PASSPORTS
A passport is a U.S. citizen’s key to international travel. Due to a surge in passport applications, your clients should apply several months in advance, especially if they need visas for their foreign destinations. Travelers should make sure their passport is valid at least six months after returning home and has two or more blank pages, or some countries may not let them enter. Note that passports for children under 16 are valid five years and adult passports 10 years, so check expiration dates carefully. We recommend all cruise ship passengers have their passport with them in case of emergency, even if not required.
PREPARING FOR A TRIP ABROAD
For any trip abroad, it is important to be prepared. Before traveling, your clients should follow our Traveler’s Checklist to get information about their destination, have required documents, sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates about their destination while traveling, and get insurance for the unexpected. It is especially important for all travelers to be ready in case of a crisis abroad and have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ABROAD
The safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is one of our highest priorities. Our U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are available to help with emergencies 24/7.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
There are special considerations for some U.S. citizens traveling abroad:
Further useful information for U.S. travelers:
A passport is a U.S. citizen’s key to international travel. Due to a surge in passport applications, your clients should apply several months in advance, especially if they need visas for their foreign destinations. Travelers should make sure their passport is valid at least six months after returning home and has two or more blank pages, or some countries may not let them enter. Note that passports for children under 16 are valid five years and adult passports 10 years, so check expiration dates carefully. We recommend all cruise ship passengers have their passport with them in case of emergency, even if not required.
- How to apply for a passport
- Where to apply for a passport
- Lost or Stolen Passports
- Passport photo requirements
- Get your passport in a hurry
- Life or death emergencies
- Current processing times
- Passport fees
- Application status
- National Passport Information Center contact information
- Schengen area travel
PREPARING FOR A TRIP ABROAD
For any trip abroad, it is important to be prepared. Before traveling, your clients should follow our Traveler’s Checklist to get information about their destination, have required documents, sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates about their destination while traveling, and get insurance for the unexpected. It is especially important for all travelers to be ready in case of a crisis abroad and have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Traveler’s Checklist
- Learn about your destination
- Find a U.S. Embassy abroad
- Travel Alerts and Warnings
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Vaccinations and insurance
- What can you do in a crisis?
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ABROAD
The safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is one of our highest priorities. Our U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are available to help with emergencies 24/7.
- Emergency contact numbers for U.S. citizens abroad
- Arrests
- Medical emergencies
- Victims of crime
- Death abroad
- How to locate a missing person abroad
- What the State Department can and cannot do in a crisis abroad
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
There are special considerations for some U.S. citizens traveling abroad:
- Cruise passengers
- Older travelers
- Travelers with disabilities
- Women travelers
- LGBTI travelers
- Faith-Based Travel
Further useful information for U.S. travelers:
