#travel-security

#travel-security

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues. The programs are designed to help speed registered travelers through security lines. Suspending them could cause headaches for fliers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that "shutdowns have serious real world consequences."

My choice of bag nowadays is a sling bag, and based on my recent experiences, they don't get any better than the anti-theft bags made by Pacsafe. Pacsafe has a range of bags, but my bag of choice is the crossbody, with a 10 liter/610 cubic inch capacity, and enough room for a 13-inch laptop or tablet (my with its fits perfectly).

You've just touched back down in the United States from a much needed beach vacation overseas that you were able to extend for an extra few weeks. You've also just recently been promoted to one of the best types of jobs for an aspiring digital nomad. Life is good. As you make your way through U.S. Customs, you're dreaming of sleeping in your own bed, but as you hand over your passport, the passport officer gives you a look that makes you feel uneasy.

The issue comes down to the United States Department of State's for passport photos to have a white or off-white background. "Because the background must be white or off-white, wearing a white shirt can make you appear to blend into the background and make it hard to see your outline," says David Alwadish, founder and CEO of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services. Alwadish explains that non-compliant photos are the top reason passport applications are suspended or put on hold by the Department of State.

The Entry & Exit System (EES) will come into effect on October 12th, 2025, and will be phased in gradually across the EU/Schengen zone.