Introduction

Once you have finalized your destination, the next crucial step is to gather a plethora of important details in order to ensure a smooth and well-prepared travel experience.

This section is your guide to most anything you need to know to keep your travels easy and enjoyable. Included are sections on:

• Passport and Card

• Visas

• Vaccines

• Travel Alerts and Warnings

• Before you Leave – Useful Suggestions

• Day of Travel – Useful Suggestions

• Emergencies

• Apparel

• Money Matters

• Local Laws and Customs

• Safety & Security Tips

• Food & Beverage Safety

• First Aid Kit

• Medical/Health Insurance

• Phones and Electronics 

• Driving Overseas

• Words & Phases to know

• Customs – Declarations and Restrictions

Passports and Visas

Most U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport to travel overseas and reenter the United States. This can be a passport book or the newer passport card. These are the only documents that are internationally recognized as valid, to identify you and your citizenship.

U.S. passports are issued only by the U.S. Department of State.

Passport vs. Passport Card vs. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL)

The biggest difference between a traditional passport and passport card is that:

• Traditional passports are valid for international travel by air, sea, and land.

• Passport cards are valid only for re-entering the U.S. at land borders or sea ports-of-entry from:

Canada.

Mexico.

Bermuda.

The Caribbean.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)

• Is a driver license that resembles a passport card in that it identifies you as a U.S. citizen.

• Allows you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

• Also like a passport card, an EDL is accepted only at land and sea border crossings—not for air travel.

Passports

First Time Application

To obtain a passport for the first time you will need to fill out the U.S. State Department’s form DS-11. Application for U.S. Passport. It can be found on the U.S. State Department’s website and other passport agencies and acceptance facilities across the United States. The application form can be completed using the online form, but then must be printed and then signed in the presence of a passport acceptance agent. If completing it manually, use a black pen.

Proof of Citizenship

Proof of citizenship must be submitted with all passport applications. A previously issued passport; a certified, government-issued birth certificate; a consular report of birth abroad; a naturalization certificate or a certificate of citizenship can be used to prove citizenship.

Secondary documentation includes early public records, such as a hospital birth certificate or early school records, accompanied by a birth record, birth affidavit or a government-issued letter noting that no birth record can be found.

Proof of Identity

Proof of identity must be presented with all passport applications. Acceptable forms of identification include an existing passport, naturalization certificate, driver's license, military ID card or other current government-issued ID. A photocopy of the identity documents also must accompany the passport application.

A Passport Photograph

A single 2-by-2-inch passport photo must be submitted with each application. Passport photos must be in color and taken within the past six months in front of a white or off-white background. Applicants should look directly into the camera with a neutral expression and with the head taking up the majority of the frame.

Children under age 16*

All children traveling, including infants and newborns, must also have valid passports. For a minor under 16, the application process must be completed in person, and at least one parent must appear with the minor. You will need to:

• Fill out form DS-11

• Provide U.S. citizenship evidence for the child such as a birth certificate

• Provide parent’s U.S. citizenship evidence

• Provide documentation showing parental relationship to the child

• Provide legal identification document of the parent such as a driver’s license

• Provide a document of parental consent for the child to receive a passport

• Provide one passport size photo of the child

• Provide applicable fees

Some countries have instituted requirements to help prevent child abductions and may require travelers to present proof of relationship to the child/children and consent from any non-accompanying parent(s).

Minors Ages 16 and 17

Minors age 16 or 17 must appear in person at the time of application, and a parent or guardian must present some form of photo identification if the minor does not have one. This passport will be required for all international air travel with parents. The process is very similar for children under 16 years of age. The main difference is that it is possible to apply for the passport without a parent present. However, it is recommended that you provide a form of parental awareness such as a signed recognition consenting to the issuance of the passport.

When does your passport expire?

Adult passports and passports issued to persons at least 16 years of age are valid for exactly 10 years from the date of issue. Passports issued to children under the age of 16 are valid for 5 years from the exact issue date.

Can I renew an expired US passport?

If you have an expired passport, you can renew it easily by sending it in to the U.S. State Department, along with the required forms and payment. General processing time is 4-6 weeks. If you need your passport more quickly, you can also pay an additional fee to have the process expedited.

What does the Six Month passport validity rule mean?

The six month validity rule is imposed by foreign countries and not by the United States of America. It merely means that your passport should be valid for more than six months before you would be allowed to enter a foreign country that imposes the six-month rule.

Contact the embassy of your foreign destination for more information.

Traveling Outside the U.S. and Your Passport is Missing (Lost or Stolen)

File a police report immediately or at least within 24hours.

Find the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and inform them of your situation.

Take with you:

• New Passport Pictures (taken before you go)

• Filled out Passport application

• Identification

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship

• Passport Fee

Keep in mind that most embassies and Consulates are closed on weekends and holidays, so you may have to adjust your travel plans. Remember you CANNOT cross international borders without a valid passport.

You may also be able to obtain an emergency passport. It will come within 24 hours, but it will only get you back to the U.S.

VISA

A Visa is a document