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A Traveler’s Guide to Passports and Visas will help you learn which passport application process is for you and what type of visas you may need on your next international adventure.
When I was a travel agent many of the questions I received were often related to passports and visas. Of course, that is hardly surprising. Passports and visas are exceedingly important to anyone who wishes to travel internationally.
Navigating the passport and visa process is not always easy. So I decided to put together all the information here in A Traveler’s Guide to Passports and Visas. This guide will help you the next time you want to take off and explore beyond the borders of our beautiful homeland.
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Traveling Internationally Via Air
Everyone needs a passport when flying internationally, passport cards are NOT accepted. The few exceptions are a Trusted Traveler Program card, US Military ID when traveling on official orders, or a US Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business.
Traveling Internationally Via Sea
US citizens can present a valid US Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, Trusted Traveler Program card, US Military ID when traveling on official orders, or a US Merchant Mariner
US citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth groups) only need a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.
US citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same US port) can use a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please note that you may still need a passport to get into the countries you are visiting, so you may want to check with the cruise line or your travel agent.
Traveling Internationally Via Land
US citizens can present a valid US Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, Trusted Traveler Program card, US Military ID when traveling on official orders, or a US Merchant Mariner
US citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious group, or other youth groups) only need a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.
Okay, so you need a passport, now what?
First, you go to the US Passport website. The website will ask you questions such as have you obtained a passport and such, it will then provide you with the type of documentation you will need, application to fill out, costs, processing times, and so on and so forth.
Right now the standard processing for a passport is about 6-8 weeks. A Passport Book costs $110, a Passport Card is $30, and the Passport Book and Card Combo is $140, and there is an execution fee of $35 for first-time applicants. Expedited processing and overnight shipping are additional.
To make things a little easier for you, I created these checklists for passport applications and renewals! Just click below the images to access them!
Travel Visas
Now, let’s move on to the trickier subject of Travel Visas.
What is a travel visa? A travel visa is a stamp or sticker placed by officials of a foreign country on a passport that allows the bearer to visit that country. Visas are obtained from the proper embassy or local consulates of the country to be visited. What makes this tricky is that not all countries require visas and the ones that do have different types and different methods of how to obtain one.
There are three types of visas and it is vitally important that you do your research and make sure which one you will need. Please note that before you get any type of visa you have to have a passport!
eVisa
An eVisa requires electronic authorization or online payment.
Visa on Arrival
Visas on Arrival allow you to pay any fees and get authorization at the time of arrival. There are no forms or pre-planning needed.
Visa Required Prior to Arrival
This is when you have to fill out applications and get the country’s consulate approval prior to your trip’s departure. You have to have your passport available to send with your application. The consulate will add the visa sticker or stamp to your passport once they approve your application.
A Few More Notes on International Travel
It is incredibly important to check entry requirements with the consulates of the countries you plan to visit. If you don’t have the proper documentation they will deny you entry and you will be responsible for any resulting costs. Some countries may also require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address, and sufficient funds for your stay. This is why you must do the proper research or consult with your travel agent! You can also check this web page to see what the country you want to visit requires: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
When booking and filling out travel documentation, you must provide the information EXACTLY as it appears on your passport, including your name!
A good rule of thumb before you even begin to plan an international trip is to check your passports! They must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival. Your passport must also be in good condition, no damage beyond normal wear and tear, and no material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you’re not in compliance. Another thing to note is that children under the age of 16 are issued passports for only 5 years, not 10 years like adults.
When cruising, yes, you can still get by with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, also married ladies, please bring a marriage certificate if you took your husband’s name. Now, I have done this before and I still recommend either a passport or passport card it will save you a lot of time and hassle, but it’s still good to know that you have a backup option for any last
I’ve just recently discovered a new app called Mobile Passport and it will allow you to clear customs faster when returning to the US! Yeah!
I know that A Traveler’s Guide to Passports and Visas contains a lot of information! However when traveling internationally the better informed you are, the better prepared you will be. Then all you will have to do is enjoy the time you have in that dream destination of yours!
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