U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs U.S. Dept. of State Consular Affairs. The U.S. government's official source for information on U.S. state.gov/tou Department of State. citizens abroad.

passports, safe and secure international travel, and our efforts to keep America safe by issuing visas to qualified visitors. Official account of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Our highest priority is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. We also help U.S. citizens travel by issuing millions of U.S. passports each year. We keep our country safe and facilitate lawful travel to U.S. borders by issuing U.S. visas to qualified visitors, workers, and immigrants. We are proud to be the public face of the Department of State, representing the best of U.S. values to millions of people around the world. Posts are for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice.

International travel with kids often requires some extra planning. Avoid added stress by doing the following before book...
09/10/2026

International travel with kids often requires some extra planning. Avoid added stress by doing the following before booking tickets:

✅ Check your child’s passport expiration date (kids’ passports are only valid for 5 years so it expires faster than you might think!)

✅ Check the passport validity requirements for your destination. Many countries require at least six months validity remaining beyond the dates of your trip.

✅ Check if your destination requires additional documentation when traveling with minors (often the case if only one parent is traveling).

You can find all of this information (and much more) for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination

Do not travel internationally with cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including ma*****na, THC, CBD, edibles, v**e c...
09/08/2026

Do not travel internationally with cannabis or cannabis-derived products, including ma*****na, THC, CBD, edibles, v**e cartridges, oils, concentrates, or other cannabis products.

❗ U.S. citizens are subject to local laws. Just because a cannabis, THC, or CBD product is legal in your home state does not mean you can take it abroad. This includes prescribed medical ma*****na.

❗ Many countries impose severe criminal penalties for possessing cannabis or cannabis-derived products. Before you travel, always research local laws and review prohibited items for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination.

❗Even if cannabis is legal or decriminalized where you're going, bringing it or any cannabis-derived products across an international border can result in arrest or other criminal penalties.

❗ Always pack from a completely empty bag. Americans have been arrested after unintentionally bringing cannabis products into another country, including edibles, v**e cartridges, oils, and concentrates. Check all suitcase compartments and pockets carefully before traveling.

Passport book, Passport card, or both? Here are the main differences to help you decide what’s best for you: Passport b...
09/04/2026

Passport book, Passport card, or both?
Here are the main differences to help you decide what’s best for you:

Passport book: Required for international AIR travel.

Passport card: Can be used for LAND and SEA travel from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean.

Both can be used to meet the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel. A passport card can be a convenient, wallet-sized form of government ID.
Learn more at travel.state.gov/passportcard

Some travel recommendations need a reality check. Do your research before you book and do not travel to destinations whe...
09/03/2026

Some travel recommendations need a reality check. Do your research before you book and do not travel to destinations where Americans face a higher risk of kidnapping, hostage taking, or wrongful detention. Always check the Travel Advisory for your destination before you book: travel.state.gov/destination

Middle East: Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unfores...
09/01/2026

Middle East: Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Americans traveling to and from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. Read the latest country-specific alerts at: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/global-events/middle-east.html

After submitting your U.S. passport application, you can check the status at any point using the Passport Status Check T...
09/01/2026

After submitting your U.S. passport application, you can check the status at any point using the Passport Status Check Tool. Learn more at travel.state.gov/passportstatus

Planning to rent a car abroad? Your U.S. driver’s license may not be enough. Before you arrive, confirm: -If your destin...
08/28/2026

Planning to rent a car abroad? Your U.S. driver’s license may not be enough. Before you arrive, confirm:
-If your destination recognizes your U.S. license
-If you need an International Driving Permit
-Local driving laws and insurance requirements
Look up your destination country by visiting travel.state.gov/destination and reviewing the Transportation section.

Americans in areas affected by the recent flash flooding in Nepal should follow the latest guidance from the U.S. Depart...
08/27/2026

Americans in areas affected by the recent flash flooding in Nepal should follow the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu. The U.S. Department of State is assisting Americans 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444. Family and friends in the United States who are concerned about American loved ones in Nepal can call us toll free at +1-888-407-4747.

Before you book international flights, make sure your passport: 1️⃣ Has enough validity remaining for your destination (...
08/26/2026

Before you book international flights, make sure your passport:

1️⃣ Has enough validity remaining for your destination (some countries require at least six months beyond your trip).

2️⃣ Has enough blank pages.

You can check the requirements for your destination country at travel.state.gov/destination

If you are traveling abroad with children, make sure you have the proper documents. Some countries have strict requireme...
08/25/2026

If you are traveling abroad with children, make sure you have the proper documents. Some countries have strict requirements for traveling with minors, including requiring parents to show evidence of their relationship to the child when entering or departing the country. Some also require a notarized consent letter if only one parent is traveling. Review the info page for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination to check the requirements before you go.

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