Traveling Abroad: What You Need
Preparing for a Trip Abroad

Advisories: As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination.

International Financial Scams: U.S. citizens can become victims of scams at home or abroad.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Students Abroad: Exploring new destinations and experiencing other cultures is both rewarding and exciting, but it is also important to do so safely.

Travel Tips for Everyone: Check out our Traveler’s Checklist to help you prepare for your trip.

Travel Tips for Older Americans: As an increasing number of older U.S. citizens are traveling abroad, we want you to be prepared so you can enjoy your trip.
Passports & Documents

Where to Apply: Learn where you can apply for a passport.

Renew a Passport: Learn how to renew your passport.

What Form Should I Use?: The following passport wizard will prepare you to apply for a U.S. passport, whether it’s your first time applying, you need to renew, or you want to get a passport for your child.

Application Status: You can check the status of your passport application online or by phone.

Report Your Passport Lost or Stolen: Report your physical U.S. passport lost or stolen immediately to protect yourself from identity theft. You can replace it now or later – it’s up to you!

Frequently Asked Questions: Check to see your question has already been answered.

Authentication of Documents: Some documents require authentication before you can use them abroad.
Visas

Visa Policy and Procedure: Are you interested in immigrating to the United States or want to sponsor someone? The United States provides for immigrant visas based on family ties, employment, adoption, special immigrant categories, and the diversity visa.

Business Visas: A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Diversity Visa: Annual program making a limited number of visas available to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States

Visa Bulletin: Provides information regarding the cut-off dates which govern visa availability in the numerically limited visa categories and other immigrant visa related information.

Visa Waiver Program: Enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.