Passport Information

Passport Cards

The passport card is a wallet-size travel document that can only be used to re-enter the United States at land border crossings or ports of entry by sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. The card provides a smaller, more convenient, and less expensive alternative to the passport book for those who travel frequently to these destinations by land or sea.

The card has the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, and five years for children age 16 and younger. Adults who already have a passport book may apply for the card at a reduced price.

Passports

A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies your identity and nationality. A valid passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries, as well as to return to the United States.

Give yourself several months before your planned trip to apply for a passport; during peak application season it can take up to 10 weeks to receive the final document in the mail. Take into account the time of year you are applying – demand for passports goes up during the spring and summer.

You can request the expedited service (to get the passport to you in about three weeks) when you apply in person, for an additional fee per application. If you are traveling within the next two weeks and really need your passport quickly, you’ll have to go to the closest regional passport agency to apply.

Lost or Stolen Passports:

If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact or visit the local embassy or consulate immediately and report the loss/theft. The consular officer there may have you fill out an affidavit or a sworn statement to state the circumstances under which you lost the passport or under which it was stolen.

Remember, embassy officials are there to help you. Telling the truth is always your best course of action – you don’t want to have any difficulties getting a new passport to get home.

Your identity and citizenship will need to be confirmed by the officer through a personal interview. The officer will then have you complete an application for a replacement passport to get you home safely.

Usual application fees do apply if you have to replace your passport. However, if your money has also been stolen, we can help you contact friends or family to replenish your funds.

Persons traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If you are traveling by land or sea to the above-mentioned countries, a passport card is sufficient. All other travel, including air travel, requires a passport book.

Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP)

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens/nationals who are traveling to or living in a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

https://step.state.gov/step/

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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