Walgreens, you've lost my drugstore visits!

From a customer-oriented company always thinking about making life easier and cheaper for us, Walgreens turned into a store that censors the content of your photos

Listen to this true story about ePassportPhoto.com and decide for yourself what you think about Walgreens: 

November 2005 - "Birth of free passport photos online" 

Like my other solid business, it all started from a real customer need unmet until them: I needed to renew my passport and send the application with 2 passport photos.  As many have experienced, getting the best passport photo (and not the usual mug-shot) is not that easy.  Definitely given that this photo will accompany you for 10 years.  Plus it costs a hefty sum of money for a simple digital photo when you think about it!   

A casual lunch break got me and a friend Tom thinking: why wouldn't we make this whole process of passport photos totally online and for free for people (and make a dime or two if we can from advertising): digital cameras are all over the place, broadband is ubiquitous, and a good passport photo can only be achieved when you have the time to take a few shots of yourself at your own leisure - we felt there's something here! 

After plenty of brainstorming and decent amount of web coding we brought ePassportPhoto.com to life (back then buying a decent domain name was easy compared to today!).  With zero marketing we got great positive feedback and excitement on the free offering and the way to avoid the usual passport photos rip-offs.  One posting led the another: the Times Online, Popular Science, King5 Network, Lifehacker, Boing Boing, The Consumerist and tech65.org are just a few of the places that spotted how ePassportPhoto.com transforms the passport photos industry. 

We got an enormous satisfaction - It was really heartwarming to see people from around the world in the thousands daily using our service.  It was also fun acquiring the #1 spot for passport photos terms at Google!

March 2009 – The big "W" at work

Believe it or not after more than 3 years of running this service, more than 3 million people from practically every country on earth visited ePassportPhoto - did I mention how much did we spend on marketing? 

Word of mouth played a significant role and here are some of the terrific feedback we've been getting and is captured in the recently opened Facebook page:

In addition to the free do-it-yourself option that we provide, we launched a guaranteed premium service for official passport photos.  We treated all customers as good as it gets – people love us.  Really.  One of the premium service options is for customers to pick their passport photos – or more precisely a 4x6" photo print bearing their passport photos – at a Walgreens store.  We thought that anyone can print what they want to Walgreens photo center – right?   

Well, not  e x a c t l y!  at some point Walgreens' radar picked up on our so called "scam". A few emails were sent to us saying:

We have been getting passport prints from your online service, and we DO NOT print photos that are sent to our store … Customers need to come into the store to have their passport photos taken. We do not allow customers to create their own passport pictures and print them themselves…. It would be appreciated if you would no longer endorse our photofinishing services on your website

Or another example:

Walgreens is not affiliated with this scam or company and will charge your customers a second time for the cost of the passport in store because when they are sent over the internet there is a charge due in store.  We will redirect all of our customers to contact this company for any issues.

Well, I read their policy and it's amazing to see that this goliath can forbid people from printing 4x6" photos according to its content.  In any event, we definitely didn't want to steal their customers (although that as a matter of fact they should probably give us some referral fees for driving customers to their stores)

Not so heartwarming anymore… 

So, heart-shattered, I wrote an email to Walgreen saying:

1. We come in peace

2. We respect Walgreen and we want to work together with your admired great company

3. Show us the right way, how can we change ePassportPhoto to be legit

Walgreens didn't even responded back - nothing

Guys, is there anyone home? Are you people at Walgreens looking down little people's alley?

I've heard of Walgreens acting like a big company but couldn't believe it until now. Perhaps Walgreens is a place where few short minded clerks run the show with policy papers in their hands, not respecting customers anymore.

I don't know if it's CVS or Walgreens for you but if you ask me – Walgreens has lost my drugstore visits.

Hope you enjoy our website

- The ePassportPhoto team

Tourism is one of Mexico’s largest industries and the country is the largest destination for travelers from South and Central America. It is also the world’s 8th most popular tourist destination and in 2006 the country received over 21 million foreign tourists. Besides the famous resorts like Acapulco and Cancun with their long golden beaches and hectic nightlife, there are a number of smaller more secluded sea side getaways for those looking for a quieter and more relaxed time.

The other famous tourist attractions are the ruins of the Maya and Inca cities which offer an awe inspiring glimpse into long dead but, for their time, very advance civilizations. Mexicans are a warm and friendly people and go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.

The temperate climate and the unique culture – a blend of Spanish and Native American, are other reasons why the country has become one of the world’s major tourist hot spots. The best time to visit is from December to July. However, if you are going to any of the sea side resorts during the college breaks; be prepared for hordes of noisy college students enjoying their vacations there.

Mexican passport photos are of a fairly simple nature. The main requirements are:

• The picture should be submitted in 4 copies. While 3 is the official quantity required, the authorities are known to often ask for an additional one while the application is being processed and submitting an extra one will save time.

• The photos should be of the standard size – 3.5cms X 4.5cms

• They should be in color and taken against a white or lightly colored background.

• You should be looking directly at the camera. Pictures even slightly in profile have been known to be rejected.

• Your face should fill between 70 to 80% of the photo area.

• One important requirement is that the photos should be images captured on film and printed on photographic paper. Digital image printed out on glossy paper like you would do for photos you have taken are not accepted.

Mexican Visa photos should meet the same specifications as the passport ones. Once again it is advisable to submit and extra copy (4 in all) of your photos along with the visa application to be in the safe side.

While the specs Mexican visa and passport photos are not as highly defined as those of some other countries, be careful not the take the requirements for granted and ensure that you submit the right kind of photos.

Citizens of some countries do not require visas to enter Mexico. Before travelling to the country is makes sense to check with the Mexican Embassy nearest you as to whether or not you need a visa.

Taiwan is an old country – the first human habitations on the island came into being 10,000 years ago. It was only in the 15th century that immigrants arrive from China and slowly took control of the land. In the early 16th century the Portuguese occupied the island and called it Formosa (Beautiful). They stayed for about a century until the Dutch forced them out and became the occupiers. They in turn were ousted from the island in the mid 17th century by forces from the mainland and the island became a part of China until after World War II when the local leaders split with the mainland Communists and set up an independent country on the island.

Most visitors to the country are content with is experiencing the high tech cities and manufacturing zones which make up about one third of the island. The natural beauty of the other two thirds has long been ignored but today, with improvements in transportation and tourist infrastructure, the hinterland, with its variety of natural beauty and wonders, is more accessible and is proving to be an increasing popular tourist attraction.

Like many countries, Taiwan has the same specifications for both passport and visa photographs.  

• The photo should be submitted in duplicate and the size must be 2 inches X 2 inches.

• The photo should be recent and in any case not older than six months.

• The photos should be in color with a plain with background and you need to be looking directly at the camera.

• Your face should be in the center of the photo and should occupy about 75% of the total picture area.

• While normal spectacles may be worn in the photos, care should be taken that reflections from the lenses do not obscure the view of the eyes. Dark or tinted glasses should not be worn unless they are regularly used for medical reason, in which case the embassy may ask for a medical certificate to support this.

• Hats or head gear, except for those required on grounds of religion are not allowed.

A visa application must be accompanied by your passport which should have at least six months validity remaining from the date of our entry into Taiwan as well as a plane of ship ticket with a confirmed departure date not later than 30 days from the date of arrival.

Before applying for a Taiwan visa, you need to ensure that you’re passport does not have the limitation “Prohibited from entering The Republic of China” stamped or endorsed on it. This kind of restriction is placed on the passports of many countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. As the visa fees are subject to change and also may vary from country to country, you should check the current fees and other requirements with the Taiwan Embassy or Representative office before submitting your application.

Switzerland is a land of mountains, lakes, snow capped peaks, the world’s best watches, chocolates and cheeses, an international banking hub and one of the cleanest and well maintained countries in the world. What more is there to say? Everyone knows Switzerland and has their own reasons for going there.

The Swiss are know for their methodical and organized approach in all things. This is evident in the clear cut requirements for obtaining a visa which are:

• A passport which should be valid for at least three months from the expiry of the Swiss visa

• The application for completed in every respect  a confirmed round trip ticket from your country of residence to Switzerland and back. If the ticket is not immediately available proof of purchase in the form of written confirmation for a travel agent or airline giving details of your itinerary is acceptable. If you are proceeding to another country after Switzerland, you may be required to show a valid visa for that country. This is best confirmed from the Swiss embassy.
  

• You will have to show proof that your are financially able to make the trip. This could be either in the form of a copy of the most recent bank statement or a letter from your bank confirming your bank balance. The basis for deciding your financial viability will be that you will need at least $100 per day of your visit.

• You will be required to submit a letter from our employer (unless you are retired) that will confirm your position in the company and your salary.

The requirements for both Swiss passport and visa photographs are the same. To apply for either a passport or a visa you must submit 2  photos of a 3.5cms X 4.5cms size along with your application. Your face, from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin, should measure between 29 to 35mm. In the case of children below 11 years of age, the face should be between 23 to 34 mm, measured in the same way.

The background should be either pure white or off white with no patterns, designs or external objects in the frame. If you wear glasses they should be worn in the photo but neither the frame not any reflection from the glass should obscure the eyes. Head wear is allowed if religious beliefs require it to be worn, but the head wear should not in any way cover the face or restrict identification. The photos should be less than six months old and your facial expression should be neutral. It is essential that your mouth is closed and your teeth are not visible in the photos as this will affect is applicability for use with facial recognition software.

For most of the 20th century Russia, or the USSR as it was then called, was a victim of its self imposed isolation and cut off from the rest of the world. Business travel was rare since foreign trade and investment was not encouraged and while there was no ban on tourists coming to the country, the visa policies and the conditions and limitations imposed on the visitor, made a trip there something only the hardiest traveler would undertake.

With the fall of communism Russia is once again open to the world and the wonders of the country are once again accessible to all who wish to go there. Russia is a huge country, straddling both Europe and Asia and if you want to see it properly, be prepared to spend at least a few weeks so that you will be able to cover the country in some detail.

Russian passport photos must meet the following specs:

• They should be 3.5cms X 4.5cms

• 6 copies of the photos have to be submitted with the application

• The head must occupy approximately 75% of the total photo area

• Photos should be recent and bear a clear resemblance to the applicant

• Any for covering of the face, even because of traditional costume requirements is not allowed

• If you are wearing spectacles in the photo, there should be no light reflecting off them and your eyes should be clearly visible through the lenses.

There is not much detail given about the specs for visa photos expect that they should match passport photo requirements. However to be on the safe side, please ensure that you are looking straight at the camera, if you have long hair, make sure it does not cover any part of your face, and that the background is either white or of a light color. Avoid any patterned backgrounds in your visa photos. The best way to ensure that your Russian visa photo is accepted easily, besides following the guidelines mentioned above, is to make sure they are in line with the generic visa photo specs of European countries.


 

Getting a visa to visit Russia may entail answering more questions than you would have to for other European countries and it may also take longer to come through, but it is worth the effort to be able to visit the land full of ancient history, incredible beauty and friendly people.

In spite of all the troubles, Iran is still a great place to visit. The people are friendly by nature and will welcome foreigners who understand their culture and are careful not to violate any of its norms.

The best and safest way to see the country is to travel in an organized tour group. Since it is a religious state with very strong orthodox Muslim beliefs, women should not travel alone in the country and even when traveling in groups should always observe the local customs like wearing modest clothes that cover their bodies and also scarves to cover their heads. There are few restrictions for men except that ties are never worn as they are considered a symbol of decadence that the authorities do not approve of. Also it may be better to avoid wearing shorts, although the climate may make that form of dress appealing.

The Iranian civilization is one of the worlds oldest and the region is thought to be the birth place of modern man. It is obviously not a place for a fun filled holiday full of restaurants and bars, but if you are looking to see where history began and visit ruins dating from the beginning of recorded time, this is the country to visit.

Iranian Embassies rarely grant passports those wishing to acquire one are usually directed to the contact the Home Department in Tehran.

However, the Photo Requirements for both Iranian passport and visas are much the same. The photos must be of 3.5cms X 4.5cms in size and be in color. The background should be white. You should be looking directly at the camera. One important point to keep in mind is that all women above the age of 9 are required to have their hair covered in the photos. However, the face should be clearly visible.

For a tourist visa you need to submit the visa application for in duplicate along with 3 photos. The application should be accompanied by your passport and a round trip ticket. The passport should be valid for a period of 6 months beyond the date of departure from Iran.

For a business visa only a single copy of the form along with one photo need be submitted. Beside the passport, valid for 6 months after your departure from Iran and the round trip ticket, you will also need to give a letter from your employer containing the full details of the purpose of your visit, the dates you will be visiting different places in the country, the names and addresses of all those who you will be meeting during your trip and the name of the hotels you will be staying at. Your employer should also certify that the company will take full responsibility for all your actions and expenses during your visit.

From a British outpost established in the 18th century to protect their colonial interests in the region to the bustling commercial hub of Asia today, Singapore has come a long way. A vibrant tourist destination for travelers from all over the world, it is famous for the multicultural traditions of its ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. Anyone who is doing business in Asia, and possibly anywhere else in the world will have a Singapore connection. Its colorful history and tourist attractions and the huge shopping opportunities make it a major tourist magnet.  While it is a free and democratic city-state, be warned that there are very harsh laws for such things at drug use. But as long as you obey the law, you can look forward to an enjoyable, safe and colorful trip.

Photo specifications for both Singaporean passports and visas are the same. The country is every exacting in its photo requirements and any deviation for the norms will mean the application, either for a passport or a visa, will be rejected.

• The photos must be very sharp and clear. Any photos that the authorities find to be sub standard will be rejected.

• The size must be 3.5cms X 4.5cms and be borderless

• You must be looking directly at the camera and your eyes should be wide open.

• The size of your face in the photos should measure between 2.5cms to 3.5cms from the top of your heard to your chin and should be in the center of the photo.

• The top of your shoulders must be visible in the photo.

• Photos should be taken without hats and head covering unless these are normally worn and are a religious or cultural requirement and if they do appear in the photos, your face should not in any way be obscured.

• If you normally wear glasses, these should be worn in the photo but there should not be any flash reflection obscuring your eyes and no part of the frame should cover your eyes. Also sunglasses and tinted lenses cannot be used.

• No other objects such as a part of a chair or decoration items should appear in the photo.

• The background should be white unless your hair or head covering is of that color in which case the background should in a shade of light gray dark enough to make your hair or head covering clearly visible.

• The photo should be in a matt finish and have no creases, stain or other mothers on it.

• Two copies of the photo should accompany the visa application.

Singapore requires a great many supporting documents including proof of adequate funds to accompany the visa application. The best thing to do is to contact the nearest embassy for details. 

Finland is a country of contrast, from the modern urban areas to the wild and majestic countryside. Full of forests and lakes with great winter sports opportunities, it is a leading outdoors, adventure and sporting holiday destination. It is also a place where you can experience the Midnight Sun – during the summer months the sun remains in the sky for several weeks on end making a land of continuous daylight.

Finnish Passport and Visa photo and other specifications are among the most stringent in the world. This odes not mean that there is anything extra or unusual about them but every parameter is defined and needs to be followed if you want your application for a passport or visa to have the right kind of photos so it in not rejected. Here is what is expected of the photos:

• While the present policy is that both black and white as well as color photos are accepted, this will change soon, so it is safer to submit only color photos

• The photos must be less than six months old

• The photos should be 47mm X 36mm

• The size of your face in the photos should be between 32 and 36mm measured from the opt of the head (not including the hair) to the base of the chin.

• The background must be plain gray with no shadows

• The contrast must be such that the facial features are clearly discernible

• Your head should be in the center of the photo

• Both your head as well as your shoulders should be facing the camera

• No portrait style photos with profiles of special effects will be accepted

• Your expression must be neutral and you mouth closed sp that your teeth are not visible

• Your eyes must be wide open but not unnaturally so

• No part of your face should be covered by any headgear or hair

• Glasses should not be worn for the photo

• Lighting must be uniform and there should not be any dark patches or spots in the photo

• Natural light should be used and any tints will not be acceptable

• There should be no red eyes effect caused by the use of a flash

• It must be printed on top quality paper and be clear with a sharp focus

• No scratches, stains or other marks should be visible

• Digital retouching or other modification of photos is not allowed as this will affect the viability of face recognition software.

Having gone through all those specs, it is still preferable to contact the Finnish Embassy and see if anything else is required and also to know what documents are required to be submitted along with our application. While visa policy for European and some other countries is fairly straight forward, in some case special supporting documents are needed.