Applying for a new passport or international travel visas can be a frustrating process. Long wait times, typical of most bureaucratic agencies, can add to the stress. But, there are many paid services that can manage the application process and assure that you have the right visas for travel or the correct passport type. Pursuitist sat down with Antoinette Leon, COO and senior vice president of ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services, to learn how these services work. She also shares her thoughts on how the political landscape can affect what documents you might need for international travel.
Leon manages the implementation of international travel regulation updates, maintaining compliance with the evolving standards of each country’s government, and is an avid traveler herself. Prior to joining ItsEasy.com, she was the CEO and founder of a nonprofit organization launched in 2011 in the Middle East that provided shelter and support to women and children in vulnerable situations. She also served as a case worker for refugee resettlement efforts in Cairo.
The site’s concierge service handles the entire process from start to finish, and its app makes it simple to take passport photos using your own phone. The team then uses its own editing skills to assure that it meets the standards required for different passport and visa services.
Do you think it is getting harder or easier for travelers to obtain a new passport or visa?
It’s becoming complex overall, primarily due to increased demand, tighter security standards and reduced flexibility within consular systems. While digital tools have improved access in some cases, they haven’t offset longer wait times, stricter documentation reviews, and limited appointment availability at many embassies and passport agencies.
Have recent U.S. policy changes affected how travelers need to think about visas?
Absolutely. Recent policy shifts have made visa access less predictable. Travelers can no longer assume that prior approvals or historical norms still apply. Diplomatic changes can quickly alter eligibility, making advance research and contingency planning essential.
Why does using a service like ItsEasy.com make the process more efficient?
Why does using a service like ItsEasy.com make the process more efficient?
ItsEasy.com adds efficiency by reducing uncertainty: guiding applicants through country specific requirements, reviewing documentation for accuracy, and managing submission logistics. This minimizes common errors that often result in delays or denials, particularly for travelers who don’t regularly deal with consular processes.
What changes would you like to see when it comes to consular services?
More consistency, clearer communication from consulates, realistic processing timelines, and reduced in-person requirements for routine applications would significantly improve the traveler experience.
What is the most popular service that ItsEasy.com offers?
Both passport and visa services remain popular. These services are in high demand among travelers facing time constraints or navigating urgent, last-minute travel needs.
What do you wish more travelers knew when applying for a passport or foreign visa?
That the process is less forgiving than many people expect. Requirements change frequently, timelines are often longer than advertised, and small mistakes can lead to costly delays or denials. Starting early and understanding the specific rules for each destination is critical, which is why an expert can help to avoid costly mistakes and delays.
