Important Information Traveling Abroad in 2025

New Regulations Going into Effect 2025 - Be Prepared and Informed While Traveling

The Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is responsible for protecting U.S. citizens and their interests abroad, issuing passports and other documentation to U.S. citizens and nationals, supporting U.S. border security, facilitating legitimate travel to the United States, and fostering economic growth.

The links below will answer questions and provide information you need to know before traveling abroad. We encourage you to review the information and let us know if you have any questions. We want you to have an amazing and stress free travel experience. Being prepared is the key.

Passports:

A passport is a U.S. citizen’s key to international travel. Due to a surge in passport applications, you should apply several months in advance, especially if they need visas for their foreign destinations. Travelers should make sure their passport is valid at least six months after returning home and has two or more blank pages, or some countries may not let them enter.

Note that passports for children under 16 are valid five years and adult passports 10 years, so check expiration dates carefully. We recommend all cruise ship passengers have their passport with them in case of emergency, even if not required.

• Get My Passport Fast

• Where to Apply

• Report my Passport Lost or Stolen

• Passport Photos

• Life-or-Death Emergencies

• Get Your Processing Time

• Get My Application Status

• U.S. Travelers in Europe

Preparing for a trip abroad: For any trip abroad, it is important to be prepared.  

Before traveling, you should follow our Traveler’s Checklist to get information about their destination, have required documents, sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates about their destination while traveling, and get insurance for the unexpected. It is especially important for all travelers to be ready in case of a crisis abroad and have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. 

Emergencies, Information and Destinations:

• Learn About Your Destination

• Travel Advisories

• Traveler's Checklist

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

• Your Health Abroad

• Customs and Import Restrictions

• Travelers With Firearms

• Emergencies

• Arrest or Detention of a U.S. Citizen Abroad

• Help for U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime

• Death Abroad

• U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad

• What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Travelers with Special Considerations:

• Adventure Travel

• U.S. Travelers in Europe

• High-Risk Area Travelers

• Travelers with Dual Nationality

• Journalist Travelers

• Faith-Based Travelers

• Pilgrimage Travelers (Hajj and Umrah)

• U.S. Students Abroad

• Cruise Ship Passengers

• Women Travelers

• Travelers with Disabilities

• Older Travelers

• U.S. Volunteers Abroad

• Travelers with Pets

Have additional questions? Contact us at 408-663-5021 and we'll get you answers. Travel Advisors are here to help you to make your travel as stress free as possible.

Information taken from Travel.State.gov website