
- Temporary Resident Permit: if less than 5 years have passed since the end of the criminal sentence, of if justified by compelling circumstances, foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada (including people with a criminal conviction) may be issued temporary resident permits. Such permits are only issued in exceptional circumstances, if there are reasons of national interest or strong humanitarian or compassionate grounds. A temporary resident permit may be cancelled at any time.
If you have a conviction, Canadian law prohibits you from entering Canada for at least 5 years from the completion of your sentence, with no other convictions during that time. After the 5 year waiting period, Americans can apply for "criminal rehabilitation." This is a lengthy process that can sometimes take 1-2 years. There is no way to expedite the application.
In brief, the application requires copy of passport, passport photos, FBI police certificate, state police certificate, copies of court documents (including charge, section of law violated, verdict, sentencing), proof of sentence completed (along with fines paid, court costs, ordered treatment etc.), copies of the text of law describing the offense, detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offense, letters of reference from responsible citizens, and a non-refundable process fee of about $200.
Canada Border Crossing Services*
This is a lengthy and complicated process, with no guarantees. An error in the application may result in denial, requiring resubmission. We highly recommend the services of an attorney specializing in Canadian immigration or Lucy Perillo, President of Canada Border Crossing Services.
Links
Application for Rehabilitation for Persons who are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity
Canada Border Crossing Services*
"Traveling to Canada with Washington DUIs" by Patricia Fulton
"Canada, eh?" by Scott Wonder
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Q. What is a satellite phone?
A. From www.wisegeek.com: "A satellite phone or satphone is a mobile phone that sends and receives calls using satellites rather than landlines or cellular broadcasting towers. A satellite phone only requires a clear line of sight to the sky. The advantage of a satellite phone is that it can complete calls from anywhere. A satellite phone can operate in the middle of the Sahara desert, at the top of Mount Everest, or from a clearing deep within a South African jungle. It is an indispensable tool for remote excursions of all kinds, and provides solid communication on the seas and in the air.
A disadvantage of a satellite phone is a noticeable delay in conversations. The signal must first travel to the satellite, then to an earthbound gateway before being routed to the receiver. The receiver's response will follow the same path in reverse, taking equally long to reach the caller. Satellite minutes are also more expensive than cellular minutes.
However, these drawbacks are irrelevant when considering the function a satellite phone serves. It can create link to civilization from places where no other link is available. It also allows loved ones to stay in touch, as in case of researchers, adventurers and those in the military, and it can provide backup communication in disasters when cellular towers or landlines might not be functional.
There three main satellite networks at present are Iridium, Globalstar and Thuraya. Iridium uses low orbiting satellites that minimize conversational delays, but more importantly, it is the only current satellite network that provides coverage over the entire earth, including the oceans. Competitor Globalstar covers about 80% of the earth's landmasses, excluding northern and southern polar regions, while Thuraya covers parts of India, Asia, Africa, the entire Middle East and Europe.
For those who only wish to use a satellite phone on rare occasions, one can rent rather than buy. Rental fees start at about US$40 per week, but this does not include talk time, which can run as high as $1.75 per minute. If buying a satellite phone outright, a contract is necessary with a satellite network, or prepaid cards may be purchased. Minutes are less expensive with a contract than when renting or buying prepaid, but are still more expensive than cellular minutes."
Q. Do I need to take a satellite phone?
A. Often times, outfitters/guides will carry or rent satellite phones. It is up to you to decide before you go, if a satellite phone is a necessary part of your gear.
Q. Does Outdoor Connection sell, rent or recommend satellite phone providers?
A. Currently we do not.
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What is travel medicine? A specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the needs of travelers, particularly those who travel to another country. Discussion with your physician or a travel medicine specialist is highly recommended prior to travel outside the US.
Travel outside of the US can expose you to a new assortment of illness and ailments, via eating, drinking, insects, soil, animals and interaction with local citizens. Certain countries require specific immunizations prior to granting permission to enter. Health conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, HIV, allergies, etc), length of stay, location within the country (rural or urban), and even purpose of travel (business or pleasure) may impact your travel health. Careful preparation and education help ensure healthy travel.
Every destination is unique, as is every traveler. Research the travel medicine recommendations for your destination, keeping in mind the internet, as always, is a source of both good and bogus information. Well before you travel, discuss your findings with your own physician or travel medicine specialist to come up with a plan appropriate just for you.
Immunizations
Immunizations are a good way to protect yourself from potentially serious, often life threatening illnesses (including yellow fever, hepatitis, rabies). There are three types of immunizations relevant to travel: routine, required and recommended. Routine immunization refers to those which all adults should update every 10 years of so regardless of their travel plans (like tetanus). Required immunizations refer to those a country requires proof of immunization for, before allowing entry into the country (like yellow fever). Recommended immunizations typically are more broadly protective with low incidence of side effects (like hepatitis A and hepatitis B, influenza).
Before traveling, it is important to determine the immunization requirements and recommendations for your destination, and to discuss them with your physician or travel medicine specialist. This should be done many months prior to your planned travel, as many immunizations require a series of injections over the course of many months.
Medications
Other illnesses/ailments may be treated prophylactically (treatment started before infection, like for malaria) or immediately with medications brought from home if understand when/how to take them (like doxycycline for tick bites, oflaxacin and loperamide for travelers' diarrhea). Again, this should be discussed with your physician or travel medicine specialist prior to departure.
Links
Center for Disease Control (CDC): Traveler's Health
Center for Disease Control (CDC): Traveler's Health: Destinations List
Complete travel health information, updated daily, for physicians and travelers
Disease Fact Sheets
Health-Wise Travel Checklist
While You're Away, Adjusting to Your Environment
While You're Away, Beware of Your Surroundings
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US Department of State
Tips for Traveling Abroad
Bureau
of Consular Affairs
Travel Information by Country
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Airline Baggage Information
Air Canada
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Airlines
Northwest Airlines (now part of Delta Airlines)
South African Airways (scroll the page)
United Airlines
Travel Guides: For countries and cities around the world, with links for basic information, tourism, weather, airports, etc.
Currency Converter
Free Translation Online
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