I am a
U. S. citizen
A5
How do I get information
about requirements for
traveling abroad?
Passports
U.S. citizens need a passport when traveling to, or returning from,
most foreign countries. To find out the exceptions
to this rule and to confirm current travel requirements, please check
with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
Web site at www.state.gov or by calling the National Passport
Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
The U.S. Passport Office issues all U.S. passports.
For information about requirements and how to apply for a passport,
including a list of authorized passport acceptance offices, contact
them or an authorized passport acceptance office directly. Applying
for a passport is not a difficult process, and you can request
expedited processing for an additional fee. Please be prepared
to apply for your passport well in advance of any planned travel.
Current passport processing times can be obtained on the U.S.
Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Web site
or by calling the National Passport Information Center.
Please note: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires
U.S. citizens, age 16 and older, to present a valid, acceptable travel
document, such as a passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted
traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST/EXPRESS),
a Permanent Resident Card or an enhanced driver’s license that
denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land
or sea. U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate
or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All
travelers must have a passport book for international air travel.
Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration
cards, and affidavits cannot be used.
If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original
Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.
Visas
Many countries require that U.S. citizens have a visa issued
by that country to enter.
For information about whether a country requires a visa, please
contact that country’s embassy or consulate well in advance of your
planned travel. For more “Tips for Traveling Abroad,” please visit
www.travel.state.gov.
Please note: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
does not issue U.S. passports or foreign visas. If you plan to travel
abroad, please check with the U.S. Department of State for more
information well before your planned trip.
Key Information
Other U.S. Government Services–Click or Call
General
Information
www.usa.gov 1-800-333-4636
New
Immigrants
www.welcometoUSA.gov
U.S. Dept.
of State
www.state.gov
1-202-647-6575
www.travel.state.gov
A5—I am a U.S. citizen…How do I get information about requirements for traveling abroad?
M-604B (October 2013) N
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