New American passports can (maybe) trigger bombs

by Neil Woodburn on

The new American passports are supposed to be state of the art, but there is some danger that lurks within: the RFID chip.

We reported a few months ago about the “radio frequency identification” chips which are embedded within the new passports and loaded with digital information about the passport holder–mainly the same information found on the identification page. The concern with this chip is that it can broadcast this information to the wrong person.

According to an LA Times article by Jane Engle, the government claims the chip can only be read at a distance of 4 inches when the passport is opened. Others, however, claim that this range can be greatly increased with the proper equipment, thus turning American tourists into a walking radio station broadcasting personal information. One expert even claims that the signal can be used to detect an American passing by and set off a bomb, as illustrated by a YouTube video found here (although this is apparently a very improbable scenario).

Scared? You can always disable the chip using a very simple and primitive method described here. But of course, we here at Gadling would never condone such an action.

Nine more countries enter Europe’s border-free zone

by Neil Woodburn on

It was with mixed emotions that I came across the recent news that nine more countries are being allowed into the European Union’s border-free Schengen zone.

The Schengen zone is an area within the EU where passports are no longer required to travel between countries. Once a visitor has passed through the first layer of security entering the Schengen, he or she is free to travel onwards without having to pull out their passport until they leave–it’s sort of like traveling between states within the USA.

On December 21, the Schengen will expand to include Malta, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Most of these countries were once locked behind the Iron Curtain and protected by some of the most heavily guarded borders in the world. Before the end of the year, their citizens–and all international tourists–will be able to travel overland from places like Prague to Madrid without passing through passport controls a single time.

So why do I have mixed emotions about this?

No more passport stamps to collect, obviously.

Americans, Now is the Time to Get That New Passport!

by Neil Woodburn on

It’s that awkward time of year. Summer is over, but it is still too early to start thinking about travel during the Christmas holidays. This is what’s called the shoulder season. This is when some of the best travel deals can be found. And if you’re an American, this is also a good time to start thinking about getting that new passport.

We’ve posted a number of times here on Gadling about all the problems Americans have encountered since a new law kicked in requiring a passport to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean. The passport agency was not equipped to handle the surge of applicants and travelers had to wait months to get their documents.

Now that the summer rush is over, LA Times journalist Jane Engle strongly recommends that travelers take advantage of this lull time to get new passports or renew their old ones–even if they don’t have a trip planned in the near future. Engle warns that new regulations on travel security might occur at any time and cause yet another rush. It’s better to be safe and get yours now.

Huge Delays for New American Passports

by Neil Woodburn on

If you’re an American planning on traveling abroad this summer and don’t have your passport yet, you just might be screwed.

Due to the new laws requiring Americans traveling to Mexico and the Caribbean to have a passport instead of a driver’s license, the rush to buy passports has put a tremendous strain on an already strained system.

According to a Los Angeles Times article, the passport agency is expecting a 40% increase in passport requests from 2006. The result, as you might expect, is very long wait times and frazzled nerves as departure dates rapidly approach and travelers are left without a passport in hand.

A friend applied three months ago in March and has yet to receive his. His flight to Greece leaves in 15 days and despite repeated attempts to contact a live human at the passport office, he has had no luck. In desperation he has contacted a passport service who has requested that he cancel the first request and send through another one with an extra expedited fee. If he does so, the entire process will end up costing him nearly $500. Ouch.

So, what to do? The LA Times has thoughtfully included a side-bar on helpful hints, such as applying 18 weeks in advance, or paying a $60 expedited service fee to move the process along (also known as a bribe in certain third world countries).

So, from all of us at Gadling, good luck! Otherwise, it’s a domestic vacation for you yet again.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of January 21

by Adrienne Wilson on

With so many new bloggers it’s getting harder and harder to keep up with who’s who and whose blogging what piece of scrumptious travel news and oddities from around the planet, but fear not. I’ve read line by line through every post this week here on Gadling and now I give you this brief summary of five from some of the newbies and the old to while away your Friday night.

5. Introducing Gadling’s “Video of the Week”:
Newcomer, Justin Glow does a fab job of bringing a new category to Gadling. Even though we’ve showcased a video or eight in the past we’ve never honored or singled out one for “Video of the Week.” Now is your opportunity to have your travel footage featured on Gadling! Dark Havana alleys, bustling Bangkok markets, or mellowing out on la playa in Ibiza – you’re the driver and the director so you call the shots. Now where are we gonna go?

4.Bad Drivers with Bad Directions:
Speaking of drivers, Dave points us to a great post on man vs. the machine. The machine is the ever-so-popular GPS device man has decided to place all confidence and common sense into while driving on the road. The combination of the two sometimes leads us safely to our final destination or sometimes it simply causes us to ram up against a telephone pole.

3.Travel Theory #124: Travel is Good for the Ego:
Need to boost your spirits and confidence? Why not hit the seas, the road or take a hike? It’s no secret that a good week long vacation away from your home digs does wonders on the mind, body and ego. Take a look at the list at how travel can be just what the doctor ordered and start planning your escape today.

2. Permafrost Disappearing, Siberia Terraforming:
I don’t know if I’m directing you to the post or some of the surprising comments it seems to have generated. Overall, it is this plug on global warming and its effects on Siberia that is most certainly worth a glance. The planet is crying. Can you hear it?

1. New Passport Rules Tomorrow:
Here is a friendly reminder to get your passports my fellow American travelers. Travel by air to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas or any nation in the Western Hemisphere will require a valid U.S. passport. Afraid to fly or too darn lazy to get a passport? Apparently these rules only apply to air travel, so you can still enter Canada with your driver’s license by car according to the Canadian border patrol officer I spoke to this week. Both land and sea dates keep getting pushed back, but if you travel by air you sure better have one.