Travel Abroad - Passports
If you are planning a trip outside the United States, I hope you will find the following resources helpful in preparing for your trip. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact my South Carolina office nearest you.
If you need a passport in a hurry and would like my office to assist you in filing your passport application, please visit my passport assistance web page.
Passports
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
Normal processing time to receive a passport is ordinarily 6 weeks. If you are in a hurry, for an expedited fee and payment of two-way overnight mail delivery, a passport can be received within 2 weeks. For life or death emergency, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Relevant Links
Department of State Passport Services
How to Get a Passport
How to Renew a Passport
Print Passport Application
Locate Nearest Local Passport Acceptance Agent
How to Get a Passport in a Hurry
How to Find Out About the Status of Your Application
Lost or Stolen Passport
Passport Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign Entry Requirements/Visas
Before traveling abroad, you will need to check with the country or countries you will be visiting to determine what, if any, entry requirements you must fulfill prior to your travel, such as a visa or immunization requirements.
Relevant Link
Foreign Entry Requirements
Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
Emergencies and Warnings
The State Department's Office of American Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program.
In addition, ACS supports the work of our overseas embassies and consulates in providing emergency services to Americans in cases of arrest, death, crime victimization, repatriation, medical evacuation, temporary financial assistance and welfare-and-whereabouts cases.
Relevant Links
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and Public Announcements
Crisis Awareness and Preparedness
Emergency Services for U.S. Citizens
Get Help in a Foreign Country
Important Telephone Numbers for Travelers
Travel Registration
Online Brochure - U.S. Consuls Help Americans Abroad
Online Brochure - Crisis Abroad - What the State Department Does
Country Information
The U.S. Department of State and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) provide information about the background, geography, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and other useful material for countries around the world.
Relevant Links
Country Background Notes
CIA World Fact Book
Regional Information
U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Many U.S. Diplomatic Missions abroad have information online.
Relevant Link
U.S. Embassies and Consulates Websites
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts
Medical and Travelers' Health Information
Before going abroad, travelers should learn what medical services their health insurance will cover overseas. A U.S. consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services for an American citizen who becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, but the payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveler. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on their website relevant to medical emergency information for Americans traveling abroad.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides a resource page on health information for international travelers. The World Health Organization (WHO) also provides information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad.
Relevant Links
Consular Affairs Medical Information
Travelers' Health - Centers for Disease Control
Travelers' Health - WHO Infectious Disease Outbreak News
Other Travel Information
A to Z Help for Americans Abroad
Exchange Rates
Safety Issues
Road Safety Overseas
Travel Information Brochures
Tips for Traveling Abroad
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Travel Tips for Students
Travel Tips for Travelers with Disabilities
Travel Tips for Women Traveling Alone
Authentication of Documents for Use Abroad
Overseas Security Advisory Council
U.S. Customs Inspection
All persons, including U.S. citizens returning to the United States , are inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers upon arrival at a port-of-entry to the United States . There are four separate inspections: Public Health, Immigration, Customs, and Agriculture. CPB Officers will conduct the Immigration, Customs, and Agriculture components of the inspections process. If a traveler has health concerns, he/she will be referred to a Public Health Officer for separate screening.
Relevant Links
Customs Information for Travelers Abroad
Know Before You Go/Regulations for U.S. Residents
Customs Travel Alerts and Restricted/Prohibited Goods
Bringing Agricultural Products into the United States
Sample Customs Declaration Form
Customs FAQs for U.S. Residents Who Travel Abroad
APHIS - Travelers Information
APHIS - Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Information