Find helpful resources for Americans before traveling outside of the U.S., including how to exchange money, get visas for certain countries, and sign-up for government travel programs and safety alerts. Learn how to apply for an international driver's permit. Show
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COVID-19 International Travel AdvisoriesCOVID-19 international travel rules change frequently. Check with the Department of State for travel advisories and get recommendations from the CDC before making any international travel plans to or from the U.S. COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Rules for Everyone Entering the U.S.Whether you are entering the U.S. by air, land, or sea:
U.S. Citizens Traveling to a Country Outside the U.S.For country-specific COVID-19 travel rules including testing and quarantine, check the embassy's website. See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for international travel including:
Passport Services During the COVID-19 PandemicFind the most up-to-date information from the Department of State about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting passport services. This includes in-person appointments and how much time to allow for receiving a new or updating an existing passport. Visas for U.S. Citizens Traveling AbroadU.S. citizens may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Before traveling to another country, contact its embassy or consulate as far in advance as possible to find out:
Find additional information in the U.S. Department of State's information document for the country. Trusted Traveler ProgramsThe Trusted Traveler Program helps you enter or exit the United States from international travel. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers several options based on how you are traveling between the U.S. and other countries and how often you travel outside the U.S.
Use DHS's online tools to compare the programs or start your application. Citizenship Requirements for Trusted Travel ProgramsU.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents can apply for the Trusted Traveler programs. People with another residency status can apply for some of the programs: Global EntryCitizens of the countries on this list may also apply for Global Entry. Nexus and FASTCitizens and permanent residents of Canada are eligible for Nexus. Mexican nationals are also eligible. SentriAll foreign nationals can apply for Sentri. Americans Driving Outside the United StatesWhen visiting another country:
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP):
Note: The AAA also offers an Inter-American Driving Permit required in Brazil, Uruguay, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. Emergency Help for Americans AbroadIf you’re a U.S. citizen abroad or a relative of an American citizen needing help abroad, contact the closest U.S. Embassy for assistance. You can also visit "Get Help in an Emergency" on the Department of State (DOS) website. Learn How the Department of State Can Help in an EmergencyEmbassies can help with:
Learn more about the forms of assistance the Department of State (DOS) can and can't provide U.S. Citizens in a foreign crisis. Find Help Getting Money in an Emergency AbroadThe Department of State can assist you in an emergency if you need money transferred or wired. If you have no other way to get money, you may be able to get a temporary loan through the DOS or a U.S. Embassy or consulate. Note: If you get a loan through DOS, a U.S. Embassy, or consulate, you must repay it. You can repay your loan online using Pay.gov. Call 1-800-521-2116 from the U.S. or 001-843-746-0592 from abroad if you have any questions. Stay Safe When Traveling AbroadTo keep safe when traveling abroad:
Travel to U.S. Territories or Freely Associated StatesU.S. TerritoriesIf you are a U.S. Citizen traveling to and from:
Non-U.S. Citizens have to present a valid passport or other valid travel documents. Freely Associated StatesCountries that used to be administered by the United States are considered "Freely Associated States." They are considered foreign countries and U.S. citizens will need passports to travel there:
Last Updated: October 19, 2022 Top |